Psalms 105:27

KJV

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shewed {H7760} his signs {H226}{H1697} among them, and wonders {H4159} in the land {H776} of Ham {H2526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They worked his signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham.

Berean Standard Bible

They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

American Standard Version

They set among them his signs, And wonders in the land of Ham.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 105:27 serves as a concise yet powerful declaration of God's active intervention in the history of Israel, specifically during the Exodus. It highlights that Moses and Aaron, as God's chosen agents, publicly displayed divine "signs" and "wonders" in Egypt, referred to here as "the land of Ham." These miraculous acts were not mere coincidences but deliberate demonstrations of God's supreme power and sovereignty, designed to compel Pharaoh to release His people and to reveal His faithfulness to His covenant promises, thereby establishing His unique authority to both Israel and the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a didactic historical psalm, designed to instruct and encourage Israel by recounting God's covenant faithfulness from Abraham to the Exodus. It forms part of a larger Hallel (Praise) collection (Psalms 105-107), urging the community to "remember his marvelous works" ([Psalm 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember God's Works")). Verse 27 immediately follows the divine appointment of Moses and Aaron in [Psalm 105:26](/psalms/105-26 "Psalm 105:26 - God Sends Moses and Aaron"), serving as the pivotal transition from God's preparation of His agents to the active display of His power. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic narrative of the plagues, which the psalm then recounts in detail, underscoring the direct, supernatural intervention of Yahweh to fulfill His ancient promises and deliver His people. The psalm's overarching purpose is to cultivate gratitude, trust, and obedience in the worshipping community by reminding them of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the land of Ham" serves as an ancient biblical designation for Egypt, linking its inhabitants genealogically to Ham, one of Noah's sons, whose descendants are described as settling in various regions including the Nile Valley (cf. [Genesis 10:6](/genesis/10-6 "Genesis 10:6 - Descendants of Ham")). Historically, at the time of the Exodus, Egypt was a formidable empire, deeply entrenched in a complex polytheistic system where Pharaoh was considered a divine intermediary and numerous gods personified natural forces (e.g., Hapi for the Nile, Ra for the sun, Heqet for fertility). The "signs" and "wonders" unleashed by God were not arbitrary acts but precisely targeted judgments against the Egyptian pantheon, systematically dismantling the perceived power of their deities and the divine authority of Pharaoh himself (as seen throughout [the Exodus narrative](/exodus/7-1-12-36 "Exodus 7-12 - The Ten Plagues")). This historical and cultural backdrop amplifies the profound theological statement of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all earthly powers and false gods, demonstrating His unique sovereignty to both Israel and Egypt.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates and contributes to several foundational themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical metanarrative. Firstly, it emphatically declares **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, illustrating God's absolute dominion over nature, nations, and human rulers. The "signs" and "wonders" were irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's unmatched might, challenging and ultimately dismantling the power structures of Egypt, as vividly recounted in [the plagues narrative](/exodus/7-1-12-36 "Exodus 7-12 - The Ten Plagues"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their numerous descendants and their inheritance of a land. The Exodus, initiated by these divine acts, was the pivotal fulfillment of this ancient covenant, as reiterated in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Promise to Abraham about Egypt"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Justice and Judgment on Oppressors**, as the miraculous interventions served not only to liberate Israel but also to execute righteous judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their systemic cruelty and idolatry, a theme explicitly stated in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shewed (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** H7760, meaning "to put" or "to set," but here, "to show" or "to display." In this context, it signifies the deliberate and public presentation of God's power through His chosen agents, Moses and Aaron. It implies an intentional act of demonstration, not a passive observation, highlighting God's active role in revealing His might and purpose to both the oppressed Israelites and the idolatrous Egyptians.
* **Signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** H226, referring to a "signal," "mark," or "token." In biblical usage, an _ʼôwth_ is often a miraculous event or phenomenon that serves as a visible demonstration of divine power, a confirmation of a prophetic message, or an indicator of God's presence and purpose. The plagues were "signs" because they pointed beyond themselves to the reality of God's active hand in history and His specific will for Israel's liberation, authenticating Moses and Aaron as His messengers.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** H4159, denoting something "extraordinary," a "portent," or a "miracle" that evokes astonishment and awe. While similar to _ʼôwth_, _môwphêth_ emphasizes the astounding, awe-inspiring, and often inexplicable nature of the event, implying a supernatural origin that defies natural explanation. The pairing of "signs" and "wonders" in Scripture typically refers to a series of powerful, undeniable miracles that serve a divine purpose, such as revealing God's character, confirming His messengers, or executing His judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shewed his signs among them":** The pronoun "They" explicitly refers to Moses and Aaron, as established in the preceding verse ([Psalm 105:26](/psalms/105-26 "Psalm 105:26 - God Sends Moses and Aaron")), who were divinely commissioned and empowered to confront Pharaoh. "His signs" directly attributes the miraculous acts to God, indicating that Moses and Aaron were merely instruments through whom God's omnipotent power was manifested. "Among them" specifies the audience—the Egyptians—highlighting that these divine demonstrations were public, undeniable, and intended to be witnessed and acknowledged by the very people who oppressed Israel, compelling them to release God's chosen nation.
* **"and wonders in the land of Ham":** This clause reinforces and expands upon the previous one, emphasizing the extraordinary and awe-inspiring nature of God's interventions. The use of "wonders" alongside "signs" underscores the magnitude and supernatural character of the plagues, emphasizing their ability to evoke astonishment and fear. The phrase "in the land of Ham" precisely locates these events in Egypt, the heart of Israel's bondage, thereby magnifying the significance of God's triumph over a mighty, idolatrous empire on its own soil, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and their deities.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:27 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, seen in the pairing of "signs" and "wonders." These two terms, while distinct in their nuance (revelatory purpose vs. astonishing nature), are used together to reinforce and intensify the concept of miraculous divine intervention, creating a sense of completeness and emphasis characteristic of Hebrew poetry. Additionally, the phrase "**land of Ham**" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a historical or genealogical association (Ham's lineage) is used to refer to the entire nation of Egypt. This archaic designation adds a layer of historical and genealogical depth, reminding the reader of Egypt's origins within the biblical framework and subtly contrasting it with the chosen lineage of Israel. The concise nature of the verse, despite its profound content, also exemplifies **Conciseness**, packing significant theological and historical meaning into a few carefully chosen words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 105:27 powerfully asserts God's active and sovereign involvement in human history, particularly in the deliverance of His chosen people. It underscores that God does not merely observe from a distance but intervenes decisively through miraculous displays of power, often using human agents like Moses and Aaron. These "signs" and "wonders" serve multiple theological purposes: they reveal God's unmatched power over all creation and false gods, they demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and they execute His righteous judgment against those who oppress His people. The Exodus narrative, encapsulated in this verse, therefore becomes a foundational testament to God's character as both mighty Deliverer and righteous Judge, a pattern of divine action that resonates throughout salvation history, reminding believers that God is always at work to fulfill His purposes and vindicate His people.

* [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart and Multiplies Signs")
* [Deuteronomy 6:22](/deuteronomy/6-22 "Deuteronomy 6:22 - God's Great Signs and Wonders in Egypt")
* [Psalm 78:43](/psalms/78-43 "Psalm 78:43 - God's Signs and Wonders in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 105:27 offers profound encouragement and a call to trust in God's enduring power and faithfulness. Just as God decisively intervened in Egypt, displaying His "signs" and "wonders" to deliver His people from overwhelming bondage, so too does He remain sovereign over all circumstances and capable of working miracles in our lives today. This verse reminds us that no situation is too difficult for God, no oppressor too mighty, and no promise too grand for Him to fulfill. Remembering His past mighty acts, whether from Scripture or our personal testimonies, serves as a powerful foundation for faith, enabling us to face present challenges with confidence, knowing that the same God who delivered Israel is active and faithful in our lives, providing spiritual, emotional, and even physical deliverance according to His perfect will. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the God who performs wonders, trusting that His power is not diminished and His purposes for His people remain unwavering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past "signs and wonders" in the Exodus narrative strengthen your faith in His present activity in your life?**
* **In what "land of Ham" (areas of spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial bondage) do you need to see God display His "signs and wonders" today?**
* **How might God be calling you to be an instrument ("they") through whom He displays His power and faithfulness to others, bringing about His "signs and wonders" in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in this verse?**

Answer: The "they" in Psalms 105:27 refers to Moses and Aaron. This is made clear in the preceding verse, [Psalm 105:26](/psalms/105-26 "Psalm 105:26 - God Sends Moses and Aaron"), which states, "He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen." They were God's chosen and empowered agents through whom He performed the miraculous acts in Egypt, demonstrating His divine authority and power.

**What are "signs" and "wonders" in this context?**

Answer: "Signs" and "wonders" refer to the miraculous plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt, as detailed throughout [the book of Exodus](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin"). These were supernatural demonstrations of God's power, intended to prove His sovereignty over all creation and over the gods of Egypt, to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, and to reveal God's faithfulness to His covenant people. They served as irrefutable evidence of God's active intervention and His unique identity as the one true God.

**Why is Egypt called "the land of Ham"?**

Answer: "The land of Ham" is an ancient biblical designation for Egypt. It refers to the genealogical lineage of the Egyptians, who are considered descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons (cf. [Genesis 10:6](/genesis/10-6 "Genesis 10:6 - Descendants of Ham")). This term highlights Egypt's identity as a gentile nation, distinct from Israel, and often serves to underscore the foreign and idolatrous context in which God's mighty acts of deliverance occurred, emphasizing His triumph over a powerful, non-covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 105:27, with its focus on God's display of "signs and wonders" for the deliverance of His people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron were God's chosen agents for physical liberation from Egyptian bondage, Jesus is the ultimate agent of spiritual deliverance from the dominion of sin and death. His entire earthly ministry was characterized by "signs and wonders" that attested to His divine authority and identity as the Son of God, from turning water into wine ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana")) to healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead ([Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus' Miracles, Wonders, and Signs")). The Exodus plagues, which judged Egypt and liberated Israel, foreshadowed the greater judgment on sin and the ultimate liberation from spiritual bondage that Christ accomplished through His atoning sacrifice. He is the greater Moses, leading His people out of the "land of Ham"—the spiritual dominion of sin and death—into the true promised land of eternal life in Him ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Jesus, Greater than Moses")). The cross itself is the greatest "sign" of God's love and power, where the judgment for humanity's sin was borne by Christ, enabling the ultimate "wonder" of resurrection and new life for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, the ancient signs and wonders in Egypt point forward to the supreme signs and wonders wrought by Christ, through whom God's people are delivered from a far greater captivity into eternal freedom.

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

Psalms 78:43

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan:

Psalms 78:51

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

Exodus 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Exodus 7:11

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

Psalms 105:28

He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.

Psalms 106:22

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

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.