Psalm 105 33

Psalm 105:33 kjv

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.

Psalm 105:33 nkjv

He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, And splintered the trees of their territory.

Psalm 105:33 niv

he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.

Psalm 105:33 esv

He struck down their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country.

Psalm 105:33 nlt

He ruined their grapevines and fig trees
and shattered all the trees.

Psalm 105 verses

Psalm 105 33 Meaning

Psalm 105:33 describes a specific act of divine judgment against the land of Egypt, during the plagues preceding the Exodus. It highlights God's absolute control over creation, illustrating His power to command natural elements for His redemptive purposes. This verse portrays the devastating effect of a plague, likely the seventh plague of hail, on the foundational agricultural assets of Egypt: their vines, fig trees, and other woody plants throughout their territory. It underscores God's ability to precisely target and shatter the sources of their prosperity and national confidence, leaving no doubt about His supreme authority and the futility of resistance against His will.

Psalm 105 33 Context

Psalm 105 is a hymn of praise recounting God's covenant faithfulness and mighty acts throughout Israel's early history, from the call of Abraham to the establishment in Canaan. The psalm encourages Israel to remember, give thanks, and proclaim God's wonders. Verses 26-36 specifically detail the plagues sent upon Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the Exodus. Psalm 105:33 is situated within this narrative sequence, specifically referring to the plague of hail (Exodus 9). Historically, this plague was a direct attack on Egypt's agricultural system, a vital part of their economy and often intertwined with their polytheistic beliefs, as many gods were associated with fertility and harvest. The detailed destruction emphasizes the Lord's power over what the Egyptians believed their deities controlled, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty and His protective care for His chosen people.

Psalm 105 33 Word analysis

• He struck: (Hebrew: וַיַּךְ - wayyakh, from the root נָכָה - nakah) This verb means "to strike, smite, beat down, slay, destroy." It implies a forceful and decisive blow, often used in the context of divine judgment or military action. Here, it underscores the direct, personal, and powerful involvement of God in initiating the plague, demonstrating His immediate execution of judgment.
• also: (Hebrew: גַּם - gam) Indicates an additional element or extension to the preceding actions, signifying comprehensive destruction beyond what might have been initially conceived or limited.
• their vines: (Hebrew: גַּפְנָם - gaphnam, from גֶּפֶן - gephen, "vine") Grapevines were a crucial agricultural product in ancient Near Eastern economies, producing grapes for food and wine. Their destruction symbolized a significant economic blow and loss of potential future sustenance and luxury. In a broader sense, it represents an attack on their source of pleasure and prosperity.
• and their fig trees: (Hebrew: וּתְאֵנָתָם - ute'enatam, from תְּאֵנָה - t'enah, "fig tree") Fig trees, alongside vines, were primary symbols of prosperity, peace, and security in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures (e.g., "sitting under one's vine and fig tree"). Their destruction signified a complete disruption of normal life, comfort, and security. Both vines and fig trees represent the agricultural foundation and blessings of a land.
• and shattered: (Hebrew: וַיְשַׁבֵּר - wayəshabbēr, from שָׁבַר - shavar) This verb means "to break, shatter, burst, smash." It conveys a violent and irreversible destruction, distinct from merely "striking." It suggests a more thorough and destructive act, indicating the complete ruination of the trees rather than just damaging them.
• the trees: (Hebrew: עֵץ - ‘ēṣ) This refers to trees generally, broadening the scope of destruction beyond just fruit-bearing trees like vines and figs. It suggests widespread devastation across all arboreal life.
• of their territory: (Hebrew: גְּבוּלָם - gəbûlām, from גְּבוּל - gevul, "border, boundary, territory") This phrase indicates that the destruction was pervasive, affecting trees throughout the entire land or region belonging to Egypt. It emphasizes the scale and comprehensiveness of the judgment, showing that no part of their land was exempt from God's reach and judgment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• He struck also their vines and their fig trees: This grouping highlights God's direct assault on Egypt's key agricultural products. These specific trees represented core elements of their diet, economy, and symbols of national well-being. The selection implies a targeted judgment that undermined their perceived blessings and self-sufficiency. This phrase shows a direct reversal of agricultural fertility and a removal of sustenance.
• and shattered the trees of their territory: This phrase broadens the scope of devastation. While vines and fig trees represent specific, highly valuable crops, "the trees of their territory" encompasses all arboreal growth, emphasizing the absolute and pervasive nature of the judgment across the entire land. The word "shattered" underscores the violence and totality of this destruction, rendering the trees unusable and unproductive. This shows not just loss of current harvest but destruction of future productive capacity, a profound act of judgment against the very foundation of the land.

Psalm 105 33 Bonus section

The destruction detailed in Psalm 105:33 also underscores a significant aspect of divine judgment: the stripping away of human self-reliance and the expose of false securities. In many ancient cultures, including Egypt, agricultural abundance was often seen as a direct blessing from local deities or as a sign of the land's inherent prosperity. By directly targeting and shattering these symbols of prosperity, the Lord systematically dismantled Egypt's confidence in its land, its economy, and most importantly, its own gods. This action had a strong polemical element, directly challenging the efficacy and existence of the pantheon of Egyptian deities, asserting Yahweh as the sole and supreme sovereign over all creation and all national destinies. It highlights that true security and blessing come only from Him.

Psalm 105 33 Commentary

Psalm 105:33 serves as a concise yet powerful reminder of God's sovereign control over the natural world and His use of it to fulfill His divine purposes. This verse is not merely a historical note but a theological statement about divine power. The deliberate destruction of "vines and fig trees" was a severe blow to Egypt, directly impacting their economy and sustenance. In an ancient agrarian society, the destruction of such fundamental crops represented not only famine but also the stripping away of a nation's wealth and prestige. The phrase "shattered the trees of their territory" emphasizes the extensive, sweeping nature of this judgment, making it clear that no corner of Egypt was immune from God's hand. This plague was unique in its scope and in specifically targeting the vegetation (as opposed to animals or water). This divine intervention exposed the impotence of Egypt's gods who were associated with agriculture, fertility, and prosperity, such as Renenutet, the goddess of harvest. By striking the very foundations of Egyptian prosperity and confidence, God unmistakably demonstrated His supremacy and affirmed His promise to Israel. It serves as a stark example of God's judicial might, highlighting that the creation itself responds to the Creator's command, either in blessing or in judgment. For the Israelites, this was a clear demonstration of their God's unique and overwhelming power, validating their trust in Him and solidifying His covenant faithfulness.