Psalm 105:33-34
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The verse highlights the specific destruction of vines and fig trees, not just general vegetation. This detail points to a targeted attack on Egypt's most prized and productive crops, emphasizing the personal and devastating nature of God's judgment beyond a mere natural disaster. It underscores God's intimate knowledge and purposeful action against what the Egyptians valued most.
He struck down their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, young locusts without number,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a psalm recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, specifically focusing on the plagues He sent upon Egypt. These plagues were a series of divine judgments designed to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and compel him to let God's people go. The destruction of the vineyards and fig trees, along with other trees, represents a significant blow to Egypt's prosperity and livelihood, demonstrating God's power over the very resources of their land.
God's judgments aren't always about grand pronouncements; sometimes they target the things we hold most dear.
This verse paints a vivid picture of God's judgment on Egypt during the plagues. While Exodus 9:25 describes hail striking down plants and trees, Psalm 105 specifically highlights the destruction of 'vines and fig trees.'
Why These Specifics?
God's actions, even destructive ones, always serve a divine purpose. What was God aiming for in Egypt?
The destruction of Egypt's trees wasn't random Vandalism; it was a calculated act with profound theological implications:
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A Demonstration of Divine Sovereignty
Understand the original words
nakah · Hebrew Verb
To strike or smite is a common biblical term for the execution of divine judgment. It implies a sovereign act of correction or punishment performed by God to display His supremacy over false gods or rebellious peoples.
gefen · Hebrew Noun
Representing agricultural productivity and God's provision for His people, the destruction of these trees signifies the stripping away of prosperity and security. In prophetic contexts, it often symbolizes the stripping of divine blessing from a rebellious nation.
arbeh · Hebrew Noun
A migratory, swarming insect that serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, destruction, and total consumption. They represent an unstoppable force that leaves a land barren, illustrating the completeness of God's judicial action.
This verse recalls the devastating plagues God sent upon Egypt, specifically the destruction of their crops and trees, to break the Pharaoh's will and secure the Israelites' freedom. It highlights God's direct action in judgment and liberation.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery, are led out of Egypt by Moses, marking a pivotal moment of liberation and divine intervention.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Plagues of Egypt
A series of ten devastating plagues are sent upon Egypt as God judges their oppression of the Israelites and demonstrates His power.
c. 1440 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following their exodus and time in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquer the land of Canaan.
This passage describes the same plague of hail, explicitly stating that it 'smote every herb of the field' and 'brake every tree of the field,' directly correlating with the Psalmist's account of damaged vines, fig trees, and other trees.
Psalm 78:47This earlier psalm recounts God's judgment on Egypt and specifically mentions that He 'destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore trees with frost,' echoing the destruction of trees and fruit-bearing plants described in Psalm 105.
Isaiah 5:1-7This passage uses the imagery of a vineyard to represent Israel, but also speaks of God's judgment on a fruitless vineyard, symbolizing His disappointment and destructive action against those who fail to yield good fruit, a thematic parallel to God's destruction of Egypt's productive trees.
Joel 1:7This verse describes the locusts as having 'laid my vine waste, and stripped my fig tree: he has made it clean bare,' showing how the destruction of these specific, valuable crops is a potent symbol of divine judgment and devastation.
clarkePsalms 105:33: "He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts."
He smote their vines also, and their fig trees - This is not mentioned in Exodus; but we have had it before, Psalm 78:47 .
poolePsalms 105:33: "He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts."
No text from Poole on this verse.
The verse highlights the specific destruction of vines and fig trees, not just general vegetation. This detail points to a targeted attack on Egypt's most prized and productive crops, emphasizing the personal and devastating nature of God's judgment beyond a mere natural disaster. It underscores God's intimate knowledge and purposeful action against what the Egyptians valued most.
This passage is part of a psalm recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, specifically focusing on the plagues He sent upon Egypt. These plagues were a series of divine judgments designed to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and compel him to let God's people go. The destruction of the vineyards and fig trees, along with other trees, represents a significant blow to Egypt's prosperity and livelihood, demonstrating God's power over the very resources of their land.
This passage is part of a psalm recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, specifically focusing on the plagues He sent upon Egypt. These plagues were a series of divine judgments designed to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and compel him to let God's people go. The destruction of the vineyards and fig trees, along with other trees, represents a significant blow to Egypt's prosperity and livelihood, demonstrating God's power over the very resources of their land.
"He struck down their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. He spoke, and the locusts came, young locusts without number," — The verse highlights the specific destruction of vines and fig trees, not just general vegetation. This detail points to a targeted attack on Egypt's most prized and productive crops, emphasizing the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
