Psalms 135:8-9
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God's judgment wasn't just against the Egyptians, but a direct strike against their very gods, who were believed to have power over life and the firstborn. It wasn't just a plague; it was a cosmic demonstration that the Lord alone holds ultimate authority over life and death, even in the face of perceived divine powers.
This psalm is transitioning from praising God for creation to recounting His mighty acts in history, specifically focusing on His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The mention of striking down the firstborn of Egypt highlights the ultimate judgment that compelled Pharaoh to release God's people, marking a pivotal moment in their journey to becoming a nation. This event directly precedes the recounting of God's continued acts of conquest and provision in leading Israel into the promised land.
When we think of God's power, what comes to mind? Often, it's creation or miracles. But the Bible also speaks of God's power to bring about devastating judgment.
This verse highlights a profound truth: God's power extends to life and death. The plague of the firstborn in Egypt wasn't just a random tragedy; it was a deliberate act of divine judgment.
A Direct Confrontation
This plague was the culmination of God's dealings with Egypt, a direct confrontation with Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. It demonstrated that the God of Israel held ultimate authority, even over the most precious life – the firstborn.
Universal Impact
Notice that it struck 'both of man and of beast.' This wasn't limited to livestock; it impacted every household, from the lowest servant to Pharaoh himself. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's power and judgment.
It might seem contradictory, but sometimes God's judgment is the very thing that brings about freedom for His people.
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The striking of the firstborn, while a terrifying display of judgment, was instrumental in the liberation of the Israelites. It was the final, overwhelming plague that broke Pharaoh's will.
The Turning Point
This plague finally compelled Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. It was the tipping point, the consequence of continued defiance that led directly to the Exodus. God's judgment, in this instance, served as the catalyst for His people's freedom.
A Defining Moment
This event is presented as one of the 'greatest' and most 'stupendous' of God's dealings with His people. It wasn't just about punishment; it was about enacting a rescue and establishing His chosen nation.
In the midst of widespread destruction, God made a clear distinction between those who were His and those who were not. This shows His deep concern for His people.
This plague highlights God's protective power over His chosen people, Israel. While the blow fell upon Egypt, God's people were spared.
The 'Firstborn' Distinction
The plague targeted the firstborn – a position of honor and inheritance. For Egypt, this was a devastating loss. But for Israel, God provided a way of protection through the Passover. This foreshadows Christ, our Passover Lamb, whose blood protects us.
Proof of Fatherly Love
As Calvin noted, this event is singled out as a 'memorable illustration of the great regard God had for the safety of his people.' It demonstrates a fatherly love that sets His children apart and ensures their ultimate security, even when surrounded by destruction.
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.
This verse recalls the tenth plague of Egypt, the pivotal event that secured Israel's freedom. It highlights God's ultimate power over all forces, even death itself, and His deep care for His chosen people.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Exodus from Egypt
Following a series of ten devastating plagues, God delivers the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, compels Pharaoh to release them.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
After their release, the Israelites are pursued by the Egyptian army. God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross safely, and then drowns the pursuing army.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites journey for 40 years in the Sinai wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith, during which God continues to provide for and protect them.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the military conquest of the Promised Land, defeating numerous Canaanite kings and nations.
c. 1406-1350 BC
Division of the Land of Canaan
After the conquest, the land is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel as their permanent inheritance.
This passage describes the actual event of the final plague, directly fulfilling the action mentioned in Psalms 135:8 and showing the divine judgment that led to Israel's freedom.
Exodus 12:12This verse connects the judgment on Egypt's firstborn with God passing over the Israelites, highlighting the theme of divine protection amidst destruction and foreshadowing salvation through sacrifice.
Psalms 78:51This verse directly echoes Psalms 135:8, framing the smiting of Egypt's firstborn within a broader historical recounting of God's mighty acts for His people, emphasizing His faithfulness.
Hebrews 11:28This New Testament passage references the Passover sacrifice, which directly relates to the plague on the firstborn, showing how faith in God's provision through blood (symbolized by the Passover lamb) led to deliverance from death.
Isaiah 43:3This prophecy calls Israel 'my firstborn,' linking them directly to the event in Psalms 135:8 and showing how God's judgment on Egypt was intrinsically tied to His redemptive action for His chosen people.
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 that God's judgment wasn't just against the Egyptians, but a direct strike against their very gods, who were believed to have power over life and the firstborn. It wasn't just a plague; it was a cosmic demonstration that the Lord alone holds ultimate authority over life and death, even in the face of perceived divine powers.
This psalm is transitioning from praising God for creation to recounting His mighty acts in history, specifically focusing on His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The mention of striking down the firstborn of Egypt highlights the ultimate judgment that compelled Pharaoh to release God's people, marking a pivotal moment in their journey to becoming a nation. This event directly precedes the recounting of God's continued acts of conquest and provision in leading Israel into the promised land.
This psalm is transitioning from praising God for creation to recounting His mighty acts in history, specifically focusing on His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The mention of striking down the firstborn of Egypt highlights the ultimate judgment that compelled Pharaoh to release God's people, marking a pivotal moment in their journey to becoming a nation. This event directly precedes the recounting of God's continued acts of conquest and provision in leading Israel into the promised land.
"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;" — This verse highlights that God's judgment wasn't just against the Egyptians, but a direct strike against their very gods, who were believed to have power over life and the firstborn. It wasn't just a…
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