Psalms 78:51

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

And smote {H5221}{H8686)} all the firstborn {H1060} in Egypt {H4714}; the chief {H7225} of their strength {H202} in the tabernacles {H168} of Ham {H2526}:

striking all the firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.

He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.

And smote all the first-born in Egypt, The chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.

Commentary

Psalm 78:51 recounts a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history: the tenth and final plague God inflicted upon Egypt, which ultimately led to the release of the Israelites from bondage. This verse is part of a longer historical psalm, attributed to Asaph, that chronicles God's faithfulness and Israel's recurrent unfaithfulness, serving as a powerful reminder for future generations.

Historical and Cultural Context

The phrase "And smote all the firstborn in Egypt" directly refers to the devastating event described in Exodus 12:29. This was the most severe of the ten plagues, targeting the very heart of Egyptian society. In ancient cultures, the firstborn son was considered the heir, the strength, and the future of the family line, often holding a sacred status. Their death was an irreparable loss, striking at the core of a household's vitality and heritage.

The poetic description "the chief of [their] strength" emphasizes the profound impact of this judgment. It signifies that the firstborn represented the pinnacle of their human power and potential. The reference to "the tabernacles of Ham" identifies the Egyptians ancestrally. Ham was one of Noah's sons, and his descendants, particularly Mizraim (Genesis 10:6), are historically associated with the land of Egypt. This phrasing underscores the universality of God's judgment over all Egyptian households.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's absolute authority over nations and His willingness to execute severe judgment against those who defy His will and oppress His people. It highlights His role as the ultimate judge.
  • God's Deliverance: The striking of the firstborn was the final, decisive act that broke Pharaoh's stubborn resistance and secured the liberation of Israel from Egyptian slavery. It underscores God's commitment to saving His chosen people.
  • The Cost of Defiance: The verse serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of hardening one's heart against God, as Pharaoh did.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "smote" is nakah (ื ึธื›ึธื”), which means to strike, smite, or slay. It conveys a decisive and forceful action, emphasizing the direct and powerful intervention of God. "Chief of their strength" is from the Hebrew re'shith onam (ืจึตืืฉืึดื™ืช ืื•ึนื ึธื), literally "the firstfruits of their vigor" or "the beginning of their strength," further highlighting the preciousness and significance of the firstborn to the Egyptian families.

Practical Application

Psalm 78:51 reminds us of God's unchanging character: He is a God of justice, who will not tolerate oppression indefinitely. While His judgments today may not always manifest in the same dramatic ways, the principle remains: God sees injustice and acts on behalf of the oppressed. For believers, this verse offers comfort and assurance that God is powerful enough to deliver them from any adversary. It also serves as a solemn warning to heed God's commands and not to resist His will, for His power is absolute and His judgments are righteous.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:23 (7 votes)

    Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

  • Psalms 135:8 (6 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:22 (6 votes)

    Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.

  • Psalms 136:10 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 105:36 (5 votes)

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

  • Exodus 13:15 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 49:3 (3 votes)

    Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: