Psalms 105:36-37
He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their strength. Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just describe the tenth plague; it calls the firstborn the "firstfruits of all their strength." This phrasing elevates the tragedy beyond just loss of life, highlighting the destruction of Egypt's future potential and the very essence of their power and vitality. It's a stark picture of God dismantling the core of their pride and might.
This psalm is recounting God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt, moving from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians to the final, devastating plague. This verse describes the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, which was the ultimate blow that broke the Egyptians' will and led them to finally let Israel go. The psalm then shifts to celebrating God's provision and protection as He led His people out of Egypt and into the wilderness.
The plague on the firstborn wasn't just about killing children; it was a profound declaration about who held true power. What makes the 'firstborn' so significant?
This phrase, 'the firstfruits of all their strength,' points to something deeply valued in ancient societies. The firstborn son was not only the heir, carrying on the family name and lineage, but was often seen as the peak of a family's physical vitality and future potential.
A Society's Hope
By striking down the firstborn, God didn't just inflict a physical blow; He struck at the very heart of Egypt's future, their pride, their lineage, and their perceived strength. It was a declaration that Egypt's power was ultimately in God's hands, not their own.
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Egypt was a land steeped in gods and goddesses. How does this tenth plague reveal God's ultimate authority over them all?
The plagues of Egypt were not random disasters. Each one was a targeted strike against the very powers that the Egyptians believed protected them.
Challenging the Pantheon
This final plague was the ultimate demonstration that the God of Israel was the one true God, whose power extended even to the most sacred and protected aspects of Egyptian life.
Understand the original words
bekhor · Hebrew Noun
In biblical contexts, this refers to the eldest son who, by law and tradition, held the rights of inheritance and represented the family's vitality. It is often used as a theological symbol of the devotion or offering due to God, who claims the firstborn as His own.
reshith · Hebrew Noun
The initial portion of a harvest given to God as a thanksgiving offering, signifying that the entire harvest belongs to Him. Metaphorically, it represents the best or the primary source of strength and productivity.
on · Hebrew Noun
Used in Scripture to describe a person's generative power or productivity. It emphasizes the physical vitality that produces offspring and sustenance.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
The name given to Jacob by God, representing the covenant people chosen to be God's possession. It signifies those who are in relationship with Yahweh and are the recipients of His redemptive acts.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery in Egypt, God, through a series of ten devastating plagues culminating in the death of the firstborn, compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This event marks the foundational act of redemption for the nation of Israel.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
Following their liberation, the Israelites journey through the Sinai desert for 40 years. This period is characterized by God's provision and guidance, but also by the people's repeated disobedience and rebellion.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites enter and conquer the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. This marks the establishment of Israel as a nation in their promised land.
This passage directly describes the tenth plague that befell Egypt, which this verse in Psalms recounts, detailing the death of all firstborn, both human and animal.
Exodus 12:29This verse from the Exodus account provides the immediate context for the plague mentioned in Psalms 105:36, highlighting it as the final and most devastating blow against Egypt.
Genesis 49:3This verse is quoted in scholarly commentary on Psalms 105:36, showing the long-standing biblical concept of the firstborn representing 'might' and 'the beginning of strength,' reinforcing the significance of this plague.
Psalms 78:51This parallel passage within the Psalms also recounts the plagues of Egypt, specifically mentioning the smiting of the firstborn as 'the chief of all their strength,' underscoring the repeated theme in Israel's worship.
pulpitPsalms 105:36: "He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength."
Verse 36. - He smote also all the firstborn in their land (see Exodus 12:29). The chief of all their strength (comp. Psalm 78:51).
ellicottPsalms 105:36: "He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength."
(36) See Psalm 78:51 .
The verse doesn't just describe the tenth plague; it calls the firstborn the "firstfruits of all their strength." This phrasing elevates the tragedy beyond just loss of life, highlighting the destruction of Egypt's future potential and the very essence of their power and vitality. It's a stark picture of God dismantling the core of their pride and might.
This psalm is recounting God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt, moving from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians to the final, devastating plague. This verse describes the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, which was the ultimate blow that broke the Egyptians' will and led them to finally let Israel go. The psalm then shifts to celebrating God's provision and protection as He led His people out of Egypt and into the wilderness.
This psalm is recounting God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt, moving from the plagues that afflicted the Egyptians to the final, devastating plague. This verse describes the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, which was the ultimate blow that broke the Egyptians' will and led them to finally let Israel go. The psalm then shifts to celebrating God's provision and protection as He led His people out of Egypt and into the wilderness.
"He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their strength. Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled." — The verse doesn't just describe the tenth plague; it calls the firstborn the "firstfruits of all their strength." This phrasing elevates the tragedy beyond just loss of life, highlighting the destruc…
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