Psalms 105:34

KJV

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

KJV (with Strong's)

He spake {H559}, and the locusts {H697} came {H935}, and caterpillers {H3218}, and that without number {H4557},

Complete Jewish Bible

He spoke, and locusts came, also grasshoppers without number;

Berean Standard Bible

He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number.

American Standard Version

He spake, and the locust came, And the grasshopper, and that without number,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:34 powerfully recounts God's sovereign command over creation, specifically detailing the devastating plague of locusts and caterpillars unleashed upon Egypt. This verse, embedded within a historical psalm celebrating God's covenant faithfulness, highlights His absolute authority to speak and bring forth overwhelming natural forces, thereby executing judgment upon Pharaoh and securing the miraculous deliverance of His people, Israel, from bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving that systematically recounts God's faithfulness to Israel from the Abrahamic covenant through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. It serves as a national anthem, reminding the people of God's mighty acts and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The psalm begins with an exhortation to praise God for His wondrous works ([Psalms 105:1-6](/psalms/105-1 "Psalms 105:1-6 - Call to Worship and Remember God's Works")), then traces the lineage from Abraham ([Psalms 105:7-15](/psalms/105-7 "Psalms 105:7-15 - God's Covenant with Abraham")), through Joseph's trials ([Psalms 105:16-25](/psalms/105-16 "Psalms 105:16-25 - Joseph in Egypt")), and culminates in the Exodus narrative. Verses [Psalms 105:26-38](/psalms/105-26 "Psalms 105:26-38 - The Plagues on Egypt") specifically detail the ten plagues God inflicted upon Egypt, with verse 34 focusing on the eighth plague, the locusts, as described in [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts"). This section underscores God's supremacy over Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities, demonstrating His power to intervene decisively in human history for the sake of His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Psalm 105:34 are set during the period of the Israelite enslavement in ancient Egypt, preceding the Exodus. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was considered a divine king, a living god, and his land was thought to be protected by a pantheon of Egyptian deities. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the economic, social, and religious fabric of Egypt, serving as a divine judgment against Pharaoh's obstinate refusal to release Israel and a demonstration of Yahweh's absolute superiority over all Egyptian gods. The plague of locusts, specifically, was devastating to an agrarian society like Egypt, dependent on its crops for sustenance. Locust swarms were a known, though infrequent, natural disaster in the ancient Near East, but their scale and timing during the Exodus account were clearly supernatural, orchestrated by God to break Pharaoh's will and showcase His power to both Egyptians and Israelites.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, illustrated by the simple yet potent phrase "He spake," which underscores God's omnipotent word and His absolute control over creation. The plague itself demonstrates **Divine Judgment**, as God punishes Egypt for its oppression and defiance, targeting its agricultural prosperity and its false gods. Conversely, for Israel, the plagues represent **Divine Deliverance** and **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God actively intervenes to fulfill His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, freeing His people from bondage and leading them toward the promised land. The recounting of these events in the psalm serves to instill trust and worship in God, reminding future generations of His mighty acts on behalf of His chosen people, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:20-25](/deuteronomy/6-20 "Deuteronomy 6:20-25 - Explaining the Exodus to Future Generations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spake (Hebrew, _dāḇar'_):** This verb signifies a powerful, authoritative utterance. It is not merely a suggestion or a request but a command that brings about immediate and undeniable results. In the biblical context, 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 Existence")). Here, it emphasizes God's direct, unmediated control over the natural world and His ability to unleash overwhelming forces simply by uttering a word.
* **Locusts (Hebrew, _’arbeh'_):** This term refers to the migratory locust, a highly destructive insect known for forming immense swarms that can rapidly consume all vegetation in their path. The plague of locusts, as detailed in [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts"), was particularly devastating because it consumed what the previous plagues had spared, leaving the land utterly barren. The mention of "locusts" immediately evokes an image of widespread, inescapable destruction.
* **Caterpillars (Hebrew, _yeleq'_):** While often translated as "caterpillars" or "cankerworm" (KJV), this term more broadly refers to a type of devouring, hopping, or crawling insect, possibly a young locust, a specific beetle, or a wingless stage of a locust. Its inclusion alongside "locusts" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the infestation. It suggests that not only the adult swarms but also their destructive offspring or other gnawing pests were part of the plague, ensuring total devastation from root to branch, leaving nothing untouched.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He spake":** This opening phrase immediately establishes divine agency and omnipotence. It highlights that the ensuing plague was not a random natural event but a direct, intentional act of God, initiated by His authoritative word. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in human history.
* **"and the locusts came":** This clause describes the immediate and overwhelming consequence of God's spoken word. The arrival of the locusts is presented as a direct, inevitable response to divine command, emphasizing the instantaneous and powerful execution of God's will. The use of "came" rather than "were sent" further suggests an organic, self-propelling movement, though divinely orchestrated.
* **"and caterpillers":** The addition of "caterpillars" (or other devouring insects) broadens the scope of the plague, indicating a multi-faceted and comprehensive infestation. It implies that the destruction was not limited to one type of pest but encompassed various stages or species of voracious insects, ensuring that no part of the vegetation would be spared. This amplifies the severity and totality of the judgment.
* **"and that without number":** This final phrase underscores the immense scale and overwhelming nature of the plague. The sheer countless multitude of insects made resistance or escape impossible, signifying a total and inescapable devastation of Egypt's agricultural resources. It conveys the idea of an unstoppable force, a truly overwhelming judgment that left no hope for recovery from natural means.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:34 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where God's simple act of speaking brings about a massive, devastating event. This highlights God's absolute **Sovereignty** and **Omnipotence**, emphasizing that His word is inherently effective and carries immediate power. The description of the insects as "without number" is a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating their quantity to convey the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the plague. While literally countless, the phrase emphasizes the immense scale of the infestation, leaving no doubt about its destructive power. The pairing of "locusts" and "caterpillars" (or other devouring insects) creates a sense of **Totality** or **Completeness**, indicating that the destruction was comprehensive and spared nothing. This also functions as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related terms are used to represent the whole category of destructive insects.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of God's active involvement in His creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that God's word is not merely descriptive but performative; when He speaks, things happen. This divine power is consistently deployed for both judgment and salvation, serving His ultimate redemptive purposes. The plague of locusts, like the other plagues, was a direct challenge to the false gods of Egypt and a clear demonstration of Yahweh's unique supremacy. It foreshadows a consistent biblical pattern where God uses natural phenomena as instruments of His will, whether for blessing or for judgment, always in accordance with His righteous character and His covenant promises.

* [Exodus 8:1-15](/exodus/8-1 "Exodus 8:1-15 - The Plague of Frogs")
* [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - Devastation by Locusts")
* [Revelation 9:3-7](/revelation/9-3 "Revelation 9:3-7 - Locusts from the Abyss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:34 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder that the God we worship is not a distant, passive deity but an active, sovereign Lord who speaks and acts decisively in the affairs of humanity. For those who trust in Him, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance: if God could unleash such overwhelming power to deliver His people from the might of Egypt, He is certainly able to overcome any obstacle, fulfill His promises, and work all things for the good of those who love Him. It calls us to a deeper faith, to trust in His word as utterly reliable and effective, knowing that when He "spake," it was done. Conversely, for those who resist God's will or oppress His people, this verse serves as a sober warning of His ultimate authority and the inevitable consequences of defying His righteous commands. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we aligned with His purposes, or are we, like Pharaoh, resisting His clear will? Our response to God's word, whether in obedience or defiance, has eternal implications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "He spake" shape your understanding of God's power and sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be speaking to you today, and how are you responding to His word?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like the Exodus, strengthen your faith in His ability to act on your behalf now?**
* **What "plagues" or challenges in the world today might God be using to reveal His power or call people to repentance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "locusts" and "caterpillars" in this verse?**

Answer: The significance lies in their overwhelming destructive capacity and their role as instruments of divine judgment. Locusts (Hebrew: _’arbeh_) were a known, devastating plague in the ancient world, capable of consuming all vegetation. "Caterpillars" (Hebrew: _yeleq_) likely refers to another stage of locust or a similar voracious insect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the infestation. Together, they represent a total agricultural catastrophe, orchestrated by God to demonstrate His power over creation and to break Pharaoh's will, leading to the release of His people, as detailed in [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts").

**Why does the verse emphasize "without number"?**

Answer: The phrase "without number" (literally, "and there was no number to them") is a hyperbole that emphasizes the immense, overwhelming scale of the plague. It conveys that the swarm was so vast that it was literally uncountable, signifying an inescapable and complete devastation. This highlights the supernatural nature of the plague, demonstrating God's ability to bring forth an infinite multitude of destructive agents, leaving no hope for Egypt's crops and underscoring the futility of Pharaoh's resistance. It underscores God's absolute control and the totality of His judgment.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: This verse profoundly reveals several aspects of God's character. First, it showcases His **omnipotence** and **sovereignty**, as He simply "spake" and creation obeyed. Second, it highlights His **righteousness** and **justice**, as He executes judgment upon those who oppress His people and defy His commands. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it underscores His **faithfulness** to His covenant promises. The plagues were not arbitrary but were a direct means to fulfill His promise to Abraham to deliver His descendants and bring them into the promised land, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, as seen throughout [Psalm 105](/psalms/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:34, with its depiction of God's spoken word bringing forth overwhelming power, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as God "spake" to unleash the plagues, so too did God speak His ultimate Word into existence in the person of Jesus, through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). Christ is the divine Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), possessing the same inherent authority and power over creation. He demonstrated this authority by calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), casting out demons by command ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), and even raising the dead through His authoritative voice ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "John 11:43 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). The judgment upon Egypt, leading to Israel's physical deliverance, foreshadows the spiritual deliverance accomplished by Christ. He is the ultimate Lamb of God whose sacrifice delivers humanity from the bondage of sin and the judgment it incurs ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the power of God's spoken word in Psalms 105:34 points forward to the living Word, Jesus Christ, who not only commands creation but also offers ultimate salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

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 10:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, [even] all that the hail hath left.

Exodus 10:15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Joel 1:7

He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.

Psalms 78:46

He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.

Revelation 9:3

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.