Psalms 135:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Who smote {H5221} the firstborn {H1060} of Egypt {H4714}, both of man {H120} and beast {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He struck down Egypt's firstborn, humans and animals alike.

Berean Standard Bible

He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast.

American Standard Version

Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:8 stands as a powerful testament to God's supreme power and unwavering sovereignty, specifically recalling the climactic tenth plague inflicted upon ancient Egypt. This verse encapsulates a pivotal moment in salvation history, highlighting God's direct, decisive intervention to deliver His people from oppressive bondage through a dramatic act of judgment against a defiant empire, thereby underscoring His unique authority over all creation and human affairs, and His faithfulness to His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 135 is a communal hymn of praise, designed to evoke worship and remembrance of Yahweh's greatness and His mighty deeds throughout history. The psalm opens with an urgent call for God's servants to praise Him, emphasizing His inherent goodness and pleasantness ([Psalms 135:1-3](/psalms/135-1 "Psalms 135:1-3 - Call to Praise")). It then transitions to extolling God's unique nature and omnipotence, declaring Him to be "greater than all gods" ([Psalms 135:5](/psalms/135-5 "Psalms 135:5 - God's Supremacy")). The psalmist proceeds to recount a series of God's historical interventions on behalf of Israel, beginning with His control over natural phenomena ([Psalms 135:6-7](/psalms/135-6 "Psalms 135:6-7 - God's Sovereignty over Creation")) before moving to His powerful acts against Egypt, particularly the smiting of the firstborn in verse 8. This historical recounting continues through the defeat of formidable kings and the miraculous giving of the land to Israel ([Psalms 135:9-12](/psalms/135-9 "Psalms 135:9-12 - God's Mighty Deeds")), all serving to demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His absolute distinction from the impotent idols of the nations ([Psalms 135:15-18](/psalms/135-15 "Psalms 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols")). The psalm culminates in a final, fervent call to praise, emphasizing God's dwelling in Jerusalem ([Psalms 135:19-21](/psalms/135-19 "Psalms 135:19-21 - Final Call to Praise")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalms 135:8 is the climactic moment of the Exodus narrative, specifically the tenth and most devastating of the plagues inflicted upon Egypt, as meticulously detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and the Tenth Plague"). This event transpired while the Israelites endured brutal slavery under the tyrannical rule of Pharaoh. Egyptian society was deeply polytheistic, with an elaborate pantheon of gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with aspects of nature, fertility, and the afterlife. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine figure, a living god, embodying the nation's strength and prosperity. The smiting of the firstborn was a direct, frontal assault on the very fabric of Egyptian society and religion, striking at the heir of every household and impacting their livestock, which were vital for their economy, sustenance, and religious sacrifices. This plague represented Yahweh's ultimate judgment, designed to break Pharaoh's hardened heart and unequivocally demonstrate Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian deities and their supposed protectors, compelling Pharaoh to finally release the Israelites from their bondage.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 135:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, unequivocally attributing this devastating act to God, thereby emphasizing His absolute control over life, death, and the destinies of nations. It demonstrates that no earthly ruler or force, no matter how powerful, can withstand His will, as vividly seen in Pharaoh's ultimate capitulation after this plague ([Exodus 12:31-32](/exodus/12-31 "Exodus 12:31-32 - Pharaoh's Surrender")). Another crucial theme is **Righteous Judgment**, as the smiting of the firstborn was God's climactic and just response to Pharaoh's persistent defiance and the systemic, generational oppression of Israel. This act underscores God's unwavering justice in dealing with sin and rebellion, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Amos 1-2](/amos/1 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations")). Furthermore, the verse powerfully highlights **God's Deliverance of Israel**, as this plague was the decisive act that broke Pharaoh's stubborn will and directly led to the liberation of the Israelites, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Exodus 6:6-8](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6-8 - God's Promise of Deliverance")). Finally, the event powerfully illustrates **God's Uniqueness and Distinction** from false gods; by recounting this specific, undeniable act, the psalmist distinguishes the God of Israel from the impotent idols of Egypt, none of whom could prevent this divine decree ([Isaiah 44:6-20](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, this primitive root signifies a forceful, decisive, and often destructive act of striking, hitting, or beating, frequently with fatal consequences. In the context of divine action, it conveys a direct, powerful, and intentional act of judgment, not a passive occurrence. It implies a complete and devastating blow, emphasizing the totality, severity, and inescapable nature of God's intervention against Egypt.
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bᵉkôwr'_):** From H1060, this term refers to the eldest son or offspring, carrying immense cultural, legal, and spiritual significance in ancient Near Eastern societies as the heir, the strength of the house, and often the recipient of a double portion of inheritance. The targeting of the "firstborn" was a precise and devastating blow to the very heart of every Egyptian household and to the nation's future, symbolizing the destruction of their strength, hope, and continuity.
* **Egypt (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_):** From H4714, this dual form refers to "Upper and Lower Egypt," signifying the entire nation as a unified political and geographical entity. The use of this comprehensive term emphasizes that the judgment was universal, affecting the whole land and its people, from the Pharaoh's palace to the humblest dwelling, demonstrating the pervasive and inescapable reach of God's decree within that domain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who smote the firstborn of Egypt":** This clause directly attributes the devastating act to God ("Who"), emphasizing His active, sovereign, and decisive role. The phrase "smote the firstborn" refers to the climactic tenth plague, a supernatural act of divine judgment where the firstborn of every Egyptian household, both human and animal, was struck down. This was not an accident or a natural disaster, but a targeted, supernatural intervention by the Lord, demonstrating His absolute power over life and death.
* **"both of man and beast":** This specifies the comprehensive and indiscriminate scope of the judgment. It indicates that the plague was universal within Egypt, affecting every social stratum and every aspect of life, from the human population (including Pharaoh's own heir) to their vital livestock. This detail underscores the totality of God's power and the inescapable nature of His judgment when it is executed, leaving no part of Egyptian society untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:8 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. **Conciseness** is strikingly evident, as a single, brief statement encapsulates one of the most dramatic and pivotal events in biblical history, the tenth plague. This brevity lends itself to a sense of divine authority and swift execution, highlighting the impactful nature of God's word. The use of **Parallelism** is subtle but effective in "both of man and beast," creating a comprehensive scope for the judgment and emphasizing its universal impact across all living things within Egypt. The phrase "Who smote" functions as a **Synecdoche**, where the specific, devastating act of smiting the firstborn stands for the entirety of God's powerful intervention in the Exodus, symbolizing His ultimate victory over Pharaoh and the liberation of Israel. This act also serves as a profound **Symbolism** of God's absolute power over life and death, His righteous justice against oppression, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:8 profoundly reinforces the biblical understanding of God as an active, sovereign, and just ruler over all creation and human history. The smiting of the firstborn was not merely a historical event but a theological declaration of Yahweh's supremacy over all false gods and earthly powers. It demonstrates that God is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who intervenes decisively to uphold His righteousness, execute judgment against wickedness, and faithfully deliver His chosen people. This act reveals God's power to break the chains of oppression and fulfill His promises, establishing a foundational truth about His character that reverberates throughout salvation history, pointing to a God who is both mighty in judgment and steadfast in love.

* [Exodus 12:29-30](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29-30 - The Tenth Plague")
* [Hebrews 11:28](/hebrews/11-28 "Hebrews 11:28 - Faith and the Passover")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3-4 - Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 135:8 calls us to a profound reverence for God's power and justice. It reminds us that the God we worship is not passive or indifferent to human suffering and injustice, but actively intervenes in history to accomplish His purposes. This truth should instill both awe and comfort: awe at His capacity for righteous judgment against all forms of evil and oppression, and comfort in knowing that He is utterly faithful to His covenant promises, especially to those who are His. Just as He delivered Israel from the crushing might of Egypt, so too can we trust Him to work on behalf of His people today, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. This verse encourages us to place our full trust in His sovereign hand, recognizing that His power is absolute and His justice is certain, providing a bedrock of hope in a chaotic world. It challenges us to align ourselves with His purposes, knowing that He is the ultimate arbiter of justice and the faithful deliverer of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical act described in Psalms 135:8 deepen your understanding of God's character and attributes, particularly His justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your view of God's active intervention in the world today, especially concerning injustice or oppression?**
* **How might remembering God's decisive judgment against Egypt strengthen your faith in His ability to deliver you from current challenges or injustices in your own life?**
* **What practical implications does God's absolute sovereignty, as demonstrated in this verse, have for your daily life, your prayers, and your trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Was the smiting of the firstborn a just act by God?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, the smiting of the firstborn is presented as a just and necessary act of divine judgment. Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his heart against God's commands to "Let my people go" ([Exodus 5:1-2](/exodus/5-1 "Exodus 5:1-2 - Pharaoh's Defiance")), despite numerous prior plagues that unequivocally demonstrated God's power. Furthermore, the Egyptians had brutally oppressed the Israelites for generations, subjecting them to harsh slavery and even infanticide of male Hebrew babies ([Exodus 1:8-16](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8-16 - Oppression of Israel")). This final plague was the culmination of God's righteous wrath against Pharaoh's persistent rebellion and the systemic injustice of Egypt. It served as a powerful demonstration that God would not tolerate the oppression of His chosen people indefinitely and that His justice would ultimately prevail against all who defy Him.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of the Passover?**

Answer: Psalms 135:8 directly refers to the very event that established the Passover. The smiting of the firstborn was the climactic tenth plague, which God warned would come upon Egypt unless Pharaoh released Israel. To protect their own firstborn from this judgment, the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. The Lord promised that when He "passed over" Egypt to strike the firstborn, He would see the blood and spare the homes marked by it ([Exodus 12:1-13](/exodus/12-1 "Exodus 12:1-13 - Institution of the Passover")). Thus, Psalms 135:8 highlights the precise act of judgment that necessitated the Passover sacrifice, making it a foundational event for Israel's identity and their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness, redemptive power, and the profound significance of substitutionary atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 135:8 recounts a historical act of judgment and deliverance, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The smiting of the firstborn in Egypt was a severe judgment that paved the way for Israel's physical liberation from slavery, a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate act of judgment and deliverance. Jesus, as the true and eternal "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ the Firstborn")), willingly submitted to the judgment of God on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Through His sacrificial death, He "smote" the power of sin and death itself, delivering all who believe from spiritual bondage to a far greater freedom than that experienced by Israel at the Exodus ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel's firstborn from judgment, the precious blood of Christ, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), cleanses believers from sin and grants them eternal life, enabling them to "pass over" from spiritual death to life everlasting ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). The judgment against Egypt demonstrated God's power over earthly rulers; Christ's resurrection demonstrates His ultimate triumph over all spiritual powers and authorities, establishing His eternal kingdom and securing the ultimate deliverance of His people from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 105:36

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

Exodus 13:15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.

Psalms 136:10

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

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.