Psalms 105:31

KJV

He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, [and] lice in all their coasts.

KJV (with Strong's)

He spake {H559}, and there came {H935} divers sorts of flies {H6157}, and lice {H3654} in all their coasts {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He spoke, and there came swarms of insects and lice throughout their land.

Berean Standard Bible

He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country.

American Standard Version

He spake, and there came swarms of flies, And lice in all their borders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:31 succinctly recounts two of the devastating plagues God unleashed upon ancient Egypt—the swarms of flies and the plague of lice (or gnats)—as part of His powerful intervention to liberate Israel. This verse stands as a testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His precise judgment against the oppressors of His people, and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises through mighty acts. It encapsulates divine power manifested through a spoken word, demonstrating that no earthly power can withstand the will of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, part of a collection (Psalms 105-107) that recounts God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their history, from the Abrahamic covenant to the Exodus and the wilderness journey. It serves as a hymn of praise, reminding the Israelites of God's mighty deeds and His enduring covenant promises. Specifically, verses 26-38 detail the miraculous plagues sent upon Egypt. This section emphasizes God's direct and immediate control over creation, showcasing how His spoken word alone is sufficient to unleash natural forces. Psalms 105:31 follows the account of the plagues of water turned to blood and frogs, setting the stage for the progressive escalation of divine judgment that would ultimately compel Pharaoh to release Israel. The psalmist's concise recounting of these events highlights their significance as evidence of God's power and His commitment to His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plagues described in Psalm 105:31 (flies and lice/gnats) were not merely natural disasters but targeted judgments against the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's defiance. The Egyptians worshipped various deities associated with nature, animals, and fertility. The plague of lice (or gnats), the third plague, was particularly humiliating as it affected both humans and animals, making the land unbearable. Its significance is underscored by the Egyptian magicians' inability to replicate it, leading them to confess, "This is the finger of God" [Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Exodus 8:19 - The Magicians' Confession"). The plague of flies, the fourth plague, introduced a distinction: the swarms afflicted the Egyptians but did not enter the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided [Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22 "Exodus 8:22-23 - Distinction for Goshen"). This distinction underscored God's protective care for His people and His precise control over the judgment, demonstrating that these were not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated events designed to break Pharaoh's will and dismantle the religious and political structures of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Authority and Power**, emphasizing that God's word ("He spake") is the sole catalyst for these catastrophic events, demonstrating His omnipotence over all creation and earthly rulers. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, portraying the plagues as precise and escalating acts of retribution against Egypt's oppression of Israel and their idolatry. The specific nature of the plagues, affecting daily life and religious practices, underscored the futility of Egypt's gods. Lastly, and most crucially, these plagues served God's ultimate purpose of **Divine Deliverance for Israel**. Each plague was a step towards compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage, fulfilling God's ancient covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [Psalms 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalms 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant"). The plagues were a necessary precursor to the grand liberation event of the Exodus [Exodus 12:31](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - Israel's Departure from Egypt"), showcasing God's faithfulness to His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dāḇar'_):** This word emphasizes the divine command. It's not merely a suggestion or a wish, but a powerful, authoritative utterance from God that brings about immediate and undeniable results. In biblical theology, God's speaking is often synonymous with creation and action (e.g., [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Light Into Being")). Here, it signifies the direct, unmediated power of God's word to execute judgment.
* **Divers sorts of flies (Hebrew, _‘ārōḇ'_):** This term refers to a swarm of noxious insects, often translated as "dog-flies" or "gadflies." Unlike the previous plagues, this one specifically targeted the Egyptians, leaving the land of Goshen untouched. The nature of this plague was not just an annoyance but a destructive force, invading homes and the very food supply, making life unbearable. It highlights the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's judgment.
* **Lice (Hebrew, _kinnîm'_):** This word is often translated as "gnats" or "mosquitoes." This was the third plague, notable because it was the first plague that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate. It arose from the dust of the earth, symbolizing God's control over even the smallest elements of creation and demonstrating the impotence of Egyptian magic in the face of divine power. The infestation of tiny, irritating creatures underscored the complete disruption of daily life and the defilement of Egyptian priests who were required to be ritually clean.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He spake":** This opening phrase immediately establishes God as the active agent and the ultimate cause of the plagues. It underscores His absolute sovereignty and the efficacy of His divine word. The simplicity of the phrase belies the immense power it conveys; God merely speaks, and creation responds instantly and obediently to His command.
* **"and there came divers sorts of flies":** This clause describes the fourth plague, a direct consequence of God's spoken word. The "divers sorts of flies" (or swarms of flies) were a pervasive and destructive infestation that afflicted the entire land of Egypt, except for the Israelite dwellings. This highlights God's ability to precisely target His judgment while simultaneously protecting His people.
* **"[and] lice":** This refers to the third plague, which preceded the flies. The inclusion of "lice" (or gnats) here, out of chronological order from the Exodus account (Exodus 8), is a poetic liberty common in historical psalms. It serves to group together these two insect-related plagues, emphasizing their collective impact as part of God's escalating judgments. The plague of lice was particularly significant as it marked the point where the Egyptian magicians acknowledged divine intervention.
* **"in all their coasts":** This phrase emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the plagues. "Coasts" here refers to the entire territory or borders of Egypt, indicating that no part of the land or its inhabitants was spared from these specific judgments (with the notable exception of Goshen for the flies). It underscores the totality of God's power and the inescapable reach of His judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several **literary devices** to convey the power and precision of God's actions. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, where God's simple utterance ("He spake") is presented as the sole and sufficient cause for the plagues. This highlights God's omnipotence and direct control over creation, functioning as a powerful **cause-and-effect** mechanism. The listing of two distinct plagues within a single clause ("divers sorts of flies, [and] lice") creates a sense of **conciseness** and **cumulative impact**, compressing the narrative while emphasizing the relentless nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "in all their coasts" employs **hyperbole** to underscore the pervasive and inescapable reach of the plagues, affecting every part of Egyptian territory. There is also an implied **contrast** between the suffering of the Egyptians and the protection afforded to the Israelites, a theme more explicitly developed in the Exodus narrative but subtly present in the psalmist's concise summary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:31 profoundly illustrates the active and sovereign nature of God in human history, particularly His role as both judge and deliverer. The plagues, initiated by God's spoken word, demonstrate that His power is not abstract but tangibly manifested in the natural world and in the affairs of nations. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that God is utterly unique, distinct from the impotent idols of Egypt, and that His will cannot be thwarted by human defiance or magical arts. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remembers His covenant and acts decisively on behalf of His people, even when they are in deep oppression. The precision of the plagues, affecting Egyptians but sparing Israelites, further underscores God's meticulous care and His ability to differentiate between the righteous and the unrighteous. Ultimately, the verse points to a God who is just, powerful, and faithful to His promises, using even the most humble creatures to achieve His grand redemptive purposes.

* [Exodus 8:16-19](/exodus/8-16 "Exodus 8:16-19 - The Plague of Gnats/Lice")
* [Exodus 8:20-24](/exodus/8-20 "Exodus 8:20-24 - The Plague of Flies")
* [Psalms 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalms 33:9 - God Speaks and It Is Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:31 calls us to a deeper trust in God's absolute sovereignty and the efficacy of His word. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse reminds us that the God who spoke flies and lice into existence to bring down a superpower is still at work. It encourages us to recognize that no human authority, no oppressive system, and no natural force can ultimately stand against the will of the Almighty. For believers, this instills confidence that God hears the cries of His people and will act in His perfect timing and in His powerful way to bring about justice and deliverance. It challenges us to align our lives with His will, knowing that His word, spoken or written, carries the same divine authority and power to transform circumstances and fulfill His purposes, both in the grand sweep of history and in our individual lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and precise nature of God's judgment in this verse speak to His character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in the power of God's spoken word?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like those against Egypt, strengthen your faith in His present and future faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why does Psalm 105 mention the plagues out of the order found in Exodus?**

Answer: Psalm 105 is not intended to be a strict chronological historical record like the book of Exodus. Instead, it is a poetic and theological recounting of God's mighty acts, designed to highlight His faithfulness and power. The psalmist often groups events thematically or for literary effect rather than adhering to a precise historical sequence. In this case, grouping the "flies" and "lice" together in [Psalms 105:31](/psalms/105-31 "Psalms 105:31 - The Plagues of Flies and Lice") allows for a concise summary of two insect-related plagues, emphasizing the pervasive nature of God's judgment through seemingly small creatures. The primary purpose of the psalm is to evoke praise and remembrance of God's covenant loyalty, not to serve as a detailed historical chronicle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 105:31 speaks of God's judgment and deliverance through the plagues in Egypt, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate demonstration of God's power and redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ. The "He spake" of the Old Testament, which brought forth plagues, finds its profound fulfillment in the "He spake" of the New Testament, which brought forth salvation. Jesus, as the Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly embodies the divine authority seen in the plagues. He spoke, and demons fled ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), diseases vanished ([Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith")), and even the winds and waves obeyed His command ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Just as God's judgment on Egypt led to Israel's liberation, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, a divine judgment against sin, paved the way for humanity's ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death, But the Gift of God is Eternal Life")). The plagues distinguished between Egypt and Israel; similarly, Christ's work establishes a new covenant, distinguishing those who are in Him from those who are not, offering protection and eternal life to His chosen people ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). Thus, the power and purpose of God displayed in Psalms 105:31 are fully realized and infinitely surpassed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer.

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

Exodus 8:21

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].

Exodus 8:24

And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies].

Exodus 8:16

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

Exodus 8:18

And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.

Psalms 78:45

He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

Isaiah 7:18

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.