Psalm 105:38 kjv
Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
Psalm 105:38 nkjv
Egypt was glad when they departed, For the fear of them had fallen upon them.
Psalm 105:38 niv
Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them.
Psalm 105:38 esv
Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.
Psalm 105:38 nlt
Egypt was glad when they were gone,
for they feared them greatly.
Psalm 105 38 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 10:7 | Pharaoh’s servants said... “Let the men go, that they may serve...” | Egyptian officials urge Pharaoh to release Israel |
| Ex 11:1 | The Lord said... “Yet one plague more...after that, he will let you go” | God's final warning before the last plague |
| Ex 12:30 | Pharaoh rose up... and all the Egyptians... for there was a great cry | After firstborn died, great mourning in Egypt |
| Ex 12:31-32 | He called Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up! Get out... as you say” | Pharaoh commands Israel to leave immediately |
| Ex 12:33 | The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out... we are all dying | Egyptians press Israel to depart quickly |
| Ex 12:39 | They baked unleavened cakes... because they were driven out of Egypt | Israel left quickly due to Egypt's urgency |
| Ex 15:14-16 | The peoples have heard... Terror and dread fall upon them... | The song of Moses speaks of dread on nations |
| Deut 2:25 | This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples | God promises to put dread upon Israel's enemies |
| Deut 4:34 | Has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself... with dreadful deeds | God's mighty acts in Egypt were dreadful |
| Deut 11:25 | No man shall be able to stand against you; the Lord your God will lay the dread of you | God causes dread of Israel to fall on enemies |
| Josh 2:9 | The dread of you has fallen upon us, and all the inhabitants of the land melt | Rahab's confession of dread among Canaanites |
| Josh 5:1 | When the Amorite kings... heard that the Lord had dried up the waters... their hearts melted | Nations heard of Israel's God, felt dread |
| Neh 9:10-11 | You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh... you gained renown | God's renowned deeds against Egypt |
| Ps 78:43-51 | He did his signs in Egypt and his wonders... smote all the firstborn | Recap of God's signs and smiting of Egypt |
| Ps 105:27-36 | He performed his signs... plagues in their land... he struck down all the firstborn | The direct preceding context detailing the plagues |
| Ps 135:8-9 | He struck down the firstborn of Egypt... who sent signs and wonders | God's striking of Egypt's firstborn |
| Ps 136:10-12 | To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt... and brought Israel out with a strong hand | God's strong hand in striking and bringing out Israel |
| Rom 9:17 | For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up...” | God raises up rulers to display His power |
| Acts 7:36 | He led them out... performing wonders and signs in Egypt... | Stephen recounts Moses leading Israel out with wonders |
| Heb 11:27 | By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king... | Moses's exodus, despite Pharaoh's wrath |
| Jer 32:21 | You brought your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders | God's deliverance marked by signs and wonders |
| Is 63:12 | Who led them by the right hand of Moses... to make for himself an everlasting name | God's actions in Exodus established His fame |
| Judg 6:13 | Where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted... brought us up from Egypt? | Remembrance of God's deeds in Egypt |
| Rev 15:3 | And they sing the song of Moses... "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God Almighty!" | The song of Moses echoes throughout eternity |
Psalm 105 verses
Psalm 105 38 Meaning
Psalm 105:38 states that the Egyptians rejoiced when the Israelites departed their land because an overwhelming divine dread had seized them. This gladness was not born of benevolence but of profound fear and desperation, prompted by the devastating plagues that God had inflicted upon Egypt, particularly the death of the firstborn. The verse encapsulates the dramatic turn of events, where the powerful oppressors eagerly expelled their former slaves, overwhelmed by the might of the Lord.
Psalm 105 38 Context
Psalm 105 is a psalm of historical praise, chronicling God's faithfulness to Israel from the call of Abraham through the Exodus and into the possession of the promised land. The psalm calls the people to remember God's wonderful works, judgments, and the wonders of His mouth. Verse 38 falls within the section recounting the Exodus from Egypt (Ps 105:23-38). It immediately follows the description of the ten plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn (Ps 105:36). The broader context of the psalm emphasizes God's covenant loyalty and His miraculous intervention on behalf of His chosen people, showcasing His supreme power over nations and rulers who oppose His will. Historically, this event represents the definitive act of deliverance for the nation of Israel, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham in Gen 15:13-14 regarding his descendants' oppression and subsequent liberation with great possessions. It demonstrates YHWH's absolute sovereignty over Egyptian deities, human life, and the very elements, thereby discrediting pagan gods.
Psalm 105 38 Word analysis
- Egypt (מִצְרַיִם - Mitṣrayim): Refers to the powerful ancient empire, then the dominant world power and Israel's oppressive master. The term here represents the very antithesis of God's covenant people, a land steeped in polytheism and slavery.
- was glad (שָׂמֵחַ - sāmeach): Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice, be joyful, or delighted. This "gladness" is highly ironic. It is not an expression of benevolence or friendship but of extreme relief born from terror. It signals Egypt's complete defeat and desperate desire to be rid of the source of divine judgment, which was the Israelites in their midst.
- when they departed (בְּצֵאתָם - bə·t͡sê·ṯām): Literally "in their going out." This refers to the immediate and rapid exodus of the Israelites. It underscores the urgency with which Egypt sought their removal.
- for the dread (כִּֽי־פַחְדָּם - kî-paḥdām):
- כִּֽי (kî): Conjunction "for," "because," indicating the reason.
- פַחְדָּם (paḥdām): From the root paḥad (פַחַד), meaning "terror," "dread," or "fear." The suffix "-ām" indicates "their," referring to the Israelites. So, "the dread of them [the Israelites]" implies a terror specifically associated with, or emanating from, the Israelites because of God's acts performed on their behalf. It wasn't merely fear of a powerful enemy but a supernatural, paralyzing terror inflicted by YHWH.
- had fallen upon them (נָפַל עֲלֵיהֶם - nāp̄al ʻalêhem):
- נָפַל (nāp̄al): Hebrew verb "to fall." Implies something coming down suddenly, powerfully, and universally. This was not a slow buildup of apprehension but an overwhelming, divinely imposed terror that seized the entire Egyptian population.
- עֲלֵיהֶם (ʻalêhem): "upon them," referring to the Egyptians.
- "for the dread of them had fallen upon them": This phrase explains Egypt's unexpected joy. The "dread" (fear, terror) associated with the Israelites due to God's escalating judgments had permeated Egyptian society. This terror was so profound that they would rather lose their labor force and wealth than face further divine retribution. This divine dread acted as a potent psychological weapon, ensuring the Israelites' release and swift departure. It served as a powerful polemic, demonstrating that YHWH, the God of Israel, utterly humbled the mightiest empire and its numerous deities, proving their powerlessness against His singular might.
Psalm 105 38 Bonus section
The divine act of instilling fear and dread upon enemies is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing that ultimate victory belongs to God. This specific instance in Psalm 105:38 perfectly illustrates that God not only breaks the power of the oppressor but can also manipulate their will and emotions to achieve His purposes. The "dread" was not merely a psychological state; it was a supernatural manifestation of God's presence and judgment, a terror from above. The speed with which Israel was expelled and provided with gold and silver (Ex 12:35-36) also demonstrates this profound impact. This incident is remembered as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to turn the tables on oppressors, compelling even the most recalcitrant heart to release His people. It is a prefigurement of God's future judgment on all who defy Him and a comfort to believers enduring persecution.
Psalm 105 38 Commentary
Psalm 105:38 concisely captures the paradoxical culmination of the Exodus narrative. After centuries of oppressive bondage, the Israelites did not have to fight their way out; they were, in fact, expelled with urgency by their masters. The "gladness" of Egypt was a stark reversal, born from the torment of God's judgment and a paralyzing fear for their very lives. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, brought this dread to its peak, confirming the futility of Pharaoh's resistance against the Almighty. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over even the hearts and wills of adversaries, forcing them to comply with His divine plan for His people. It highlights that the liberation was entirely God's work, not by human might or wisdom, solidifying the Exodus as a foundational act of redemption and demonstrating YHWH's unrivaled power over all earthly powers and spiritual forces. The forced expulsion underscored God's commitment to His covenant promises and His justice in bringing judgment upon those who oppose His will.