Psalms 105:33

KJV

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.

KJV (with Strong's)

He smote {H5221} their vines {H1612} also and their fig trees {H8384}; and brake {H7665} the trees {H6086} of their coasts {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He struck their vines and fig trees, shattering trees all over their country.

Berean Standard Bible

He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.

American Standard Version

He smote their vines also and their fig-trees, And brake the trees of their borders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:33 recounts a specific act of divine judgment during the Exodus narrative, detailing how God supernaturally destroyed the vital agricultural resources of Egypt—their vines, fig trees, and other trees across their land. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to delivering His covenant people, demonstrating His punitive power against those who oppressed Israel and defied His will. It highlights the devastating impact of the plagues, particularly the plague of hail, which targeted the very economic and natural foundations of Egyptian society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, part of a trilogy (Psalms 105-107) that celebrates God's faithfulness to Israel through their history. It begins by calling the people to praise and remember God's wondrous works and covenant promises, starting from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Psalms 105:6-11](/psalms/105-6 "Psalms 105:6-11 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The psalm then transitions into a detailed recounting of the Exodus, emphasizing God's miraculous interventions, including the plagues upon Egypt, the deliverance from slavery, and the provision in the wilderness, culminating in the giving of the land ([Psalms 105:43-45](/psalms/105-43 "Psalms 105:43-45 - Israel Enters the Promised Land")). Verse 33 specifically falls within the description of the plagues, following the account of darkness and locusts ([Psalms 105:28-32](/psalms/105-28 "Psalms 105:28-32 - Plagues of Darkness and Locusts")) and preceding the plague on the firstborn ([Psalms 105:36](/psalms/105-36 "Psalms 105:36 - The Plague on the Firstborn")). It directly echoes the account of the seventh plague, the devastating hail, found in [Exodus 9:22-25](/exodus/9-22 "Exodus 9:22-25 - The Plague of Hail")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agricultural society heavily dependent on the Nile River and its fertile delta. Vines (for grapes and wine) and fig trees were staple crops, representing significant economic and dietary resources. Their destruction, therefore, was not merely an inconvenience but an economic catastrophe, directly impacting the nation's food supply and wealth. The "trees of their coasts" (or "borders") refers to the trees throughout their territory, indicating a widespread devastation. The plagues, including the hail, were not random acts of nature but targeted judgments against specific Egyptian deities and the Pharaoh's claim to divine power. For instance, the destruction of crops challenged the fertility gods and the idea that Pharaoh controlled the land's bounty. The severity of the hail, described in [Exodus 9:24](/exodus/9-24 "Exodus 9:24 - Unprecedented Hail"), was unprecedented, further highlighting its supernatural origin and God's absolute power over creation, directly contrasting with the limited power of Egyptian gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Psalm 105 and the broader Exodus narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His willingness to wield that power to execute justice against oppressors. The destruction of Egypt's agricultural foundation was a direct punitive act, revealing God's active involvement in human history. Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, as these judgments were not arbitrary but served to fulfill His promise to Abraham to deliver his descendants from bondage and bring them into a land of their own ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Prophecy to Abram")). The plagues were necessary steps in breaking Pharaoh's resistance and securing Israel's freedom. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **God's Unmatched Power**, contrasting His omnipotence with the impotence of human rulers and pagan deities. The inability of Egypt's gods or Pharaoh to prevent such widespread destruction affirmed Yahweh as the one true God, worthy of Israel's worship and trust ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb signifies a decisive, forceful strike, often with destructive or punitive intent. It implies a direct, powerful blow, indicating that God's action was not passive or indirect but an active, overwhelming assault. In the context of divine judgment, _nakah_ emphasizes the totality and severity of the impact, leaving no doubt about the divine origin and complete effectiveness of the plague. It is often used for military defeat or divine punishment.
* **Brake (Hebrew, _shavar'_):** Meaning to shatter, break into pieces, or demolish, _shavar_ reinforces the destructive nature of God's intervention. While _nakah_ suggests the initial impact, _shavar_ describes the resulting fragmentation and ruin. The combination of these two verbs paints a vivid picture of absolute devastation, where the very structure and life of the trees were utterly destroyed, not merely damaged.
* **Coasts (Hebrew, _gevul'_):** While often translated as "coasts" or "borders," _gevul_ here refers more broadly to the entire territory or boundaries of a land. Its use emphasizes that the destruction was not localized but spread throughout the breadth of Egypt, indicating the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the plague. This underscores the total reach of God's judgment across the entire nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He smote their vines also and their fig trees":** This clause directly attributes the destruction to God ("He"), emphasizing His active agency. The targeting of "vines" and "fig trees" highlights the attack on essential agricultural assets. These were not just any trees but specific, valuable crops representing the economic vitality and sustenance of Egypt. The use of "smote" (Hebrew _nakah_) conveys a forceful, decisive, and punitive strike, indicating divine judgment.
* **"and brake the trees of their coasts":** This second clause expands the scope of the destruction beyond just vines and fig trees to include all "trees of their coasts" or "borders." This signifies that the devastation was widespread and comprehensive, affecting the entire land of Egypt. The verb "brake" (Hebrew _shavar_) reinforces the idea of shattering and total destruction, indicating that the trees were not merely damaged but utterly ruined, rendering them useless and symbolizing the breaking of Egypt's power and prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the comprehensive destruction described, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the plague. While the plague of hail was indeed devastating, the poetic language here underscores its totality. **Metonymy** is also present, where "vines" and "fig trees" stand in for the entire agricultural wealth and prosperity of Egypt. Their destruction symbolizes the economic collapse and the breaking of Pharaoh's power. Furthermore, the verse uses **Vivid Imagery** to paint a picture of widespread ruin, evoking the scene of shattered trees and blighted crops. The strong verbs "smote" and "brake" contribute to this imagery, creating a sense of forceful, irreversible divine action. This serves to impress upon the reader the absolute power and decisive judgment of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:33 is a profound theological statement about God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The destruction of Egypt's agriculture is not merely an act of power but a demonstration of divine justice against a nation that oppressed God's chosen people and defied His commands. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, revealing that even the natural elements are instruments of His will. This verse teaches that God remembers His promises, and He will intervene decisively to protect His people and execute judgment on their behalf. It serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His righteous judgment. The plagues, including this one, were designed to reveal Yahweh's uniqueness and supremacy over all false gods and human boasts.

* [Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The Plague of Hail Destroys Crops")
* [Jeremiah 5:17](/jeremiah/5-17 "Devastation of Crops as Judgment")
* [Revelation 16:21](/reveLation/16-21 "Great Hail in the End Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:33, while describing an ancient historical event, holds profound relevance for believers today. It calls us to remember the character of God: His justice, His power, and His faithfulness. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and human systems appear unshakeable, this verse reminds us that God is actively involved and will ultimately bring about His righteous judgment. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He controls all things, from the smallest seed to the mightiest nation. For those facing oppression or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this passage offers immense comfort and hope, assuring us that God hears the cries of His people and will act on their behalf, just as He did for Israel. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against defying God or oppressing others, reminding us that His judgment is real and comprehensive. Our response should be one of humble reverence, trusting obedience, and confident reliance on the God who remembers His covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's judgment in this verse shape your view of His justice and sovereignty in the world today?**
* **What specific "vines and fig trees" in your life or society might God need to "smite" or "break" to bring about His purposes or reveal His power?**
* **How does the historical account of God's faithfulness to Israel encourage your trust in His promises for your own life?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific plague referred to in Psalms 105:33?**

Answer: Psalms 105:33 directly refers to the seventh plague, the plague of hail, as described in [Exodus 9:13-35](/exodus/9-13 "The Plague of Hail"). This plague involved severe hail mixed with fire, which devastated all vegetation, trees, and livestock that were out in the open throughout Egypt. The psalmist specifically highlights the destruction of "vines" and "fig trees" because these were vital agricultural crops, making the impact particularly severe and economically ruinous for the Egyptians.

**Why did God destroy the trees and crops of Egypt?**

Answer: God destroyed the trees and crops of Egypt primarily as an act of divine judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and the systemic oppression of the Israelites. This plague served multiple purposes: it demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over creation, directly challenging the Egyptian deities associated with fertility, weather, and the land's bounty. For example, it defied gods like Nut (sky goddess), Shu (air god), and Osiris (god of vegetation and fertility). The destruction of their food source also aimed to break Pharaoh's will and force him to release Israel, fulfilling God's promise to deliver His people from bondage, as seen in [Exodus 7:4-5](/exodus/7-4 "God's Purpose in the Plagues").

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of the Exodus?**

Answer: Psalms 105:33 is an integral part of the broader Exodus narrative recounted in Psalm 105, which celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The plagues, including the destruction of Egypt's agriculture, were crucial steps in God's plan to liberate Israel from slavery and demonstrate His power to both the Egyptians and the Israelites. This verse, along with the other plague descriptions, underscores God's active intervention in history to fulfill His promises and establish His people. It highlights that the Exodus was not a mere political uprising but a divinely orchestrated event, showcasing God's power to deliver and His justice against those who defy Him, ultimately leading to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land ([Psalms 105:43-45](/psalms/105-43 "Israel's Deliverance and Inheritance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 105:33 describes a historical act of judgment on Egypt, its deeper theological resonance points toward the ultimate judgment and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. The destructive power of God unleashed upon Egypt's "vines" and "fig trees" foreshadows Christ's authority over creation and His role as the final judge. Just as God "smote" the land of Egypt to liberate His people from physical bondage, Christ, through His death and resurrection, "smotes" the power of sin and death to liberate humanity from spiritual bondage ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The judgment on Egypt's agricultural wealth, which sustained their physical life, points to the spiritual famine and desolation that results from rejecting God's provision in Christ. Jesus Himself spoke of fruitless trees being cut down ([Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "A Tree is Known by its Fruit")) and the fig tree that withered as a sign of judgment on spiritual barrenness ([Matthew 21:19](/matthew/21-19 "The Withered Fig Tree")). Ultimately, the deliverance of Israel through judgment on Egypt prefigures the greater salvation offered through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and whose return will bring final judgment upon all unrighteousness, establishing His eternal kingdom where there will be no more curse or destruction ([Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "No More Curse")).

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

Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Psalms 78:47

He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.