Psalms 105:36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

He smote {H5221} also all the firstborn {H1060} in their land {H776}, the chief {H7225} of all their strength {H202}.

He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their strength.

Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.

He smote also all the first-born in their land, The chief of all their strength.

Commentary on Psalms 105:36 (KJV)

Psalms 105:36 vividly recounts the devastating tenth plague inflicted upon ancient Egypt, highlighting God's mighty hand in delivering Israel from bondage. This verse is a concise, yet powerful, summary of the climactic event that forced Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 105, a historical psalm that celebrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, from Abraham through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. It serves as a reminder of God's mighty acts on their behalf, particularly His judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The preceding verses detail other plagues (e.g., darkness, frogs, flies), leading up to this climactic and most severe event. The psalm emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His promises.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse emphasizes God's severe and decisive judgment against Egypt for their persistent refusal to let His people go. The death of the firstborn was not merely a plague but a divine act of justice against a nation that oppressed God's chosen people and defied His commands.
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: It powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over all creation and His ability to execute His will, even against the most powerful earthly empire. This plague struck at the very heart of Egyptian society and religion, where the firstborn, especially the Pharaoh's son, were considered divine or highly sacred.
  • Deliverance of Israel: This plague directly paved the way for the Exodus of the Israelites from bondage, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to Abraham. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the chief of all their strength" (KJV) is a potent descriptor. It signifies that the firstborn represented the pinnacle of Egyptian vitality, legacy, and future. Their loss was not merely a tragic event but a blow to the very foundation and hope of the nation, demonstrating the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment. In Hebrew, 'chief' (ראש, rosh) can mean head, beginning, or choicest, underlining the immense value and significance of those who were struck down. This plague was a direct assault on Egypt's future and its very essence.

Related Scriptures

  • This event is fully detailed in Exodus chapter 12, where it is linked to the institution of the Passover, which protected Israel's firstborn by the blood of the lamb.
  • Another psalm, Psalm 78:51, also recounts this specific plague, reinforcing its significance in Israel's historical memory.
  • The principle of God's judgment against those who oppress His people is also seen in verses like Isaiah 14:27.

Practical Application

Psalms 105:36 reminds us of God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His covenant promises. While His judgments can be severe, they are always righteous and serve His ultimate redemptive purposes. It encourages believers to trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that He is able to deliver His people and execute His will. It also serves as a solemn warning against opposing God's plan and His people, highlighting that defiance against the Almighty has serious consequences. This verse reinforces the truth that God is the sovereign ruler over all nations and all history.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 49:3

    Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

  • Exodus 4:23

    And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.

  • Exodus 12:29

    ¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

  • Exodus 12:30

    And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

  • Hebrews 11:28

    Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

  • Psalms 135:8

    Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.

  • Psalms 136:10

    ¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

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