What does Psalms 105:33 mean?

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts. Psalms 105:33

Explanation

The verse “He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.” from Psalms 105:33 describes an act of divine judgment where the speaker, likely referencing God, delivers a blow to the agricultural assets of a particular people, specifically their vines and fig trees. This smiting of agriculture is symbolic as it represents a direct attack on their sustenance and economy. The “trees of their coasts” suggests that the judgment was extensive, reaching the boundaries or borders of the land.

Historical Context

Psalms 105 is a hymn that recounts the history of Israel and celebrates God’s faithfulness and mighty works on behalf of His people. This particular psalm likely reflects upon the plagues sent upon Egypt during the Exodus of the Israelites. The smiting of vines and fig trees could be understood metaphorically in the context of God’s intervention against the oppressors of the Israelites, showing His supremacy over other gods and the natural world.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse illustrates God as the sovereign judge over nations, with the authority to bless or to curse their land as a reflection of His approval or disapproval. The destruction of agricultural resources as a divine judgment is a recurring theme in the Bible. It signifies not only a physical deprivation but also a spiritual message that God is in control and that the prosperity of a nation is by His grace.

Practical Applications

This verse can be reflected upon in terms of reliance on God for all provision. In a practical sense, it teaches the importance of responsible stewardship of our environment and resources, acknowledging that our sustenance is ultimately in God’s hands. Additionally, it can inspire a consideration of how one’s actions and corporate behavior of a people can result in consequences that affect their livelihood.

Cross-References

• Joel 1:12 – “The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.”
• Hosea 2:12 – “And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them.”
• Jeremiah 5:17 – “And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, which thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thy herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.”

Language Study

The key Hebrew words in this verse are:

• “smote” (נכה, nakah): to hit, strike, beat or cast a blow, often with the connotation of striking with intention or with a purpose.
• “vines” (גפן, gephen): typically referring to grapevines, an important source of wine and symbolizing agricultural prosperity.
• “fig trees” (תאנה, teenah): symbolic of sustenance and prosperity.
• “brake” (שבר, shabar): to break, destroy, fracture.
• “coasts” (גבול, gebul): boundaries, territories, or borders, representing the far-reaching impact of God’s judgment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient Near Eastern mythologies include tales of gods who control nature and fertility. In ancient Mesopotamia, for example, the god Enlil was believed to have the power to grant or withhold the fruits of the earth. By contrast, in the Bible, God’s actions are not arbitrary but are connected to the behavior and ethical conduct of people.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern agronomy understands the vulnerability of crops to environmental catastrophes and diseases. Scientific perspectives would likely read this verse as a description of a natural disaster having a substantial impact on agriculture. It underscores the timeless connection between human well-being, agriculture, and the forces of nature.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars typically interpret this verse within the narrative context of God’s dealings with Israel and surrounding nations. Commentators like Matthew Henry highlight God’s just actions and remind the reader of the importance of not taking for granted the blessings of a fruitful land. The biblical view that God is the owner of creation is a consensus among many theologians, underscoring the idea that disobedience to His commands can lead to a withdrawal of blessing, or in this case, the destruction of crucial agricultural resources.