Psalms 105:23

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 105:23 marks a significant point in the historical recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, detailing the patriarch Jacob (also known as Israel) and his family's relocation to Egypt. This verse succinctly captures the beginning of a crucial period in Israel's formative history.

Context

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, a hymn of praise that recalls God's mighty acts and covenant faithfulness from Abraham to the Exodus. Verses 1-15 focus on God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their early wanderings. Verses 16-22 describe the story of Joseph, who was sent ahead to Egypt by divine providence to preserve his family. Verse 23 then describes the natural consequence of Joseph's position: the entire family of Jacob, now called Israel, moving into Egypt to escape the severe famine in Canaan. This event sets the stage for the subsequent growth of the nation and their eventual bondage and miraculous deliverance, a story central to Israel's identity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The verse highlights God's overarching plan. The move to Egypt, though seemingly a response to famine, was part of God's larger design to preserve His chosen people and prepare them for nationhood. The preceding narrative of Joseph being sent ahead by God underscores this divine orchestration.
  • Sojourning and Pilgrimage: The term "sojourned" (Hebrew: gûr) emphasizes that Jacob and his family were temporary residents in Egypt, not permanent settlers. This concept aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's people being strangers and pilgrims on earth, always looking towards the promised land and God's ultimate dwelling place.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Even as Israel entered a foreign land, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained steadfast. Their entry into Egypt was a necessary step in the fulfillment of God's promise to make them a great nation, even if it meant a period of hardship before their eventual Exodus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the land of Ham" refers to Egypt. Ham was one of Noah's sons, and his descendants populated various regions, including ancient Egypt (often referred to as Mizraim, a son of Ham). This ancient designation for Egypt emphasizes its distinct identity and historical connection to the post-Flood world, providing a deeper historical layer to the narrative.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 105:23 reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even when circumstances seem dire, like a severe famine forcing a family to relocate. Just as He orchestrated Jacob's family's move to Egypt for their preservation and the fulfillment of His promises, so too does God work through our challenges and displacements. We can trust in His divine providence, knowing that our "sojourns" in various circumstances are part of His larger, faithful plan for us, guiding us toward our ultimate destination.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
← Back