Psalms 78:45

He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

He sent {H7971}{H8762)} divers sorts of flies {H6157} among them, which devoured {H398}{H8799)} them; and frogs {H6854}, which destroyed {H7843}{H8686)} them.

He sent swarms of flies, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them.

He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them.

He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them; And frogs, which destroyed them.

Commentary

Psalms 78:45 recounts two of the devastating plagues God sent upon ancient Egypt as part of His mighty acts to deliver the Israelites from bondage. This verse specifically highlights the plagues of flies and frogs, emphasizing their destructive impact on the land and its inhabitants.

Context

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm, a didactic poem that recounts God's faithfulness to Israel and Israel's repeated unfaithfulness from the time of the Exodus through the establishment of the monarchy. The psalm serves as a warning and an encouragement, reminding the people of God's past miracles and His steadfast love, despite their rebellious nature. Verses 43-51 of this psalm detail the specific plagues God inflicted upon Egypt, demonstrating His omnipotence and His commitment to His covenant people. This particular verse focuses on the plague of frogs, which swarmed the land and entered homes, and the plague of "divers sorts of flies," which likely refers to swarms of biting insects or possibly wild animals, causing severe distress and destruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse vividly illustrates God's power to execute judgment against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. The plagues were not random acts but targeted demonstrations of divine wrath against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Creation: God used natural elements—frogs and flies—in supernatural ways to accomplish His purposes. This underscores His absolute control over all creation.
  • Deliverance of Israel: While the plagues brought destruction to Egypt, they simultaneously served as a powerful means of compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites, paving the way for their Exodus from slavery.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "divers sorts of flies" translates the Hebrew word ‘arov (עָרֹב), which literally means "mixture" or "swarm." While often rendered as "flies," commentators suggest it could refer to a variety of biting insects, such as gnats, mosquitoes, or even a mixture of wild beasts, all contributing to the severity of the plague. The term "devoured them" highlights the destructive and consuming nature of this plague. The word for "frogs" (צְפַרְדֵּעַ - tsephardea') is straightforward, emphasizing their overwhelming numbers and the destruction they wrought by their sheer presence.

Related Scriptures

  • For the original account of these plagues, see Exodus chapter 8.
  • Other psalms also recount the plagues, such as Psalm 105:30-31, which further emphasizes God's mighty hand.
  • The ultimate purpose of these judgments was to reveal God's glory and power, as stated in Exodus 9:16.

Practical Application

This verse, within the broader narrative of Psalm 78, reminds us of God's unchanging character. He is just, powerful, and faithful to His promises. For believers, it serves as a comfort that God is able to deliver His people from any oppression. For those who resist God, it stands as a sober warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience and hardened hearts, like Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go. It calls us to acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things, including the natural world, and to trust in His plan for our deliverance and salvation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 8:21

    Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].

  • Exodus 8:24

    And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies].

  • Psalms 105:30

    Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.

  • Psalms 105:31

    He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, [and] lice in all their coasts.

  • Exodus 8:2

    And if thou refuse to let [them] go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:

  • Exodus 8:15

    But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Revelation 16:3

    And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.
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