Psalm 105:23-25
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Calling Egypt the "land of Ham" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's a subtle reminder of their ancestral connection, highlighting that this foreign place was originally settled by Noah's grandson. This framing emphasizes that Jacob and his descendants entered this land not as utterly alien invaders, but as guests, however unwelcome, in a territory with ancient ties to their own lineage.
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. He turned their hearts to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, detailing how Jacob and his descendants, referred to as "Israel" and "Jacob," eventually settled in Egypt, known as the "land of Ham." This migration sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of their growth and eventual oppression in Egypt, underscoring God's overarching plan even through periods of foreign sojourning.
Jacob arrives in Egypt not as a conqueror, but as a temporary resident. What does this humble beginning reveal about God's plan?
A Stranger in a Strange Land
The verse uses the word 'sojourned' to describe Jacob's presence in Egypt. This isn't just about a temporary stay; it highlights his status as a foreigner, someone without full rights or a permanent home.
Think about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—they were promised a land, but for generations, they lived as outsiders. This period in Egypt, while offering provision, also continued this theme of being a sojourner.
Why refer to Egypt as the 'land of Ham'? What does this ancient designation tell us about God's perspective?
More Than Just a Place Name
Calling Egypt the 'land of Ham' is more than just an ancient geographical reference. Ham was one of Noah's sons, and his descendants are traditionally associated with Egypt.
By using this name, the psalm connects Egypt to a lineage rooted in humanity's post-flood history. It subtly reminds us that even powerful nations and their rulers are part of God's unfolding plan for the world, not outside of it.
Ask a follow-up
This verse marks a massive shift for Jacob's family. How does the psalm frame this migration not as chance, but as divine orchestration?
Orchestrated by God
The psalm presents this move to Egypt as a key moment in God's grander narrative. It wasn't just Jacob's decision or a result of famine; it was God's providence at work.
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.
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.
sane · Hebrew Verb
A strong feeling of enmity, ill will, or opposition toward others. In Scripture, it is presented as a moral failing or the opposite of the command to love one's neighbor.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who are in service or bondage to another, particularly those belonging to and serving God. It signifies humility, devotion, and obedience to a master.
This verse highlights the humble beginnings of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, setting the stage for God's powerful deliverance later. It reminds us that even in periods of vulnerability, God is working out His purposes.
c. 1800 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, a son of Jacob, is sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt.
c. 1720 BC— this verse
Jacob and family move to Egypt
Due to a severe famine in Canaan, Jacob (also called Israel) and his family migrate to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen.
c. 1700 BC - 1500 BC
Israelites multiply in Egypt
The descendants of Jacob live and prosper in Egypt for generations, greatly increasing in number.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of oppression, God leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt through Moses, marking a pivotal moment in their history.
This passage directly recounts the journey of Jacob and his family, including the mention of their settlement in Egypt, which aligns perfectly with the historical event alluded to in Psalm 105:23.
Exodus 1:7-14This passage describes the Israelites' rapid multiplication in Egypt and the subsequent oppression they faced, illustrating the broader context of their sojourn in the 'land of Ham' and the shift in their status from welcome guests to enslaved people.
Genesis 47:27-28This passage highlights that the Israelites acquired property and became fruitful in Egypt, but critically, it also shows Jacob's final instructions to be buried in Canaan, emphasizing their status as sojourners even in prosperity.
Deuteronomy 26:5This verse provides a foundational statement from the Israelites' perspective, recalling their ancestors as 'a wandering Aramean' who went down to Egypt, echoing the sentiment of sojourning and emphasizing their humble beginnings before God's intervention.
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.
Calling Egypt the "land of Ham" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's a subtle reminder of their ancestral connection, highlighting that this foreign place was originally settled by Noah's grandson. This framing emphasizes that Jacob and his descendants entered this land not as utterly alien invaders, but as guests, however unwelcome, in a territory with ancient ties to their own lineage.
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, detailing how Jacob and his descendants, referred to as "Israel" and "Jacob," eventually settled in Egypt, known as the "land of Ham." This migration sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of their growth and eventual oppression in Egypt, underscoring God's overarching plan even through periods of foreign sojourning.
The psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, detailing how Jacob and his descendants, referred to as "Israel" and "Jacob," eventually settled in Egypt, known as the "land of Ham." This migration sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of their growth and eventual oppression in Egypt, underscoring God's overarching plan even through periods of foreign sojourning.
"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. He turned their hearts to hate his people, to deal craftily with his…" — Calling Egypt the "land of Ham" isn't just a poetic flourish; it's a subtle reminder of their ancestral connection, highlighting that this foreign place was originally settled by Noah's grandson. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
