Psalms 105:35

Psalms 105:35 (KJV) describes the devastating impact of the eighth plague inflicted upon ancient Egypt: "And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground." This verse is part of a sweeping historical psalm that recounts God's miraculous deeds on behalf of Israel, from the covenant with Abraham to their settlement in the Promised Land, emphasizing His faithfulness and power.

Context of Psalms 105:35

Psalm 105 is a hymn of praise, exhorting God's people to remember and declare His mighty works. Verses 26-38 specifically detail the ten plagues God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Verse 35 focuses on the plague of locusts, which is vividly described in Exodus 10:1-20. This plague was unique in its comprehensive destruction of all vegetation, leaving nothing green behind. It was a direct assault on Egypt's agricultural foundation, a crucial aspect of their prosperity and a challenge to their deities associated with fertility and crops.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Judgment and Power: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over creation and His willingness to use natural phenomena as instruments of judgment against those who oppose His will. The phrase "eat up" and "devoured" emphasizes the totality and ferocity of this divine intervention, leaving the land barren.
• God's Sovereignty: The plague of locusts, like the other plagues, was not a random natural disaster but a precisely timed and executed act of God designed to demonstrate His supremacy over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. It highlights that God is the true ruler of all nations and the natural world.
• Deliverance of Israel: Ultimately, the plagues, including the locusts, served a singular purpose: to secure the liberation of God's chosen people, Israel. By devastating Egypt's resources, God created the circumstances necessary for Pharaoh to finally release them, fulfilling His covenant promises. This act of deliverance is a central theme throughout the psalm, reminding believers of God's unfailing commitment to His people, as seen in His promise to make Abraham a great nation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong verbs: "did eat up" (Hebrew: אָכַל - 'akhal, to eat, consume) and "devoured" (Hebrew: שָׁמַד - shamadh, to devastate, lay waste). These terms convey not just consumption but utter destruction and annihilation of the land's produce. The repetition emphasizes the completeness of the devastation wrought by the locusts, leaving no hope for a harvest.

Practical Application

Psalms 105:35 serves as a potent reminder of several enduring truths:

• God's Unchallengeable Authority: We are reminded that God remains sovereign over all creation and all human powers. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or oppressive forces, believers can trust that God has the power to intervene decisively.
• The Consequences of Resistance: The plagues illustrate the severe consequences of resisting God's will and oppressing His people. This serves as a timeless warning against pride and rebellion.
• Trust in God's Faithfulness: By recounting God's past acts of power and deliverance, the psalm encourages contemporary believers to trust in His continued faithfulness. Just as He acted for Israel, He remains committed to His people today, even in challenging times. This echoes the sentiment found in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."