Psalms 105:24

Translation
King James Version
And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And he increased H6509 his people H5971 greatly H3966; and made them stronger H6105 than their enemies H6862.
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Complete Jewish Bible
There God made his people very fruitful, made them too numerous for their foes,
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Berean Standard Bible
And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes,
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American Standard Version
And he increased his people greatly, And made them stronger than their adversaries.
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World English Bible Messianic
He increased his people greatly, and made them stronger than their adversaries.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And he increased his people exceedingly, and made them stronger then their oppressours.
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Young's Literal Translation
And He maketh His people very fruitful, And maketh it mightier than its adversaries.
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See also
Deuteronomy 26:5Acts 7:17Exodus 12:37Genesis 46:3Exodus 1:7Exodus 1:9Genesis 13:16
In the KJVVerse 15,631 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Psalms 105:24 serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. This verse highlights the period of their sojourn in Egypt, where, despite growing oppression and enslavement, God miraculously multiplied their numbers and divinely strengthened them, ensuring their growth and resilience even in the face of their adversaries. It underscores God's active hand in preserving and prospering His chosen people against all odds, setting the stage for their eventual miraculous deliverance from bondage.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, functioning as a liturgical hymn that recounts God's covenant faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through the Exodus and their wilderness journey. It serves as a national epic, designed to remind the worshipping community of God's mighty acts on behalf of His people, thereby encouraging trust, gratitude, and worship. Verse 24 is strategically situated within the narrative of Israel's descent into Egypt and their subsequent miraculous multiplication, immediately preceding the dramatic events of the plagues and the Exodus. This verse establishes the burgeoning population of Israel as a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promises and a crucial precursor to their eventual liberation, highlighting God's providential care even in a foreign and increasingly hostile land. The psalm's overarching purpose is to celebrate God's steadfast love, His remembrance of His covenant, and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: This verse refers to the period when the descendants of Jacob (Israel) had settled in Egypt, initially welcomed during Joseph's time, but later subjected to severe oppression and forced labor by a new pharaoh "who did not know Joseph" (see Exodus 1:8). The Egyptian pharaohs, fearing the rapidly increasing numbers of the Israelites, implemented increasingly harsh policies designed to suppress their population, including forced labor, infanticide, and the murder of male infants (as detailed in Exodus 1:11-16). In this context, God's act of "increasing his people greatly" and "making them stronger than their enemies" is a direct counter-narrative to Pharaoh's oppressive agenda. It powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty over human rulers and His ability to work against the most powerful empires to preserve and prosper His chosen people, defying all human attempts to thwart His divine plan.
  • Key Themes: Psalms 105:24 contributes significantly to several foundational themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates God's Covenant Faithfulness, as the miraculous multiplication of Israel in Egypt directly fulfills the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars (as seen in Genesis 15:5) and would become a great nation (promised in Genesis 12:2). It also highlights Divine Sovereignty and Providence, showcasing God's active control over history and His ability to protect and strengthen His people even under severe oppression. The "strength" mentioned is not merely military but a divinely enabled resilience and numerical superiority that defied human attempts at suppression, as noted in Exodus 1:12. This verse underscores that God's plan for His people will ultimately prevail, regardless of external opposition.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • increased (Hebrew, pârâh', H6509): From the root H6509, this word means "to bear fruit (literally or figuratively); bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase." Its use here emphasizes that Israel's rapid population growth in Egypt was not a natural demographic phenomenon but a miraculous, divinely orchestrated act of blessing. This directly counters Pharaoh's attempts to diminish them and signifies the fulfillment of God's creation mandate (e.g., Genesis 1:28) and the Abrahamic covenant promises of numerous descendants.
  • greatly (Hebrew, mᵉʼôd', H3966): From the root H3966, this adverb denotes "vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated); diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well." When applied to the increase of God's people, it underscores the extraordinary, overwhelming, and supernatural nature of their multiplication, far exceeding normal demographic growth, making it a clear sign of divine intervention.
  • stronger (Hebrew, ʻâtsam', H6105): From the root H6105, this verb means "to bind fast, i.e. close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones; break the bones, close, be great, be increased, be (wax) mighty(-ier), be more, shut, be(-come, make) strong(-er)." While it can refer to physical strength, in this context, given the preceding clause about increase, it primarily denotes numerical strength or a formidable presence that instilled fear in their oppressors. It signifies that God imparted a resilience and a numerical advantage that made Israel a force to be reckoned with, even as enslaved people. This strength was not inherent to them but was divinely bestowed, making them more powerful than their adversaries in a providential sense.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And he increased his people greatly": This clause directly attributes the miraculous and exponential population growth of Israel to God's active and intentional intervention. The phrase "his people" emphasizes the special, covenantal relationship between God and Israel, underscoring that His actions are for the benefit of His chosen ones. The adverb "greatly" highlights the extraordinary nature of this multiplication, which defied the oppressive conditions of slavery and fulfilled the ancient promises made to their patriarchs, thereby laying the foundational demographic strength for their national identity and future.
  • "and made them stronger than their enemies": This second clause describes the profound consequence and parallel outcome of God's increasing His people. The "strength" here is primarily numerical and a divinely protected resilience, rather than military might, as Israel was an enslaved and unarmed people. This divine strengthening meant that despite Pharaoh's attempts to suppress them, Israel became a formidable and even feared presence in Egypt, demonstrating God's sovereign power to reverse the power dynamics and elevate His people above their oppressors, preparing them for their eventual miraculous liberation.

Literary Devices

Psalms 105:24 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. Synthetic Parallelism is evident, where the second clause ("and made them stronger than their enemies") expands upon and completes the thought introduced in the first clause ("And he increased his people greatly"). The increase in numbers directly contributes to, or is synonymous with, their strength relative to their adversaries, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship of God's sovereign action. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like actions such as "increased" and "made stronger" to God. This device emphasizes His direct, personal, and active involvement in the historical events of His people, making His providence tangible and immediate. There is also an element of Divine Exaggeration or hyperbole in the terms "greatly" and "stronger than their enemies," which serves to underscore the miraculous and overwhelming nature of God's intervention against seemingly insurmountable odds, emphasizing His omnipotence over human oppression and the futility of human resistance to His divine will.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 105:24 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His sovereign power over human history. It demonstrates that God's plan for His people will prevail, regardless of external opposition or oppressive circumstances. This verse is a profound testament to divine providence, illustrating that God actively works to preserve, multiply, and strengthen His chosen ones, even when they are in a position of weakness or subjugation. It underscores the theme that Israel's identity and flourishing are not dependent on their own strength or political power, but solely on God's faithfulness and miraculous intervention. This serves as a foundational truth for understanding God's relationship with His people throughout salvation history, affirming His active participation in their lives and His ultimate triumph over all adversaries.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers navigating challenges in their own lives and for the church in its ongoing mission. Just as God supernaturally multiplied and strengthened Israel in the midst of Egyptian oppression, so too does He continue to work providentially for His people today. When we feel overwhelmed, outnumbered by adversaries (whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial), or seemingly weak in the face of daunting tasks, Psalms 105:24 powerfully reminds us that our true strength and growth come from God alone. It calls us to trust in His active involvement in our lives, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and His ability to make us resilient and effective even when human resources seem insufficient. This truth fosters a deep sense of security and empowers us to face opposition with confidence, knowing that God is actively working to ensure the flourishing of His kingdom and His people, transforming weakness into strength and adversity into opportunity for divine display.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you feel outnumbered, oppressed, or weakened by "enemies" or overwhelming circumstances?
  • How does the truth that God "increased his people greatly" and "made them stronger than their enemies" encourage your faith and perspective in those situations?
  • What practical steps can you take to lean more fully on God's sovereign power and provision when facing adversity, rather than relying on your own strength or ingenuity?

FAQ

Was Israel literally stronger than the Egyptians militarily at this point?

Answer: No, at this stage, Israel was an enslaved people, not a military force. The "strength" mentioned in Psalms 105:24 was primarily numerical and a divinely protected resilience that allowed them to thrive despite oppressive conditions. Pharaoh's fear of their numbers, as recorded in Exodus 1:9-10, indicates that their strength was in their burgeoning population and God's blessing upon them, which made them a formidable presence. Their ultimate liberation from Egypt was not achieved through their own military might but through God's miraculous intervention and mighty acts, demonstrating that their true strength lay in His power, not their own.

How does this verse relate to God's covenant with Abraham?

Answer: This verse is a direct and powerful fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) and would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Despite the challenges of famine leading them to Egypt and subsequent enslavement, God actively ensured the rapid multiplication of Abraham's seed. Psalms 105:24 highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, demonstrating His ability to bring His promises to fruition even in the most adverse circumstances, thereby laying the groundwork for Israel's emergence as a distinct nation.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 105:24, while rooted in the historical experience of ancient Israel, finds its ultimate spiritual and Christ-centered fulfillment in the growth and empowerment of God's spiritual people, the Church, through Jesus Christ. Just as God supernaturally multiplied and strengthened the physical descendants of Abraham against their earthly oppressors, so too does He continually increase and empower the body of Christ against spiritual adversaries. The "enemies" of God's New Covenant people are not merely flesh and blood, but "rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (as described in Ephesians 6:12). Yet, through Christ's decisive victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection, believers are made "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37) and are endowed with divine strength to overcome sin, death, and the devil. The ongoing expansion of the gospel and the growth of the Church, often in the face of intense persecution and opposition, is a living testament to God's continued promise to build His kingdom, a promise secured by Christ's resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading to daily additions of those being saved (Acts 2:47). The strength of the New Covenant people is not in their numerical superiority or human might, but in the indwelling power of Christ, enabling them to fulfill the Great Commission and spread His transforming message to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

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Commentary on Psalms 105 verses 8–24

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

We are here taught, in praising God, to look a great way back, and to give him the glory of what he did for his church in former ages, especially when it was in the founding and forming, which those in its latter ages enjoy the benefit of and therefore should give thanks for. Doubtless we may fetch as proper matter for praise from the histories of the gospels, and the acts of the apostles, which relate the birth of the Christian church, as the psalmist here does from the histories of Genesis and Exodus, which relate the birth of the Jewish church; and our histories greatly outshine theirs. Two things are here made the subject of praise: -

I. God's promise to the patriarchs, that great promise that he would give to their seed the land of Canaan for an inheritance, which was a type of the promise of eternal life made in Christ to all believers. In all the marvellous works which God did for Israel he remembered his covenant (Psa 105:8) and he will remember it for ever; it is the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. See here the power of the promise; it is the word which he commanded and which will take effect. See the perpetuity of the promise; it is commanded to a thousand generations, and the entail of it shall not be cut off. In the parallel place it is expressed as our duty (Ch1 16:15), Be you mindful always of his covenant. God will not forget it and therefore we must not. The promise is here called a covenant, because there was something required on man's part as the condition of the promise. Observe, 1. The persons with whom this covenant was made - with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grandfather, father, and son, all eminent believers, Heb 11:8, Heb 11:9. 2. The ratifications of the covenant; it was made sure by all that is sacred. Is that sure which is sworn to? It is his oath to Isaac and to Abraham. See to whom God swore by himself, Heb 6:13, Heb 6:14. Is that sure which has passed into a law? He confirmed the same for a law, a law never to be repealed. Is that sure which is reduced to a mutual contract and stipulation? This is confirmed for an everlasting covenant, inviolable. 3. The covenant itself: Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, Psa 105:11. The patriarchs had a right to it, not by providence, but by promise; and their seed should be put in possession of it, not by the common ways of settling nations, but by miracles; God will give it to them himself, as it were with his own hand; it shall be given to them as their lot which God assigns them and measures out to them, as the lot of their inheritance, a sure title, by virtue of their birth; it shall come to them by descent, not by purchase, by the favour of God, and not any merit of their own. Heaven is the inheritance we have obtained, Eph 1:11. And this is the promise which God has promised us (as Canaan was the promise he promised them), even eternal life, Jo1 2:25; Tit 1:2.

II. His providences concerning the patriarchs while they were waiting for the accomplishment of this promise, which represent to us the care God takes of his people in this world, while they are yet on this side the heavenly Canaan; for these things happened unto them for examples and encouragements to all the heirs of promise, that life by faith as they did.

1.They were wonderfully protected and sheltered, and (as the Jewish masters express it) gathered under the wings of the divine Majesty. This is accounted for, Psa 105:12-15. Here we may observe,

(1.)How they were exposed to injuries from men. To the three renowned patriarchs, Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, God's promises were very rich; again and again he told them he would be their God; but his performances in this world were so little proportionable that, if he had not prepared for them a city in the other world, he would have been ashamed to be called their God (see Heb 11:16), because he was always generous; and yet even in this world he was not wanting to them, but that he might appear, to do uncommon things for them, he exercised them with uncommon trials. [1.] They were few, very few. Abraham was called alone (Isa 51:2); he had but two sons, and one of them he cast out; Isaac had but two, and one of them was forced for many years to flee from his country; Jacob had more, but some of them, instead of being a defence to him, exposed him, when (as he himself pleads, Gen 34:30) he was but few in number, and therefore might easily be destroyed by the natives, he and his house. God's chosen are but a little flock, few, very few, and yet upheld. [2.] They were strangers, and therefore were the most likely to be abused and to meet with strange usage, and the less able to help themselves. Their religion made them to be looked upon as strangers (Pe1 4:4) and to be hooted at as speckled birds, Jer 12:9. Though the whole land was theirs by promise, yet they were so far from producing and pleading their grant that they confessed themselves strangers in it, Heb 11:13. [3.] They were unsettled (Psa 105:13): They went from one nation to another, from one part of that land to another (for it was then in the holding and occupation of divers nations, Gen 12:8; Gen 13:3, Gen 13:18); nay, from one kingdom to another people, from Canaan to Egypt, from Egypt to the land of the Philistines, which could not but weaken and expose them; yet they were forced to it by famine. Note, Though frequent removals are neither desirable nor commendable, yet sometimes there is a just and necessary occasion for them, and they may be the lot of some of the best men.

(2.)How they were guarded by the special providence of God, the wisdom and power of which were the more magnified by their being so many ways exposed, Psa 105:14, Psa 105:15. They were not able to help themselves and yet, [1.] No men were suffered to wrong them, but even those that hated them, and would gladly have done them a mischief, had their hands tied, and could not do what they would. This may refer to Gen 35:5, where we find that the terror of God (an unaccountable restraint) was upon the cities that were round about them, so that, though provoked, they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. [2.] Even crowned heads, that did offer to wrong them, were not only checked and chidden for it, but controlled and baffled: He reproved kings for their sakes in dreams and visions, saying, "Touch not my anointed; it is at your peril if you do, nay, it shall not be in your power to do it; do my prophets no harm." Pharaoh king of Egypt was plagued (Gen 12:17) and Abimelech king of Gerar was sharply rebuked (Gen 20:6) for doing wrong to Abraham. Note, First, Even kings themselves are liable to God's rebukes if they do wrong. Secondly, God's prophets are his anointed, for they have the unction of the Spirit, that oil of gladness, Jo1 2:27. Thirdly, Those that offer to touch God's prophets, with design to harm them, may expect to hear of it one way or other. God is jealous for his prophets; whoso touches them touches the apple of his eye. Fourthly, Even those that touch the prophets, nay that kill the prophets (as many did), cannot do them any harm, any real harm. Lastly, God's anointed prophets are dearer to him than anointed kings themselves. Jeroboam's hand was withered when it was stretched out against a prophet.

2.They were wonderfully provided for and supplied. And here also, (1.) They were reduced to great extremity. Even in Canaan, the land of promise, he called for a famine, Psa 105:16. Note, All judgments are at God's call, and no place is exempt from their visitation and jurisdiction when God sends them forth with commission. To try the faith of the patriarchs, God broke the whole staff of bread, even in that good land, that they might plainly see God designed them a better country than that was. (2.) God graciously took care for their relief. It was in obedience to his precept, and in dependence upon his promise, that they were now sojourners in Canaan, and therefore he could not in honour suffer any evil to befal them or any good thing to be wanting to them. As he restrained one Pharaoh from doing them wrong, so he raised up another to do them a kindness, by preferring and entrusting Joseph, of whose story we have here an abstract. He was to be the shepherd and stone of Israel and to save that holy seed alive, Gen 49:24; Gen 50:20. In order to this, [1.] He was humbled, greatly humbled (Psa 105:17, Psa 105:18): God sent a man before them, even Joseph. Many years before the famine began, he was sent before them, to nourish them in the famine; so vast are the foresights and forecasts of Providence, and so long its reaches. But in what character did he go to Egypt who was to provide for the reception of the church there? He went not in quality of an ambassador, no, nor so much as a factor or commissary; but he was sold thither for a servant, a slave for term of life, without any prospect of being ever set at liberty. This was low enough, and, one would think, set him far enough from any probability of being great. And yet he was brought lower; he was made a prisoner (Psa 105:18): His feet they hurt with fetters. Being unjustly charged with a crime no less heinous than a rape upon his mistress, the iron entered into his soul, that is, was very painful to him; and the false accusation which was the cause of his imprisonment did in a special manner grieve him, and went to his heart; yet all this was the way to his preferment. [2.] He was exalted, highly exalted. He continued a prisoner, neither tried nor bailed, until the time appointed of God for his release (Psa 105:19), when his word came, that is, his interpretations of the dreams came to pass, and the report thereof came to Pharaoh's ears by the chief butler. And then the word of the Lord cleared him; that is, the power God gave him to foretel things to come rolled away the reproach his mistress had loaded him with; for it could not be thought that God would give such a power to so bad a man as he was represented to be. God's word tried him, tried his faith and patience, and then it came in power to give command for his release. There is a time set when God's word will come for the comfort of all that trust in it, Hab 2:3. At the end it shall speak, and not lie. God gave the word, and then the king sent and loosed him; for the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Pharaoh, finding him to be a favourite of Heaven, First, Discharged him from his imprisonment (Psa 105:20): He let him go free. God has often, by wonderful turns of providence, pleaded the cause of oppressed innocency. Secondly, He advanced him to the highest posts of honour, Psa 105:21, Psa 105:22. He made him lord high chamberlain of his household (he made him lord of his house); nay, he put him into the office of lord-treasurer, the ruler of all his substance. He made him prime-minister of state, lord-president of his council, to command his princes at his pleasure and teach them wisdom, and general of his forces. According to thy word shall all my people be ruled, Gen 41:40, Gen 41:43, Gen 41:44. He made him lord chief justice, to judge even his senators and punish those that were disobedient. In all this Joseph was designed to be, 1. A father to the church that then was, to save the house of Israel from perishing by the famine. He was made great, that he might do good, especially in the household of faith. 2. A figure of Christ that was to come, who, because he humbled himself and took upon him the form of a servant, was highly exalted, and has all judgment committed to him. Joseph being thus sent before, and put into a capacity of maintaining all his father's house, Israel also came into Egypt (Psa 105:23), where he and all his were very honourably and comfortably provided for many years. Thus the New Testament church has a place provided for her even in the wilderness, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, Rev 12:14. Verily she shall be fed.

3.They were wonderfully multiplied, according to the promise made to Abraham that his seed should be as the sand of the sea for multitude, Psa 105:24. In Egypt he increased his people greatly; they multiplied like fishes, so that in a little time they became stronger than their enemies and formidable to them. Pharaoh took notice of it. Exo 1:9, The children of Israel are more and mightier than we. When God pleases a little one shall become a thousand; and God's promises, though they work slowly, work surely.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–24. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 105
Next is related what happened in Egypt. "And He increased," he says, "His people exceedingly, and made them stronger than their enemies" [Psalm 105:24]. Even the whole of this is briefly set forth, in order that the manner in which it took place may be afterwards related. For the people of God was not made stronger than their enemies the Egyptians, at the time when their male offspring were slain, or when they were worn out with making bricks; but when by His powerful hand, by the signs and portents of the Lord their God, they became objects of fear and of honour, until the opposition of the hardened king was overcome, and the Red Sea overwhelmed the persecutor with his army.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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