Psalms 135:8-12
He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights the ultimate goal of the plague: not just judgment, but liberation. By striking down the firstborn, God shattered Egypt's power, making them "willing" to let His people go. This wasn't just an act of vengeance, but the crucial step that secured Israel's freedom.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, moving from His creation to His intervention in history. Following a call to praise God for His mighty acts, the psalm specifically highlights His dramatic rescue of Israel from Egypt, beginning with the devastating plague that struck down the firstborn, which ultimately compelled Pharaoh to let His people go. This event, and the subsequent conquest of Canaan and defeat of kings, are presented as clear demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness to His chosen people.
Sometimes, the most powerful acts of God aren't gentle whispers, but thunderous pronouncements. This verse points to a God who doesn't just observe suffering but actively intervenes.
A Divine Turning Point
This verse highlights a pivotal moment in God's history with His people: the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. It wasn't just a natural disaster; it was a targeted, powerful demonstration of God's authority over both human life and the very fabric of existence.
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God's mighty acts aren't random. They are purposeful, moving His people from oppression towards a secure future.
God's Purposeful Power
The smiting of the firstborn wasn't an end in itself, but a crucial step in God's larger plan. It wasn't just about punishing Egypt; it was about establishing His people.
Understand the original words
bekor · Hebrew Noun
The firstborn child or animal, which in the ancient Near East held a position of priority, legal privilege, and representative honor. In a biblical context, the firstborn often signifies the one who stands for the entire household or nation.
oth · Hebrew Noun
A miraculous event or act of power performed by God that serves as a divine authentication of His message, a call to repentance, or a judgment upon the rebellious. These are intended to reveal God’s character and sovereignty to both His people and the nations.
mopheth · Hebrew Noun
Extraordinary events or miracles that produce awe and astonishment. In Scripture, these are often associated with God’s deliverances or judgments, highlighting His supernatural intervention in human history.
par'oh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The title of the monarchs of ancient Egypt, representing the pinnacle of worldly power and institutional opposition to God and His people. It symbolizes the pride of human empires that stand in defiance of the Creator.
Emori · Hebrew Noun
An ancient people group dwelling east of the Jordan, identified as enemies of Israel and objects of God's judgment during the conquest.
Bashan · Hebrew Noun
A region east of the Sea of Galilee, historically known for its fertility and its king, Og, whom God delivered into the hands of Israel.
Kena'an · Hebrew Noun
The territory promised by God to the patriarchs, characterized by the presence of various idolatrous nations that God judged and displaced to fulfill His covenant.
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A possession or portion inherited by covenantal right; in Scripture, it often refers to the land given by God to Israel as His special treasure.
This verse recalls the ultimate plague on Egypt, the death of the firstborn, which was the catalyst for God's people to be set free. It highlights God's power not just over nature, but in executing divine judgment and orchestrating redemption for His chosen people.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of enslavement in Egypt, are miraculously led out by God under Moses. This event marks their liberation and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
The Tenth Plague
As the final plague upon Egypt for Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites, God strikes down the firstborn son of every Egyptian household, from the Pharaoh himself to the lowest servant, as well as the firstborn of all livestock. This catastrophic event finally breaks the Egyptians' will, leading to the Israelites' departure.
c. 1446 BC
Passover Instituted
In remembrance of the deliverance from the plague of the firstborn, God institutes the Passover festival, a central observance in Jewish tradition that symbolizes redemption through sacrifice.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites, now led by Joshua, begin their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, as promised by God.
c. 1400-1320 BC
Settlement in Canaan
The Israelites complete the conquest and are allotted land in Canaan, establishing themselves as a nation in the promised territory after generations of wandering and struggle.
This passage describes the actual event of the tenth plague, providing the direct historical context for the Psalmist's declaration.
Exodus 12:12This verse highlights God's direct judgment on the gods of Egypt through the plague, showing the divine power behind striking the firstborn.
Hebrews 11:28This New Testament passage interprets the Passover, and by extension the plague on the firstborn, as an act of faith by Moses, who 'kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood'.
Psalm 136:10This verse immediately follows the one you provided and reiterates the same event, framing it within a larger narrative of God's steadfast love and redemptive acts throughout history.
1 Corinthians 10:14Paul draws a parallel between the Exodus experience, including the plagues, and the believer's separation from pagan idolatry, showing the ongoing relevance of God's deliverance.
ellicottPsalms 135:8: "Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast."
(8) Egypt. —This abrupt change from the miracles of nature to the marvels of history is apparently copied from the next psalm, where see Note, Psalm 135:10 .
cambridgePsalms 135:8: "Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast."
8–12 . Jehovah’s sovereignty exhibited in the deliverance of His people from Egypt and their establishment in the land of Canaan.
This verse highlights the ultimate goal of the plague: not just judgment, but liberation. By striking down the firstborn, God shattered Egypt's power, making them "willing" to let His people go. This wasn't just an act of vengeance, but the crucial step that secured Israel's freedom.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, moving from His creation to His intervention in history. Following a call to praise God for His mighty acts, the psalm specifically highlights His dramatic rescue of Israel from Egypt, beginning with the devastating plague that struck down the firstborn, which ultimately compelled Pharaoh to let His people go. This event, and the subsequent conquest of Canaan and defeat of kings, are presented as clear demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness to His chosen people.
This psalm is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, moving from His creation to His intervention in history. Following a call to praise God for His mighty acts, the psalm specifically highlights His dramatic rescue of Israel from Egypt, beginning with the devastating plague that struck down the firstborn, which ultimately compelled Pharaoh to let His people go. This event, and the subsequent conquest of Canaan and defeat of kings, are presented as clear demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness to His chosen people.
"He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; who struck down many nations and killed mi…" — This verse highlights the ultimate goal of the plague: not just judgment, but liberation. By striking down the firstborn, God shattered Egypt's power, making them "willing" to let His people go. This…
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