Psalms 78:12

Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, [in] the field of Zoan.

Marvellous things {H6382} did {H6213}{H8804)} he in the sight {H5048} of their fathers {H1}, in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, in the field {H7704} of Zoan {H6814}.

He had done wonderful things in the presence of their ancestors in the land of Egypt, in the region of Tzo'an.

He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.

Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

Commentary

Psalms 78:12 is a foundational verse within a lengthy historical psalm, recounting God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel. It serves as a preamble to the detailed narrative of Israel's journey from Egypt to the promised land, emphasizing the divine power displayed at the very beginning of their national history.

Context

This verse introduces a panoramic historical review in Psalm 78, composed by Asaph, which chronicles God's faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion. Specifically, verse 12 harks back to the period of the Exodus from Egypt. The "marvellous things" refer to the series of plagues and miracles God performed to liberate His people from bondage. The mention of "the land of Egypt" and "the field of Zoan" provides geographical precision. Zoan, also known as Tanis, was a significant city in the Nile Delta, often a pharaonic capital or royal residence. Its inclusion highlights that God's wonders were not hidden acts but were performed publicly and demonstrably in the heart of Egyptian power, in the sight of both the Israelites ("their fathers") and the Egyptians.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Sovereignty: The verse immediately establishes God as the supreme being, capable of intervening powerfully in the affairs of nations and delivering His people through supernatural means.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: Despite Israel's future failures, God initiated their deliverance with overwhelming power, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises.
  • Remembrance of God's Works: The psalm itself is a call to remember and recount God's past deeds. This verse highlights the foundational acts of deliverance that should never be forgotten, emphasizing the importance of transmitting God's historical acts to future generations.
  • Public Display of Miracles: The phrase "in the sight of their fathers" underscores that these were undeniable, witnessed events, leaving no doubt about their divine origin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "marvellous things" is ืคืœื (pela), which denotes something extraordinary, wonderful, or miraculous, beyond human comprehension or natural explanation. It points to deeds that inspire awe and reverence because they are clearly of divine origin. The specificity of "the field of Zoan" (Hebrew: ืฆึนืขึทืŸ, Tso'an) further roots these miracles in a verifiable historical and geographical setting, lending credibility to the account.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 78:12 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging character and His enduring power. Just as God performed "marvellous things" for Israel, He continues to work in the lives of His people. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Power: Reflecting on God's past interventions builds confidence that He is capable of handling present and future challenges.
  • Remember His Faithfulness: Recalling His historical acts of deliverance strengthens our faith and assurance in His promises.
  • Share God's Story: Like the psalmist, we are called to recount God's mighty deeds to subsequent generations, ensuring that His legacy of power and love continues through time.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:22 (6 votes)

    And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

  • Ezekiel 30:14 (4 votes)

    And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.

  • Isaiah 19:11 (4 votes)

    Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

  • Psalms 135:9 (3 votes)

    [Who] sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

  • Exodus 7:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

  • Exodus 12:51 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

  • Isaiah 19:13 (3 votes)

    The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, [even they that are] the stay of the tribes thereof.