Psalms 105:23-27
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. He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it mentions Jacob sojourning, the phrase "land of Ham" subtly reminds us that Egypt was the ancestral homeland of Ham, Noah's son. This hints at a deeper, almost ironic, layer—that the very people descended from one of Noah's sons would eventually become the oppressors of God's chosen family.
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, the stage is set for his family to join him there during a severe famine. This verse marks the transition of Jacob, also called Israel, and his descendants from Canaan into Egypt, where they would sojourn for a period. The phrase "land of Ham" is an ancient reference to Egypt, named after Noah's son.
Why does the Psalmist call Egypt the 'land of Ham'? What does this ancient name reveal about God's perspective on history?
The Bible sometimes uses names that go deeper than just the geographical location. Here, calling Egypt the 'land of Ham' connects it to Noah's grandson, Ham, whose descendants populated that region.
A Seed of History
This naming isn't just a historical footnote; it places Egypt within the broader sweep of God's dealings with humanity after the flood. It reminds us that even powerful nations have their origins rooted in God's unfolding plan.
God's Perspective
For the people of Israel, remembering Egypt as the 'land of Ham' might have served as a subtle reminder that their time there, though difficult, was part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative, not just a random historical event.
Israel didn't just arrive in Egypt; they 'sojourned.' What does this word tell us about their status and God's provision during their time there?
The word 'sojourned' is key here. It implies a temporary stay, not a permanent settlement. Jacob and his family were not conquerors or long-term residents in the way Egyptians were. They were foreigners, living within the land.
God's Provision and Protection
While 'sojourning' highlights their foreign status, the context of Psalm 105 emphasizes that this stay was divinely orchestrated. God ensured they were 'comfortably and honourably provided for' (as Benson notes) and that they would increase greatly.
A Prelude to Growth
This period of sojourning, though eventually leading to hardship, began as a time of safety and growth, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous. It shows God providing for His people even when they are in a foreign land.
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.
This verse grounds us in the foundational story of Israel's journey from a family to a nation, emphasizing their humble beginnings as sojourners in Egypt, a setting that highlights God's protective hand and prophetic plan even in foreign lands.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Jacob's Family Moves to Egypt
Driven by famine and guided by Joseph's foresight, Jacob (Israel) and his entire family relocate from Canaan to settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt. This marks the beginning of their sojourn in a foreign land.
c. 1800 BC - 1500 BC
Israelite Sojourn and Growth in Egypt
For several centuries, the descendants of Jacob live in Egypt, initially in prosperity and favored by the rulers, but eventually facing increasing hardship and servitude as their population grows.
c. 1500 BC
Rise of New Egyptian Dynasty
A new dynasty comes to power in Egypt that does not remember Joseph's service and views the growing Israelite population as a potential threat, leading to their enslavement.
c. 1450 BC
Oppression and Enslavement of Israelites
The Egyptians intensify their oppression, forcing the Israelites into brutal slave labor, building cities like Pithom and Raamses. Despite this, God's promise of growth continues to be fulfilled.
This passage directly describes Jacob and his family making the journey to Egypt, providing the historical context for the Psalmist's statement.
Exodus 1:7-14This section shows the beginning of Israel's troubles in Egypt, contrasting the 'sojourning' with the later oppression and the fear the Egyptians developed, highlighting the precariousness of their settlement.
Psalm 106:22This verse, also within the Psalms, echoes the reference to Egypt as the 'land of Ham' and speaks of God's mighty deeds there, reinforcing the Psalmist's historical framing.
Acts 7:15-16Stephen recounts the history of Israel, mentioning Jacob's move to Egypt and how his descendants were later buried in Canaan, connecting the sojourning with the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises.
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.
While it mentions Jacob sojourning, the phrase "land of Ham" subtly reminds us that Egypt was the ancestral homeland of Ham, Noah's son. This hints at a deeper, almost ironic, layer—that the very people descended from one of Noah's sons would eventually become the oppressors of God's chosen family.
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, the stage is set for his family to join him there during a severe famine. This verse marks the transition of Jacob, also called Israel, and his descendants from Canaan into Egypt, where they would sojourn for a period. The phrase "land of Ham" is an ancient reference to Egypt, named after Noah's son.
After Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, the stage is set for his family to join him there during a severe famine. This verse marks the transition of Jacob, also called Israel, and his descendants from Canaan into Egypt, where they would sojourn for a period. The phrase "land of Ham" is an ancient reference to Egypt, named after Noah's son.
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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.
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.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A servant of God is one who is entirely devoted to the service, mission, and will of the Lord. In this context, it emphasizes Moses' role as a faithful agent of God's redemptive work.
bachar · Hebrew Verb
To be 'chosen' by God signifies being set apart by divine sovereign election for a specific purpose or ministry. It highlights that Aaron's role was not self-appointed but divinely ordained.
oth · Hebrew Noun
Biblical signs are miraculous events or portents intended to authenticate a messenger or a message, serving as evidence of God’s authority and power to those who witness them.
mopheth · Hebrew Noun
Miracles are extraordinary interventions of God into the natural order of the world, demonstrating His sovereign control over creation and His power to deliver His people.
Cham · Hebrew Noun
A poetic and historical designation for Egypt, tracing its lineage back to Ham, the son of Noah; it emphasizes the context of the exodus narrative.
c. 1450 - 1400 BC
Moses' Birth and Early Life
Moses is born into the enslaved Israelite community. He is miraculously saved from Pharaoh's decree to kill all male infants and is raised in Pharaoh's own household, unknowingly being prepared for his future leadership.
"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…" — While it mentions Jacob sojourning, the phrase "land of Ham" subtly reminds us that Egypt was the ancestral homeland of Ham, Noah's son. This hints at a deeper, almost ironic, layer—that the very peo…
