Psalms 105:18

Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

Whose feet {H7272} they hurt {H6031} with fetters {H3525}: he {H5315} was laid {H935} in iron {H1270}:

They shackled his feet with chains, and they bound him in irons;

They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons,

His feet they hurt with fetters: He was laid inchains ofiron,

Commentary

Psalms 105:18 vividly describes the harsh imprisonment of Joseph in Egypt, a crucial stage in God's unfolding plan for His people. This verse is part of a larger psalm that recounts the Lord's covenant faithfulness and mighty acts throughout Israel's early history, emphasizing His sovereign control over seemingly adverse circumstances.

Context

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, serving as a powerful reminder of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His miraculous interventions on behalf of Israel. Verses 17-19 specifically narrate the trials of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and subsequently imprisoned in Egypt under false accusations. This period of intense suffering was not arbitrary but was a preparatory phase orchestrated by God to position Joseph for his future role as a deliverer and preserver of life for his family and the nation. The psalm transitions from Joseph's suffering here to his eventual release and exaltation in Psalms 105:19, revealing the divine purpose behind his ordeal.

Key Themes

  • Suffering and Injustice: The verse directly addresses the physical pain and confinement Joseph endured. "Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron" paints a stark picture of his harsh treatment, highlighting the brutal reality of his unjust imprisonment.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Adversity: While Joseph's suffering was real, the broader narrative of Psalm 105, and indeed the book of Genesis, reveals that even these painful events were under God's sovereign hand. His trials were part of a larger divine plan to ultimately save many lives and fulfill God's promises to Abraham's descendants. This echoes the sentiment found in Genesis 50:20, where Joseph tells his brothers that what they intended for evil, God intended for good.
  • Testing and Preparation: Joseph's time in prison served as a crucible, refining his character, strengthening his faith, and preparing him for the immense responsibilities he would later bear as Pharaoh's prime minister. This period of obscurity and hardship was essential for his spiritual and leadership development.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "he was laid in iron" is a powerful translation of the Hebrew idiom. The Hebrew text for "he was laid in iron" (ื ึทืคึฐืฉืื•ึน ื‘ึผึทืจึฐื–ึถืœ ื‘ึผึธืึธื”, nafsho barzel ba'ah) can literally be rendered "his soul entered into iron" or "iron entered his soul." This isn't merely about physical chains but suggests a deep, penetrating affliction that affected his very being or spirit. It implies that the hardship and injustice of his imprisonment weighed heavily on him, perhaps even affecting his inner resilience, though ultimately, his faith prevailed. The "fetters" (Hebrew: kebel or nechosheth) likely refer to bronze or copper chains, emphasizing the severity and painful nature of his confinement.

Practical Application

Psalms 105:18 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own periods of hardship, injustice, or confinement, whether literal or figurative. It reminds us that:

  • God is Sovereign Over Suffering: Even in the darkest moments, when circumstances seem bleak and unfair, God can be at work, orchestrating events for a greater purpose. Our trials are not always punitive but can be part of God's preparatory work in our lives.
  • Endurance Leads to Growth: Like Joseph, our moments of "iron" can refine our character and deepen our dependence on God. Enduring hardship with faith can prepare us for future blessings and responsibilities, demonstrating the transformative power of tribulation as described in Romans 5:3-4.
  • Trust in God's Timing: Joseph's story teaches us to trust God's perfect timing, even when release or vindication seems delayed. His faithfulness in prison ultimately led to his exaltation and the salvation of his family, showcasing God's meticulous plan.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 16:24 (4 votes)

    Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

  • Genesis 39:20 (4 votes)

    And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison.

  • Genesis 40:15 (4 votes)

    For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

  • Psalms 107:10 (1 votes)

    ยถ Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, [being] bound in affliction and iron;