Psalms 78:48

KJV

He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

KJV (with Strong's)

He gave up {H5462}{H8686)} their cattle {H1165} also to the hail {H1259}, and their flocks {H4735} to hot thunderbolts {H7565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their cattle too he gave over to the hail and their flocks to lightning bolts.

Berean Standard Bible

He abandoned their cattle to the hail and their livestock to bolts of lightning.

American Standard Version

He gave over their cattle also to the hail, And their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:48 powerfully depicts God's sovereign judgment against ancient Egypt during the Exodus, specifically detailing the devastating impact of the plague of hail on their livestock. This verse is part of a larger historical psalm that recounts God's consistent faithfulness to Israel despite their repeated rebellion, serving as a didactic warning and a testament to divine power and justice. It underscores the severe consequences of defying the Almighty and His chosen people, showcasing His absolute control over creation as an instrument of His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, often categorized as a *maskil* (a didactic or instructional psalm), designed to teach future generations about God's mighty acts and Israel's recurring failures. The psalm begins with an exhortation to listen to God's law and wisdom ([Psalm 78:1-8](/psalms/78-1 "Psalm 78:1-8 - Call to Hear Instruction")). It then systematically recounts Israel's history from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest, and the period of the judges, culminating in the establishment of David's kingship. Within this grand narrative, verses [Psalm 78:43-51](/psalms/78-43 "Psalm 78:43-51 - The Plagues on Egypt") specifically describe the ten plagues inflicted upon Egypt, with verse 48 focusing on the seventh plague—the devastating hail. This particular plague serves as a vivid example of God's power to deliver His people and judge their oppressors, fitting into the psalm's overarching theme of remembering God's works to avoid past disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Psalm 78:48 directly refer to the seventh plague inflicted upon Egypt as recorded in [Exodus 9:13-35](/exodus/9-13 "Exodus 9:13-35 - The Plague of Hail"). This plague was unique in its severity, combining massive hail with fire ("hot thunderbolts" or lightning), striking down everything exposed in the field: people, animals, and crops. For ancient Egypt, livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) were not only vital for economic sustenance (food, labor, trade) but also held religious significance, with various animals being revered or deified. The destruction of their cattle and flocks was thus a profound blow, attacking both their material wealth and their spiritual worldview. Pharaoh's continued hardening of his heart, despite the escalating devastation, highlights the cultural and political resistance to acknowledging the God of Israel as supreme, setting the stage for God's increasingly severe demonstrations of power.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 78:48 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's active and decisive intervention against those who defy His will and oppress His people. The plague of hail was not a natural disaster but a targeted act of divine retribution. Secondly, the verse underscores God's **Absolute Sovereignty and Power** over creation. The imagery of "hail" and "hot thunderbolts" demonstrates that natural elements are entirely subservient to God's command, serving as instruments of His justice. This omnipotence is a foundational aspect of God's character revealed throughout the Exodus narrative and beyond, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand His might. Finally, the destruction of Egypt's economic and religious foundations through their livestock highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, serving as a stark warning against hardened hearts and defiance of divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cattle (Hebrew, _behemah'_):** This term refers broadly to domestic animals, particularly livestock, including larger animals like oxen and smaller ones like sheep and goats. In the context of ancient agrarian societies like Egypt, cattle were indispensable for agriculture (plowing), transportation, food (meat and dairy), clothing (hides), and sacrificial offerings. Their destruction, as described in the plague, represented a catastrophic economic and social blow, impacting every facet of Egyptian life and demonstrating the thoroughness of God's judgment.
* **Hail (Hebrew, _barad'_):** While *barad* literally means "hail," the biblical description of this plague (e.g., [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23-24 - Hail with Fire")) indicates it was no ordinary hailstorm. It was exceptionally severe, accompanied by fire (lightning), and struck down anything exposed in the field. The use of *barad* here, combined with "hot thunderbolts," emphasizes the supernatural intensity and destructive power of this divinely orchestrated meteorological event, far beyond typical natural phenomena.
* **Hot thunderbolts (Hebrew, _resheph'_):** This is a crucial and vivid term. While the KJV translates it as "hot thunderbolts," *resheph* (רֶשֶׁף) more precisely denotes "flame," "lightning," "burning coal," or "fiery arrows." It often carries connotations of pestilence or plague sent by God, or even divine judgment personified. In this context, it suggests not merely accompanying lightning, but a supernatural, fiery element that descended with the hail, intensifying the horror and devastation. It points to a direct, fiery manifestation of God's wrath, highlighting the extraordinary and terrifying nature of the judgment that struck Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He gave up their cattle also to the hail":** This clause immediately establishes God ("He") as the active agent behind the judgment. The phrase "gave up" (Hebrew, *nathan*) signifies a deliberate act of surrender or delivery, indicating that God intentionally handed over Egypt's valuable livestock to the destructive force of the hail. This wasn't an accidental occurrence but a purposeful act of divine judgment, targeting a crucial aspect of Egyptian life and economy.
* **"and their flocks to hot thunderbolts":** This second clause parallels the first, broadening the scope of destruction to include "flocks" (smaller livestock like sheep and goats) and specifying the accompanying destructive element as "hot thunderbolts" (*resheph*). The parallelism emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting all types of exposed animals. The "hot thunderbolts" highlight the supernatural, fiery intensity of the plague, underscoring that this was not merely a natural storm but a direct, terrifying manifestation of divine power and wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:48 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Personification** is evident in the active verb "He gave up," attributing a deliberate, volitional act to God, emphasizing His direct involvement and sovereign control over the plague. The phrase "hot thunderbolts" uses vivid **Imagery** to evoke a sense of overwhelming destruction and divine terror, going beyond a simple description of lightning to suggest a supernatural, fiery assault. This also borders on **Hyperbole**, as the description of the hail and fire is intensified to underscore the extraordinary nature of God's judgment. The verse also functions as a powerful example of **Divine Retribution**, where the consequences directly follow the defiance, serving as a didactic warning within the broader historical narrative of the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:48 serves as a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with humanity. It unequivocally declares God's sovereignty over creation, demonstrating that even the forces of nature are instruments in His hand for judgment and deliverance. The destruction of Egypt's livestock was not merely an economic disaster but a direct assault on the gods of Egypt, revealing the impotence of their deities before the one true God. This act of judgment underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the oppressed, and His determination to fulfill His covenant promises to Israel, even through severe means. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in history, upholding His righteousness and executing His will.

* [Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18 "Exodus 9:18-26 - The Plague of Hail Detailed")
* [Job 38:22-23](/job/38-22 "Job 38:22-23 - God's Control Over Hail and Snow")
* [Revelation 16:21](/revelation/16-21 "Revelation 16:21 - Final Plague of Hail")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:48, though rooted in ancient history, offers timeless truths for contemporary reflection. It calls us to a profound awe of God's power, reminding us that He is utterly sovereign over all creation, including the most destructive forces of nature. This should inspire both reverence and trust: reverence for a God who can command such power, and trust that this same God is our protector and deliverer when we walk in obedience. The verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rebellion and a hardened heart. Just as Pharaoh's defiance brought devastating judgment upon his land, so too does persistent disobedience to God's will invite severe consequences. For believers, this means heeding God's voice, repenting of sin, and aligning our lives with His righteous commands, knowing that the God who judges sin also offers abundant grace and protection to those who fear Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "hot thunderbolts" shape your understanding of God's power and justice?**
* **In what ways might we, like Pharaoh, be tempted to harden our hearts against God's clear commands or warnings today?**
* **How does knowing God's absolute control over creation (even destructive forces) impact your sense of security and trust in Him?**
* **What specific areas of your life might need to be "given up" to God's will, rather than resisting His authority?**

### FAQ
**Was the hail plague truly unique, or just a very severe natural event?**

Answer: While hail is a natural phenomenon, the biblical account of this specific plague, as referenced in [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23-24 - The Plague of Hail"), describes it as uniquely severe and accompanied by fire (lightning) that ran along the ground. The text emphasizes that "there had not been any like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation." Furthermore, the precise targeting of the plague—sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "Exodus 9:26 - Goshen Spared"))—demonstrates its supernatural, divinely orchestrated nature rather than a mere exceptionally severe natural event. Psalm 78:48's mention of "hot thunderbolts" (or fiery arrows/flame) further underscores its extraordinary, divinely sent character, distinguishing it from ordinary meteorological occurrences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 78:48, detailing God's judgment through the plague of hail, foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment and deliverance found in Christ. The God who "gave up" Egypt's cattle to destruction for the sake of His people is the same God who, in the fullness of time, "gave up" His own Son, Jesus Christ, to the cross for the sake of His people's salvation ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")). The destructive power of the hail, a manifestation of divine wrath against sin and rebellion, points to the greater wrath against sin that was poured out on Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as Israel was protected from the plagues, believers in Christ are now shielded from the judgment due to sin, finding refuge and deliverance in His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")). The God who commanded the elements to deliver His people from physical bondage ultimately commands spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death through the power of the resurrected Christ, promising eternal life and protection from the final judgment ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Eternal Life for Those Who Believe")).

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

Exodus 9:19

Send therefore now, [and] gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; [for upon] every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

Exodus 9:28

Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.