Psalms 105:36

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:36 powerfully recounts the climactic tenth plague inflicted upon ancient Egypt, detailing how God struck down every firstborn in the land, thereby dismantling the very foundation of their national strength and future. This verse serves as a concise, yet profound, declaration of God's decisive judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt, highlighting His irresistible power in fulfilling His covenant promises and securing the liberation of His people, Israel, from generations of bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 105 is a historical psalm, part of a collection (Psalms 105-107) that celebrates God's faithfulness to Israel throughout their history. Specifically, Psalm 105 functions as a liturgical hymn recounting God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His subsequent miraculous acts of deliverance, particularly during the Exodus. The psalm systematically details the plagues God sent upon Egypt, beginning with the transformation of water to blood ([Psalms 105:29](/psalms/105-29 "Psalm 105:29 - Water to Blood")) and progressing through various afflictions like frogs, flies, and boils, before culminating in the devastating judgment of the firstborn described in this verse. This narrative progression emphasizes the escalating nature of God's wrath and His unwavering commitment to His people, setting the stage for Israel's exodus from Egypt, which is then celebrated in the subsequent verses of the psalm ([Psalms 105:37-38](/psalms/105-37 "Psalm 105:37-38 - Israel's Departure")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this verse is the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt and God's miraculous intervention to deliver them, as recorded primarily in the book of Exodus. The ancient Egyptian society placed immense value on the firstborn, particularly the firstborn son, who was considered the heir and the embodiment of the family's future and strength. Pharaoh's own firstborn son was considered divine, a direct link to the gods, and destined to inherit the throne. The tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, was not merely a random act of destruction but a direct assault on the very heart of Egyptian culture, religion, and national identity. It demonstrated the supremacy of Yahweh over all Egyptian deities, including Pharaoh himself, and shattered their confidence in their gods' ability to protect them. This plague was the ultimate sign of God's judgment against a nation that had enslaved His "firstborn son," Israel ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel, God's Firstborn")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's righteous and decisive wrath against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. The severity of this plague highlights the gravity of Egypt's defiance. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His absolute control over all creation and His ability to execute His purposes, even against the most formidable earthly empire. This act of judgment was the ultimate display of Yahweh's omnipotence. Thirdly, the verse is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Deliverance and Covenant Faithfulness**. The death of the firstborn directly paved the way for the Exodus ([Exodus 12:31](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31 - Israel's Departure")), fulfilling God's long-standing promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants and the land ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It serves as a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His word and will ultimately rescue His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew: הִכָּה, _hikkah'_):** This verb, derived from the root נָכָה (_nakah_), means to strike, smite, or beat. In the Hiphil stem, as it appears here, it implies a causative and decisive action. It is a strong term indicating a forceful, direct, and often destructive blow. In this context, it emphasizes the divine agency and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, not a mere accident or natural disaster, but a targeted act of divine power.
* **Firstborn (Hebrew: בְּכוֹר, _bekor'_):** This term refers to the eldest son, who held a position of preeminence and inheritance in ancient Near Eastern societies. The firstborn represented the "strength" and future of the family and nation. The targeting of the firstborn was therefore a blow to the very essence and continuity of Egyptian society, striking at their hope, their lineage, and their most valued possession. It directly paralleled Pharaoh's refusal to let God's "firstborn" son, Israel, go free.
* **Chief of all their strength (Hebrew: רֵאשִׁית כָּל־אוֹנָם, _reshit kol-onam'_):** This powerful phrase describes the firstborn as the "beginning" or "firstfruits" (רֵאשִׁית, _reshit_) of "all their vigor/strength" (אוֹן, _'on_). It signifies that the firstborn were the epitome, the prime, and the most vital part of Egypt's power, vitality, and future prospects. Their loss was not merely a tragic event but a catastrophic blow to the very foundation of the nation, demonstrating the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's judgment against Egypt's most precious asset and its very essence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He smote also all the firstborn in their land":** "He" refers unequivocally to God, emphasizing His direct, sovereign action as the executor of judgment. The word "smote" conveys the decisive and forceful nature of this divine blow. The inclusion of "all" stresses the comprehensiveness of the plague, indicating that no Egyptian household was spared, from the highest to the lowest, highlighting the universality of God's judgment across the land. The "firstborn" are identified as the specific targets, underscoring the precise nature of the judgment, which mirrored Pharaoh's oppression of God's "firstborn" nation, Israel.
* **"the chief of all their strength":** This phrase serves as an appositive, further defining and emphasizing the significance of the firstborn. They were not just any individuals; they represented the pinnacle of Egypt's vitality, its future, its legacy, and its national vigor. Their destruction was a direct assault on the very heart of Egypt's power and continuity, demonstrating that God's judgment struck at the most cherished and vital aspect of their existence, thereby breaking Pharaoh's will and forcing the release of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "the chief of all their strength," where "strength" stands in for the firstborn themselves, who embody the nation's vigor and future. This highlights the profound impact of their loss on the entire nation. **Hyperbole** might be perceived in "all the firstborn," emphasizing the widespread and complete nature of the judgment, ensuring no household was untouched by this devastating plague. The verse also functions as a concise **Summary** within the larger narrative of Psalm 105, encapsulating the climactic event of the tenth plague. Furthermore, the stark, declarative statement "He smote" exemplifies **Divine Action**, emphasizing God's direct and irresistible agency in history, underscoring His sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:36 stands as a profound theological statement on God's righteous judgment and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not distant but actively intervenes in human history to uphold justice and deliver His promises. The severity of the tenth plague underscores the gravity of sin and defiance against the Almighty, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and His justice will ultimately prevail. This event is a foundational narrative for Israel, cementing their identity as a people delivered by divine power and reminding them of God's unique relationship with them. It also serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over all earthly powers, proving that no empire, however mighty, can thwart His divine will or oppress His chosen people indefinitely.

* [Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague")
* [Psalm 78:51](/psalms/78-51 "Psalm 78:51 - God's Judgment in Egypt")
* [Hebrews 11:28](/hebrews/11-28 "Hebrews 11:28 - Faith and the Passover")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:36 offers a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to justice and deliverance. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail, this verse reassures us that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring about His righteous purposes. While His judgments can be severe, they are always rooted in His perfect justice and serve His ultimate redemptive plan. For believers, it fosters a deep trust in God's power and faithfulness, encouraging us to lean on Him even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that He is able to deliver His people and execute His will against all opposition. 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 truth should inspire both reverence and a renewed commitment to align our lives with His righteous will, trusting in His unfailing love and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the tenth plague deepen your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God's power and faithfulness, even in seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What lessons can we draw from God's judgment on Egypt regarding the consequences of opposing God's will and oppressing others?**

### FAQ

**Why was the death of the firstborn the final and most devastating plague?**

Answer: The death of the firstborn was the climactic and most devastating plague because it struck at the very heart of Egyptian society, religion, and national identity. In ancient Egypt, the firstborn son represented the family's future, strength, and legacy. Pharaoh's own firstborn was considered divine, embodying the nation's hope and continuity. By striking down "the chief of all their strength," God directly challenged and humiliated every Egyptian deity, including Pharaoh himself, proving Yahweh's absolute supremacy. This plague was also a direct reciprocal judgment for Pharaoh's command to kill Israelite male babies ([Exodus 1:16](/exodus/1-16 "Exodus 1:16 - Pharaoh's Order to Kill Babies")) and for his refusal to let God's "firstborn son," Israel, go free ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel, God's Firstborn")). It was the ultimate demonstration of God's power that finally broke Pharaoh's stubborn will and secured Israel's liberation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:36, detailing the judgment on Egypt's firstborn, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true "firstborn" over all creation ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation")). The Passover, instituted in connection with the tenth plague, required the sacrifice of a lamb whose blood protected Israel's firstborn from death ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Sign")). This foreshadows Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose shed blood provides salvation and protection from spiritual death for all who believe. While the plague brought judgment upon Egypt, Christ's death on the cross absorbed the full judgment for humanity's sin, allowing those who were spiritually "firstborn" in their rebellion against God to be spared ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ delivered humanity from the bondage of sin and death, just as God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, thereby securing a spiritual exodus for all who are [born again into His kingdom](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again"). He is the ultimate "strength" of God, through whom divine judgment is satisfied and eternal life is offered.

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

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: