Psalms 105:23-24
Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrasing "Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham" highlights that this wasn't a permanent home but a temporary lodging, emphasizing his status as a foreigner, even though he and his family later prospered there. The mention of "Ham" instead of Egypt also subtly points to Ham's lineage, linking the Egyptians to Noah's son and a different ancestral root than Israel's.
Following Joseph's exaltation and his role in saving Egypt from famine, Jacob and his entire family, now referred to as Israel, migrated to Egypt. They settled in the fertile land of Ham, which was the ancient name for Egypt, establishing their presence in a foreign territory. This settlement set the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement in the same land.
Why call Egypt the 'land of Ham'? This seemingly simple name holds deeper meaning about lineage, identity, and God's historical perspective.
The verse refers to Egypt as the 'land of Ham.' This isn't just a geographical label; it connects to Noah's lineage. Ham was one of Noah's sons, and his descendants, including Mizraim, are traditionally seen as the founders of Egypt.
Calling Egypt the 'land of Ham' can serve several purposes:
Jacob and his family didn't just 'come' to Egypt; they 'sojourned.' What's the difference, and why does it matter for their story?
The verse uses the word 'sojourned' to describe Jacob's presence in Egypt. This word carries a specific weight – it implies a temporary stay, living as a foreigner, not as a permanent resident or owner of the land.
This distinction is crucial:
Understand the original words
Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name given to Jacob by God, representing the covenant people chosen by God. It signifies the identity of the descendants of the patriarchs.
gur · Hebrew Verb
To dwell temporarily in a land that is not one's own; a stranger or alien residing in a foreign territory. It implies a state of being a visitor or foreigner.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It denotes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful relationship with His people.
parah · Hebrew Verb
To be productive, to multiply, and to increase in numbers. It is often used to describe the blessing of God upon His people or creation.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Jacob and Family Migrate to Egypt
Joseph, sold into slavery and then rising to power in Egypt, sends for his father Jacob and his entire family to escape a famine in Canaan. They settle in the land of Goshen.
c. 1800 BC - c. 1500 BC
Israelites Sojourn and Multiply in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob live in Egypt for several generations, growing in number and prosperity in the land of Goshen, initially welcomed and later becoming a large and potentially threatening population to the Egyptians.
c. 1500 BC
Rise of a New Egyptian Dynasty
A new dynasty of pharaohs comes to power in Egypt, one that did not know Joseph's contributions and began to view the rapidly growing Israelite population with suspicion and fear.
c. 1500 BC
Israelites Enslaved
The new dynasty institutes harsh policies, forcing the Israelites into brutal slave labor, particularly in building projects like Pithom and Raamses. This marks the beginning of their oppression.
This passage directly recounts Jacob and his family migrating to Egypt, providing the historical context for Psalm 105:23.
Exodus 1:7This verse shows the immediate aftermath of the sojourn, highlighting the incredible increase in Israel's population in Egypt, which connects to God's faithfulness in multiplying His people as He promised.
Deuteronomy 26:5This passage echoes the sentiment of being a 'sojourner' in a foreign land, emphasizing the nomadic and vulnerable status of Jacob and his descendants before God's intervention.
Acts 7:15Stephen's speech references Jacob coming down to Egypt and being buried there, connecting the Old Testament event to a New Testament testimony and confirming the historical account.
pulpitPsalms 105:23: "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham."
Verse 23. - Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob. (For the conjunction of both names of the patriarch, see ver. 10. For the journey of the Patriarch from Canaan into Egypt, see Genesis 46:1-7.) Sojourned in the land of Ham; or, was a sojourner. As a "stranger" and a "sojourner," Jacob charged his sons not to bury him in Egypt, but in the land of Canaan, with his fathers (Genesis 49:29; Genesis 50:5). (For th…
wesleyPsalms 105:23: "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham."
105:23 Ham - Ham was the father of Mizraim, or the Egyptians, Gen 10:6.
The phrasing "Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham" highlights that this wasn't a permanent home but a temporary lodging, emphasizing his status as a foreigner, even though he and his family later prospered there. The mention of "Ham" instead of Egypt also subtly points to Ham's lineage, linking the Egyptians to Noah's son and a different ancestral root than Israel's.
Following Joseph's exaltation and his role in saving Egypt from famine, Jacob and his entire family, now referred to as Israel, migrated to Egypt. They settled in the fertile land of Ham, which was the ancient name for Egypt, establishing their presence in a foreign territory. This settlement set the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement in the same land.
Following Joseph's exaltation and his role in saving Egypt from famine, Jacob and his entire family, now referred to as Israel, migrated to Egypt. They settled in the fertile land of Ham, which was the ancient name for Egypt, establishing their presence in a foreign territory. This settlement set the stage for their future growth and eventual enslavement in the same land.
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tsar · Hebrew Noun
An enemy or adversary who opposes or manifests hostility. The term is used broadly to describe anyone standing against the people of God.
"Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes." — The phrasing "Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham" highlights that this wasn't a permanent home but a temporary lodging, emphasizing his status as a foreigner, even though he and his family later pros…
