Psalms 105:23

KJV

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

KJV (with Strong's)

Israel {H3478} also came {H935} into Egypt {H4714}; and Jacob {H3290} sojourned {H1481} in the land {H776} of Ham {H2526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Isra'el too came into Egypt, Ya'akov lived as an alien in the land of Ham.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

American Standard Version

Israel also came into Egypt; And Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 105:23 serves as a foundational historical marker in Israel's narrative, succinctly documenting the divinely orchestrated relocation of Jacob, now bearing the name "Israel," and his entire family into Egypt. This pivotal event encapsulates their entry into a foreign land, a critical precursor to their miraculous growth into a nation, their subsequent period of bondage, and their eventual powerful deliverance, all undergirded by God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and meticulous providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a grand historical psalm, a hymn of praise meticulously recounting God's mighty acts and steadfast covenant faithfulness towards Israel, from the patriarch Abraham through the momentous Exodus. Verses 1-15 establish the foundational covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, detailing their early sojournings as a small, vulnerable family. The narrative then shifts in verses 16-22 to the providential story of Joseph, emphasizing how God sent him ahead to Egypt to preserve life during a severe famine. Verse 23, therefore, marks the natural and divinely intended consequence of Joseph's elevated position: the entire family of Jacob, now identified corporately as "Israel," migrating to Egypt. This event is not an isolated incident but the crucial setup for the subsequent chapters of the psalm (vv. 24-45), which detail Israel's flourishing in Egypt, their eventual oppression, God's powerful intervention through Moses to deliver them, culminating in the giving of the Law and the inheritance of the land. The psalm's continuous flow underscores an unbroken chain of God's sovereign care and covenant keeping, with the entry into Egypt being a necessary, albeit challenging, step in His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 105:23 is the late patriarchal period, specifically the migration of Jacob's family into Egypt, as comprehensively detailed in the book of Genesis, particularly [Genesis 46](/genesis/46 "Genesis 46 - Jacob's Journey to Egypt"). This event is traditionally dated to the Middle Bronze Age (roughly 18th-17th century BCE). Egypt, often referred to as "the land of Ham" in biblical texts (a reference to Ham, one of Noah's sons, whose descendants settled in Egypt, also known as Mizraim), was a powerful and fertile empire, a stark contrast to the famine-stricken land of Canaan. For nomadic pastoralists like Jacob's family, Egypt's Nile-fed lands offered a vital refuge and a place for their flocks to thrive. The cultural context involves the practice of "sojourning" (Hebrew: *gûr*), where foreign families or groups would reside in a host country under the protection of its ruler, often in specific designated areas like Goshen, as granted to Joseph's family (cf. [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Genesis 47:6 - Pharaoh Grants Goshen to Jacob's Family")). This arrangement provided mutual benefit: the sojourners found sustenance, and the host country gained a workforce or tribute. However, such arrangements were always temporary, with the sojourners retaining their distinct identity and often facing the risk of changing political climates, which would later lead to their enslavement.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 105:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events. The move to Egypt, though seemingly a pragmatic response to a natural disaster (famine), was, in fact, a pre-planned step in God's larger design to preserve His chosen people and prepare them for nationhood, as explicitly stated by Joseph in [Genesis 45:7-8](/genesis/45-7-8 "Genesis 45:7-8 - Joseph's Divine Purpose in Egypt"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Sojourning and Pilgrimage**. The term "sojourned" (Hebrew: *gûr*) underscores that Jacob and his family were temporary residents, not permanent settlers, in Egypt. This concept resonates with the broader biblical understanding of God's people as strangers and pilgrims on earth, always looking towards their ultimate inheritance and God's promised dwelling place, a theme powerfully echoed in [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - The Patriarchs as Sojourners Seeking a Heavenly Country"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**. Even as Israel entered a foreign land, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained steadfast. Their entry into Egypt, though leading to a period of hardship, was a necessary stage in the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply them into a great nation, ultimately leading to their miraculous [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and the inheritance of the Promised Land, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** This term refers to Jacob, whose name was changed by God after wrestling with an angel (cf. [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Renamed Israel")). The use of "Israel" here is profoundly significant, as it refers not just to Jacob as an individual but to the nascent nation that would descend from him. It signifies God's covenant people, emphasizing their corporate identity and divine destiny even in their early, vulnerable stages of formation. The name itself means "he will rule as God," foreshadowing their future role among nations.
* **sojourned (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This primitive root verb properly means "to turn aside from the road for a lodging or any other purpose," thus to dwell as a temporary resident or alien in a foreign land. It implies a provisional stay, without owning property or having full rights of citizenship. This term highlights the provisional and non-permanent nature of Israel's stay in Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual departure and return to the Promised Land, underscoring that Egypt was never intended to be their permanent home.
* **Ham (Hebrew, _Châm'_):** In biblical geography, "the land of Ham" is a poetic or archaic designation for Egypt. Ham was one of Noah's sons, and his descendants, particularly Mizraim (the Hebrew name for Egypt), settled the region. This designation connects Egypt to the broader post-Flood genealogy of nations found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations") and serves as a reminder of the distinct, non-Israelite identity of the land where Jacob's family temporarily resided. It emphasizes the foreignness of their environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Israel also came into Egypt;":** This clause succinctly states the central historical event: the arrival of Jacob and his entire family (the seventy souls mentioned in [Genesis 46:27](/genesis/46-27 "Genesis 46:27 - Jacob's Family Enters Egypt")) in the land of Egypt. The use of "Israel" rather than "Jacob" underscores the corporate identity of the burgeoning nation, emphasizing that this was not merely a family migration but a significant step in the formation of God's chosen people. Their entry was driven by the severe famine in Canaan, but ultimately orchestrated by divine providence through Joseph, who had already been sent ahead.
* **"and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.":** This parallel clause reiterates the previous statement while adding crucial theological and geographical detail. "Jacob" here refers to the patriarch himself, emphasizing his personal experience of this temporary dwelling as the head of the family. The verb "sojourned" highlights the provisional and non-permanent nature of their stay, reinforcing the idea that Egypt was a temporary refuge, not their ultimate home or the land of promise. "The land of Ham" specifically identifies Egypt, grounding the narrative in its ancient geographical and historical context, while also emphasizing its foreign, non-covenantal nature. The parallelism reinforces the truth of the event while adding layers of meaning regarding identity and temporary residence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with conciseness and impact. **Parallelism** is prominently evident in the two clauses: "Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham." The second clause echoes and elaborates on the first, using synonymous terms ("Israel" and "Jacob," "came into" and "sojourned") to reinforce the central idea of the family's relocation, while adding the specific geographical identifier "the land of Ham." This synonymous parallelism emphasizes the significance and certainty of the event. The use of **Synecdoche** is present in "Israel" referring to the entire family of Jacob, where the name of the patriarch stands in for the collective body of his descendants. This device highlights the corporate identity and destiny of God's chosen people, even when they are still a small, developing group. Furthermore, the phrase "land of Ham" serves as a **Metonymy** for Egypt, using a descendant's name to refer to the territory associated with them. This ancient designation adds a layer of historical depth and cultural specificity to the narrative, grounding it in the broader biblical understanding of nations and their origins, and subtly emphasizing Egypt's distinct, non-Israelite identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 105:23, while a concise historical statement, is rich with profound theological implications, primarily underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous providence in the unfolding of His covenant plan. The entry into Egypt, seemingly a desperate measure to escape famine, was in fact a divinely orchestrated step, setting the stage for Israel's miraculous growth into a numerous nation, a necessary precursor to their deliverance and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant at Sinai. This verse reminds us that even in periods of displacement, hardship, or apparent setback, God remains sovereignly active, working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. It highlights that God's promises are not contingent on human circumstances or geographical location but are fulfilled through His power and wisdom, often in ways that defy human expectation, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His people across generations.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Prophecy of Israel's Sojourn and Deliverance")
* [Deuteronomy 26:5](/deuteronomy/26-5 "Deuteronomy 26:5 - The Aramean Sojourner")
* [Acts 7:15](/acts/7-15 "Acts 7:15 - Stephen's Account of Jacob's Descent into Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 105:23 invites us to reflect on the nature of God's profound providence in our own lives. Just as Jacob's family, the nascent Israel, entered a foreign land not knowing the full extent of their future sojourn or the trials ahead, so too do we often find ourselves in circumstances that feel unfamiliar, challenging, or beyond our immediate control. This verse reassures us that even in moments of displacement, uncertainty, or apparent setback, God is actively at work, orchestrating events for His greater purposes and for our ultimate good. Our "sojourns" in various life stages, careers, or geographical locations are not random occurrences but are part of His sovereign plan to shape us, preserve us, and fulfill His promises to us. Trusting in this divine oversight allows us to rest in His faithfulness, knowing that He is guiding us towards our ultimate home and destiny in Him, even through periods of temporary residence in what might feel like a "land of Ham"—a place that is not our true or final dwelling. This perspective fosters resilience and deepens our reliance on God's unfailing hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's providential hand in Jacob's move to Egypt encourage you in your own current circumstances, especially if you feel "sojourning" or displaced?**
* **What "famines" or challenging situations in your life might God be using to position you for a future purpose, even if that purpose is not immediately clear?**
* **In what ways can we embrace the identity of "sojourners" in this world, recognizing our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and how does that perspective impact our daily living and priorities?**

### FAQ

**Why is Egypt called "the land of Ham" in this verse?**

Answer: "The land of Ham" is an ancient biblical designation for Egypt. Ham was one of Noah's three sons, and his son Mizraim is the traditional ancestor of the Egyptians. In Hebrew, Egypt is commonly referred to as *Mitzrayim*, which is derived from Mizraim. Calling Egypt "the land of Ham" connects it to the post-Flood genealogy of nations found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), emphasizing its distinct identity and historical lineage from a biblical perspective. It's a poetic or archaic way of referring to the geographical region known as Egypt, highlighting its foreignness from the perspective of the covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 105:23, detailing Israel's entry into Egypt, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the ultimate sojourner and the true Israel. Just as Jacob's family went down to Egypt to be preserved and grow into a nation, so too was Jesus, as an infant, taken to Egypt by Joseph and Mary to escape Herod's murderous decree, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son" ([Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son")). This echoes Israel's initial sojourn and subsequent Exodus, portraying Jesus as the new and greater Israel, recapitulating the nation's history in His own life. Furthermore, Christ's entire earthly ministry can be understood as a sojourn; He "had nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), identifying with the pilgrim status of God's people. His temporary dwelling among humanity, taking on flesh, was for the ultimate purpose of preserving His people from sin and death, just as Joseph preserved his family from famine. He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice leads to the ultimate Exodus from spiritual bondage, ushering His followers into the promised inheritance of eternal life, a far greater land than Canaan, the New Heavens and New Earth where we will eternally dwell with God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 7:11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Acts 7:15

So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

Acts 13:17

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

Psalms 106:22

Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Genesis 46:2

And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here [am] I.

Genesis 46:7

His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.