Psalms 78:46

KJV

He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.

KJV (with Strong's)

He gave {H5414}{H8799)} also their increase {H2981} unto the caterpiller {H2625}, and their labour {H3018} unto the locust {H697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gave their harvest to shearer-worms, the fruit of their labor to locusts.

Berean Standard Bible

He gave their crops to the grasshopper, the fruit of their labor to the locust.

American Standard Version

He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, And their labor unto the locust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:46 vividly recounts a pivotal moment in God's judgment against ancient Egypt, illustrating how divine power was unleashed through natural phenomena to utterly devastate the nation's agricultural foundation. This verse, deeply embedded within a sweeping historical psalm that chronicles God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's recurrent rebellion, serves as a stark and powerful reminder of the Lord's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unyielding commitment to justice, particularly in delivering His chosen people from oppression and bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a comprehensive historical psalm, often designated as a "maschil" or instructional psalm, meticulously crafted to impart crucial lessons to future generations regarding God's intricate dealings with Israel. Verses 43-51 specifically delineate the sequence of devastating plagues inflicted upon Egypt, serving as a profound demonstration of God's immense might and His overarching redemptive purpose in liberating His people. Prior to verse 46, the psalmist meticulously recalls earlier judgments, including the turning of rivers into blood, and the subsequent plagues of flies and frogs, as vividly detailed in [Psalm 78:44-45](/psalms/78-44-45 "Psalm 78:44-45 - Plagues of Blood, Flies, and Frogs"). Verse 46 then zeroes in on the catastrophic plague of locusts and caterpillars, which directly assaulted Egypt's economic stability and food supply, thereby underscoring the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. This particular section is indispensable for grasping the broader narrative of God's steadfast faithfulness, a faithfulness that persists despite Israel's subsequent and repeated unfaithfulness, which remains a dominant and recurring theme throughout the entirety of [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plagues so graphically described in [Psalm 78:46](/psalms/78-46 "Psalm 78:46 - The Plague of Locusts and Caterpillars") directly correlate with the detailed historical accounts found in the book of Exodus, particularly the eighth plague of locusts (cf. [Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts")). In ancient Egypt, agriculture, especially the cultivation of grain along the incredibly fertile banks of the Nile River, formed the absolute bedrock of their economy and was the primary source of their sustenance. A locust plague, with its capacity to consume every shred of vegetation in its path, represented an existential threat, capable of precipitating widespread famine, economic collapse, and societal chaos. The inclusion of the "caterpillar" (or "gnawing locust") alongside the "locust" further accentuates the totality of the destruction, indicating that no stage of agricultural growth, from nascent sprouts to mature crops, was spared. Pharaoh's unyielding and stubborn refusal to release the Israelites, despite repeated divine warnings and escalating judgments, directly provoked these severe divine interventions, unequivocally demonstrating God's supreme power over even the most formidable empire of the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several crucial theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's absolute power and His resolute willingness to employ natural forces as precise instruments of His justice against those who defiantly oppose His will. The plagues were not random occurrences but precisely targeted acts of God's righteous wrath against Pharaoh's hardened heart and Egypt's pervasive idolatrous system, which challenged the supremacy of Yahweh. Secondly, it starkly illustrates the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**. Pharaoh's persistent defiance of God's unequivocal command to "Let my people go" inexorably led to catastrophic repercussions that profoundly impacted the entire land of Egypt. The complete destruction of their agricultural "increase" (produce) and "labour" (effort in farming) vividly demonstrates the devastating and far-reaching impact of resisting the Almighty. This profound theme resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, from the foundational fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the solemn warnings articulated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the verse unequivocally showcases God's absolute **Sovereignty Over Nature**. He commands even the smallest and seemingly insignificant insects to fulfill His grand purposes, bringing widespread devastation or abundant blessing as He sovereignly wills. This unparalleled control over creation is a recurring and majestic motif, powerfully seen in God's miraculous parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")) and His miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - The Provision of Manna")), underscoring that all creation is utterly subject to His divine and omnipotent will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** The Hebrew verb נָתַן (*nâthan*) is a primitive root meaning "to give," but it is used with the greatest latitude of application, encompassing actions like putting, making, assigning, bestowing, delivering, or causing. In [Psalm 78:46](/psalms/78-46 "Psalm 78:46 - God's Giving to the Plagues"), its use emphasizes God's direct and intentional agency. It is not merely that the plagues happened, but that God *gave* their produce and labor *to* the insects, signifying His active role in orchestrating the judgment. This highlights divine sovereignty and the deliberate nature of the punishment.
* **Caterpillar (Hebrew, _châçîyl'_):** The Hebrew word חָסִיל (*châçîyl*), derived from חָסַל (chasal, "to consume"), refers to "the ravager," specifically a type of locust or consuming insect, often translated as "gnawing locust" or "cankerworm." While distinct from the more common term for a fully winged locust, it likely describes a specific developmental stage of the locust (e.g., the wingless larva or nymph) or another type of voracious, crop-destroying pest. Its inclusion alongside *ʼarbeh* (locust) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the destruction, suggesting that every stage of agricultural growth, from sprouting plants to mature crops, was targeted and consumed. This word underscores the thoroughness and inescapable nature of the devastation.
* **Locust (Hebrew, _ʼarbeh'_):** The Hebrew word אַרְבֶּה (*ʼarbeh*), derived from רָבָה (rabah, "to increase" or "be many"), is the most common and general term for the swarming locust, notorious for its ability to descend in vast numbers and completely strip an area of all vegetation in a short time. This term specifically refers to the mature, winged insect that travels in immense, overwhelming swarms, bringing widespread and rapid destruction. The mention of *ʼarbeh* evokes the image of an unstoppable, overwhelming force, a direct and visible instrument of divine judgment that leaves utter desolation in its wake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller":** This initial clause powerfully asserts God's direct and active agency in the judgment. The "increase" (Hebrew: *yᵉbûwl*) refers to the agricultural produce of the land, the harvest, or the potential yield. By stating that God "gave" this vital "increase" to the caterpillar, the psalmist unequivocally attributes the destruction not to a mere natural disaster but to God's deliberate and intentional act of judgment. This signifies the initial stages of crop destruction, perhaps targeting young plants or the potential harvest before it fully matured, thereby demonstrating that no part of their agricultural cycle, from its very inception, was safe from divine intervention.
* **"and their labour unto the locust":** This parallel clause serves to reinforce and intensify the totality of the devastation. "Their labour" (Hebrew: *yᵉgîyaʻ*) refers to the arduous toil, strenuous effort, and hard work that the Egyptians invested in cultivating their land. The locusts consumed not merely the raw "increase" but the very fruit of their strenuous "labour," rendering all their diligent efforts utterly futile and worthless. This emphasizes the profound economic, social, and psychological impact of the plague, as the Egyptians witnessed their entire year's painstaking work vanish before their eyes, a direct and devastating consequence of Pharaoh's unyielding defiance against the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:46 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine judgment and sovereignty. **Parallelism** is strikingly prominent, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the phrase "He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller" is meticulously mirrored and intensified by "and their labour unto the locust." This deliberate repetition with a slight variation serves to amplify the message of complete and utter destruction, emphasizing both the valuable product of the land and the exhaustive effort invested in its cultivation. The strategic use of "caterpillar" and "locust" in conjunction also creates a powerful sense of **hyperbole**, suggesting an overwhelming and total consumption that leaves absolutely nothing behind, underscoring the severity of the plague. Furthermore, the declarative phrase "He gave" attributes direct **personification** and **divine agency** to God, making it unequivocally clear that these insects were not merely random natural phenomena but rather meticulously chosen and wielded instruments by the Almighty. This anthropomorphic language profoundly underscores God's active involvement and sovereign control over all creation, even over seemingly insignificant creatures, to meticulously execute His divine will and righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:46 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, His unwavering justice, and His active, decisive involvement in human history. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who intervenes directly and powerfully to deliver His people from bondage and to execute righteous judgment upon those who defiantly oppose His will. The utter destruction of Egypt's agricultural foundation was not merely an economic blow but a direct and undeniable challenge to their false gods and a resounding demonstration of the Lord's supreme and unrivaled power over all creation. This historical event serves as a foundational example of God's willingness to use natural forces as instruments to achieve His redemptive purposes, highlighting His meticulous control over all creation and His unwavering commitment to upholding perfect justice. It teaches us a timeless truth: defiance against God carries severe and tangible consequences, often impacting the very means of sustenance, security, and prosperity.

* [Exodus 10:12-15](/exodus/10-12-15 "Exodus 10:12-15 - The Devastating Locust Plague")
* [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - Locust Devastation as Divine Judgment")
* [Revelation 9:3-5](/revelation/9-3-5 "Revelation 9:3-5 - Locusts as Demonic Agents of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:46 compels us to deeply reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of divine sovereignty and the inevitable consequences of human rebellion. It serves as a potent reminder that God is never passive in the face of injustice, oppression, or defiance against His commands. His judgments, though at times appearing severe, are always righteous, just, and ultimately serve His overarching redemptive plan for humanity. For believers, this verse offers profound comfort in the knowledge that our God is infinitely powerful—powerful enough to overcome any oppressor, to break any chain of bondage, and to deliver His people from even the most formidable adversaries. Conversely, it also serves as a sober and solemn warning: just as Pharaoh's unyielding stubbornness brought catastrophic devastation upon his entire land, so too does persistent and unrepentant disobedience to God's divine commands inevitably invite negative and often devastating consequences, both on a personal and communal level. We are called to learn profoundly from history, to humbly acknowledge God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, and to respond with genuine humility, contrite hearts, and unwavering obedience rather than hardening our hearts in defiance. Our ultimate security, prosperity, and true flourishing depend not on our material "increase" or the fruit of our "labour" alone, but fundamentally on our faithful, obedient, and trusting relationship with the One who sovereignly controls all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's absolute sovereignty over natural forces (such as plagues, storms, or even pandemics) shape your understanding of His character and power in your life today?**
* **What "increase" (material possessions, career success, personal achievements) or "labour" (effort, hard work, self-reliance) in your life might you be relying on more than God, and how might this verse challenge that reliance?**
* **In what specific ways might our contemporary society or even our own hearts be "hardening" against God's truth and commands, and what vital lessons can we draw from Egypt's devastating experience?**
* **How does the profound concept of divine judgment, as vividly seen in this verse, inform and shape your prayers for justice, righteousness, and the ultimate triumph of God's will in the world?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "caterpillar" and "locust" being mentioned together in Psalm 78:46?**

Answer: The mention of both "caterpillar" (חָסִיל, *châçîyl*) and "locust" (אַרְבֶּה, *ʼarbeh*) in [Psalm 78:46](/psalms/78-46 "Psalm 78:46 - The Dual Plague") is highly significant as it emphasizes the comprehensive, total, and inescapable destruction of Egypt's crops. While *ʼarbeh* refers to the mature, winged, swarming locust, notorious for its rapid and widespread devastation, *châçîyl* likely refers to a different developmental stage of the locust (such as the larva or nymph, sometimes called a "gnawing locust" or "cankerworm") or another type of voracious, ground-dwelling insect. By naming both, the psalmist underscores that every single stage of plant growth, from the tender young shoots to the mature, ready-for-harvest crops, was utterly consumed and annihilated. This dual mention highlights the completeness and thoroughness of God's judgment, ensuring that no part of their agricultural "increase" or the fruit of their "labour" was left untouched, as vividly detailed in the historical account of [Exodus 10](/exodus/10 "Exodus 10 - The Plague of Locusts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 78:46, while meticulously detailing a historical judgment on ancient Egypt, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person, redemptive work, and future reign of Jesus Christ. The plagues, including the devastating consumption by locusts and caterpillars, were a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign power to deliver His people from oppressive bondage and to decisively overcome the forces of evil and injustice. In Christ, we encounter the ultimate and perfect deliverance from a far greater and more insidious bondage—the spiritual bondage of sin and death. Just as God "gave their increase unto the caterpiller" as an act of righteous judgment upon a defiant nation, so too did God, in His boundless love and justice, "give" His only Son as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, allowing Him to bear the full weight of judgment for our sins on the cross ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). The divine power displayed over creation in the ancient plagues profoundly foreshadows Christ's absolute authority over all things, including nature, disease, and demonic forces, vividly seen in His miraculous calming of the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and His authoritative casting out of demons ([Luke 8:29](/luke/8-29 "Luke 8:29 - Jesus Casts Out Demons")). The judgment poured out on Egypt ultimately paved the way for Israel's miraculous freedom, pointing forward to the infinitely greater freedom from condemnation and the promise of eternal life that Christ secures for all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Furthermore, the profound theme of divine judgment by natural forces finds its eschatological fulfillment in the glorious return of Christ, who will come not only as the compassionate Savior but also as the righteous Judge, bringing final justice upon all who defiantly oppose God, as majestically prophesied in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Judge and King"). Thus, the ancient plague serves as a powerful and enduring testament to God's sovereign power, a power fully embodied, perfectly demonstrated, and ultimately exercised by Christ for the complete redemption of His people and the decisive defeat of all His enemies.

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 105:34

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

Psalms 105:35

And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.

Exodus 10:12

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, [even] all that the hail hath left.

Exodus 10:15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Joel 1:7

He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.

Revelation 9:2

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.