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Psalms 135:8

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 135:8 is a powerful declaration of God's unmatched strength and sovereignty, specifically recalling one of the most pivotal events in the Old Testament: the tenth and final plague brought upon ancient Egypt. This verse highlights God's direct intervention in human history to deliver His people.

Context

This verse is part of a longer psalm of praise (Psalms 135) that enumerates various reasons to extol the Lord. The psalmist calls for worship, declaring God's greatness above all gods (Psalms 135:5) and recounting His mighty deeds, including His control over nature and His historical acts on behalf of Israel. The mention of smiting the firstborn of Egypt is a direct reference to the Passover event, which was the ultimate catalyst for the Israelites' exodus from bondage. This act demonstrated God's power over Pharaoh and all Egyptian deities.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Sovereignty: The verse unequivocally attributes this devastating act to God, emphasizing His absolute power over life and death, even over the most powerful nation of that time. It demonstrates that no earthly ruler or force can withstand His will.
  • Righteous Judgment: The smiting of the firstborn was God's climactic judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt for their persistent refusal to release His people and their oppression of Israel. It underscores God's justice in dealing with sin and rebellion.
  • Deliverance of Israel: This plague was the decisive act that broke Pharaoh's stubborn will and led to the liberation of the Israelites. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His commitment to His chosen people.
  • God's Uniqueness: By recounting this specific act, the psalmist further distinguishes the God of Israel from the false gods of Egypt, none of whom could prevent this divine decree.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV word "smote" comes from the Hebrew verb nakah (נָכָה), which means to strike, hit, or beat, often with destructive force. In this context, it signifies a decisive, direct, and powerful act of judgment by God, not a passive event. It conveys the totality and severity of the blow, impacting "both of man and beast," leaving no part of Egyptian society untouched by the divine wrath.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 135:8 offers several profound insights:

  • It reinforces our understanding of God as a God of immense power and justice, who actively intervenes in the affairs of humanity.
  • It provides assurance that God is faithful to His promises and will ultimately deliver His people from oppression and injustice, just as He did for Israel. This is a source of hope and encouragement.
  • It reminds us that God's judgments are real and inevitable for those who stand against Him and His purposes. This can lead to both reverence and a call to repentance and faith.
  • Ultimately, this verse points to God's overarching sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes, providing a firm foundation for trust and worship. Even in difficult circumstances, we can rest in His powerful hand, knowing He is in control.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Psalms 78:51 (6 votes)

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

  • Exodus 12:12 (5 votes)

    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 (4 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.

  • Psalms 136:10 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 12:29 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.