Psalms 105:19

KJV

Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Until the time {H6256} that his word {H1697} came {H935}: the word {H565} of the LORD {H3068} tried {H6884} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

until the time when his word proved true, God's utterance kept testing him.

Berean Standard Bible

until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right.

American Standard Version

Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of Jehovah tried him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:19 profoundly encapsulates the arduous yet purposeful journey of Joseph, revealing the intricate tapestry of God's sovereign providence and the refining nature of divine timing. It highlights that Joseph's prolonged period of suffering—slavery and imprisonment—was not arbitrary but a divinely ordained crucible, a time of intense testing and preparation orchestrated by God's own word, until the precise moment when His promises concerning Joseph's exaltation were due to be fulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, a national hymn of praise recounting God's covenant faithfulness to Israel from Abraham through the Exodus. It serves as a powerful reminder of Yahweh's unwavering commitment to His promises, even amidst His people's trials. Verses 16-22 specifically narrate the story of Joseph, emphasizing God's foresight and control over seemingly adverse events. The preceding verses, [Psalms 105:17-18](/psalms/105-17 "Psalms 105:17-18 - Joseph's Imprisonment"), detail Joseph's descent into slavery and unjust imprisonment: "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron." Verse 19 then acts as a crucial interpretive lens, explaining *why* Joseph endured such hardship and *for how long*, setting the stage for his dramatic release and exaltation in [Psalms 105:20-22](/psalms/105-20 "Psalms 105:20-22 - Joseph's Release and Exaltation"). The psalm frames Joseph's personal suffering within the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan for His chosen people, Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's story unfolds in the ancient Near East, a world where slavery was common and legal systems, while existing, could be easily manipulated by power. Imprisonment, particularly in Egypt, often involved harsh conditions, including the use of fetters and iron collars, as described in [Psalms 105:18](/psalms/105-18 "Psalms 105:18 - Joseph Laid in Iron"). Dreams held significant cultural and religious weight, often interpreted as divine communications, as seen in Joseph's own prophetic dreams in [Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5-11 - Joseph's Prophetic Dreams") and his later interpretations for Pharaoh in [Genesis 41](/genesis/41 "Genesis 41 - Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"). The concept of "the word of the LORD" was deeply embedded in Israelite thought, signifying God's authoritative, creative, and covenantal declarations, which were understood to be active and effective, always accomplishing their intended purpose ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). Joseph's experience, therefore, was not merely a personal tragedy but a demonstration of God's active involvement in human affairs, using even the darkest circumstances to fulfill His prophetic word.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 105:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Timing**, emphasizing that God's plans unfold according to His perfect, often mysterious, timetable. Joseph's suffering was not an accident but part of a larger, divinely orchestrated sequence "until the time that his word came," illustrating that God's promises are sure and will be fulfilled, even if they seem delayed ([Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time")). Secondly, the phrase "the word of the LORD tried him" highlights **Testing and Preparation**. Joseph's trials in Egypt served as a crucible, purifying his character, deepening his faith, and preparing him for the immense responsibility he would eventually bear as second-in-command of Egypt ([Genesis 41:39-44](/genesis/41-39 "Genesis 41:39-44 - Joseph's Exaltation")). God uses difficult seasons to mold and equip His servants, transforming them through adversity. Finally, the verse speaks to **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**. Despite the seemingly hopeless circumstances, God remained faithful to Joseph and His word concerning him, demonstrating that He never abandons those He has purposed for His service, even when their path is arduous ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew word דָּבָר (_dâbâr_) is incredibly rich and multifaceted. While it can simply mean a spoken word or thing, in the context of "his word" (referring to God's word) and "the word of the LORD," it carries immense theological weight. It refers to a divine utterance, a prophetic declaration, or a decree from God. Here, it specifically points to the prophetic dreams God gave Joseph in his youth ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5-11 - Joseph's Prophetic Dreams")), which foretold his future prominence and the bowing of his family before him. This "word" is not passive but active and powerful, the very instrument through which God's plan unfolds and, paradoxically, through which Joseph's trials are experienced.
* **Came (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** The Hebrew verb בָּא (_bôwʼ_) means "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)." In the phrase "until the time that his word came," it denotes the fulfillment or realization of God's prophetic word. It signifies the precise moment when the divine promise, long delayed and seemingly contradicted by circumstances, finally manifested in reality. This emphasizes God's perfect timing and the certainty of His promises.
* **Tried (Hebrew, _tsâraph'_):** The Hebrew word צָרַף (_tsâraph_) is a powerful term, most often used in the Old Testament to describe the process of refining metals, such as gold or silver, by fire ([Proverbs 17:3](/proverbs/17-3 "Proverbs 17:3 - The Crucible for Silver, the Furnace for Gold")). It implies a process of heating, melting, and purifying to remove dross and impurities, leaving behind only the pure, valuable substance. Thus, "the word of the LORD tried him" means that God's prophetic word, through the difficult circumstances it brought or allowed, served as a refining fire for Joseph, testing his character, strengthening his resolve, and preparing him to be pure and fit for the great task ahead. It was a process of intense scrutiny and purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the time that his word came":** This clause establishes a crucial temporal and teleological framework. "His word" refers to the prophetic dreams and divine promises given to Joseph in his youth, which indicated his future exaltation and the homage of his family. The phrase "until the time... came" underscores God's sovereign control over the timeline of events. Joseph's suffering was not open-ended but had a divinely appointed duration, a specific end-point when God's promise would finally be realized. This highlights God's perfect timing and the certainty of His prophetic declarations, even when fulfillment is delayed.
* **"the word of the LORD tried him":** This is the explanatory clause, revealing the purpose of the waiting period. The "word of the LORD" here refers to the divine promise itself, which, by its very nature and the circumstances it set in motion (Joseph's brothers' jealousy, his slavery, his imprisonment), became the instrument of his testing. The verb "tried" (צָרַף, _tsâraph_) implies a severe, refining process, like purifying metal in a furnace. Joseph's character, faith, and patience were subjected to intense pressure and scrutiny through the hardships he endured. These trials served to purge impurities, strengthen his resolve, and prepare him for the immense responsibilities he would eventually bear as Egypt's prime minister, demonstrating that God uses adversity to mold and equip His chosen servants.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 105:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the word of the LORD tried him." The Hebrew word for "tried" (צָרַף, _tsâraph_) is typically used for refining metals with fire. By applying this term to Joseph's experience, the psalmist uses the process of metallurgy as a powerful metaphor for spiritual and character development. Joseph's suffering is thus portrayed not as mere misfortune but as a divinely controlled, purifying fire, burning away impurities and strengthening his core. This metaphor emphasizes the active, transformative nature of God's work in a believer's life through trials. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification** where "the word of the LORD" is depicted as an active agent, capable of "trying" or testing Joseph. This imbues God's word with dynamic power and intentionality, suggesting it is not just a static declaration but a living force that actively shapes circumstances and individuals. The verse also implicitly uses **Irony**, as the very "word" that promised Joseph exaltation initially led to his deepest humiliation and suffering, only to ultimately bring about the promised glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:19 offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty, the nature of divine promises, and the purpose of suffering. It teaches that God's word is not merely a spoken declaration but an active, living force that orchestrates events, even painful ones, to bring about His ultimate purposes. Joseph's story exemplifies the truth that God's plans are perfect and His timing impeccable, often requiring seasons of waiting and testing to prepare His servants for their appointed roles. This verse reassures believers that even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, He is actively at work, refining character and deepening faith through trials, ensuring that His word will ultimately come to pass.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Perspective on Evil for Good")
* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Suffering Produces Perseverance")
* [1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - Faith Tested by Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:19 provides immense comfort and perspective for believers navigating periods of waiting, hardship, or unexplained suffering. It transforms our understanding of adversity, shifting it from a punitive experience to a purposeful one. Like Joseph, we may receive promises or callings from God that seem delayed or even contradicted by our present circumstances. This verse reminds us that such seasons are often not denials of God's word but rather the very means by which His word is "trying" us, refining our character, deepening our trust, and preparing us for the fulfillment of His purposes. It calls us to cultivate patience, perseverance, and a deep-seated faith that God is sovereignly working behind the scenes, even when His hand is not immediately visible. Our trials are crucibles, designed to burn away impurities and make us more fit for His service and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "word" or promise from God might you be waiting for to "come" in your own life?**
* **In what ways might your current challenges or waiting periods be God's "word" trying or refining you?**
* **How can understanding God's perfect timing and the purpose of trials deepen your trust and patience during difficult seasons?**

### FAQ

**What does "his word came" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "His word came" refers to the fulfillment of God's prophetic word or promise given to Joseph. Specifically, it points to the prophetic dreams Joseph received in his youth ([Genesis 37:5-11](/genesis/37-5 "Genesis 37:5-11 - Joseph's Prophetic Dreams")), which foretold his future position of authority and the homage his family would pay him. The phrase signifies the precise moment when these divine predictions, long delayed by Joseph's suffering, finally materialized in his exaltation to power in Egypt ([Genesis 41:37-44](/genesis/41-37 "Genesis 41:37-44 - Joseph's Exaltation")). It emphasizes God's perfect timing and the certainty of His promises.

**How did "the word of the LORD try him"?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD tried him" uses the Hebrew word _tsâraph_ (צָרַף), which literally means to refine metals by fire. It implies a process of intense testing, purification, and strengthening. In Joseph's case, God's prophetic word, by setting in motion the events that led to his brothers' jealousy, his enslavement, and his unjust imprisonment, became the instrument of his trials. These difficult circumstances were the "fire" that tested his character, integrity, faith, and patience. The purpose was not punitive but preparatory: to remove impurities, deepen his reliance on God, and equip him with the wisdom, humility, and resilience necessary for the immense responsibility he would later bear as second-in-command of Egypt, saving his family and a nation from famine ([Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7 "Genesis 45:7-8 - God Sent Joseph Ahead")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joseph's journey—from prophetic promise and exalted status (in his dreams) to deep humiliation, suffering, and unjust imprisonment, only to be ultimately exalted to a position of power and become the savior of his people—serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as "the word of the LORD tried him," so too was the divine word concerning the Messiah's suffering and glory ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ Must Suffer to Enter Glory")) fulfilled through Jesus's passion. Christ, though innocent, endured unimaginable trials, rejection, and crucifixion, all according to the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan for Christ's Suffering")). His suffering was the ultimate "refining fire" through which He was "made perfect" as the author of salvation, not in character, but in His qualification as the empathetic High Priest who experienced human weakness ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus Perfected Through Suffering") and [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). "Until the time that his word came" perfectly describes the period of Christ's humiliation before His glorious resurrection and ascension, when the Father's word of exaltation was fully realized, and He was given "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, Joseph's story is a shadow, pointing to the greater reality of Christ, whose suffering and subsequent glory secured the salvation of all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Genesis 40:20

¶ And it came to pass the third day, [which was] Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.

Genesis 40:21

And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand:

Genesis 41:25

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh [is] one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he [is] about to do.

Genesis 41:11

And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Genesis 41:16

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.