What does Psalms 105:34 mean?

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, Psalms 105:34

Explanation

Psalm 105:34 refers to a historical event recorded in the Book of Exodus. It narrates how God, through His spoken command, brought plagues of locusts and caterpillars upon Egypt as a judgment for the Pharaoh’s refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. The phrase “and that without number” suggests an overwhelming and destructive infestation, highlighting the severity of the plague. On a deeper level, this verse speaks to God’s power to control nature and to how divine intervention can drastically affect a nation when its leader defies God’s will.

Historical Context

This verse is a recollection of the plagues in Egypt that culminated in the liberation of the Israelites from slavery, an event commonly dated to the 13th or 15th century BCE. Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that recounts God’s faithfulness in the history of Israel, starting from the covenant with Abraham to the deliverance from Egypt. The Psalm was a form of liturgy used for thanksgiving by the Israelite community, reminding them of their religious heritage and God’s role in their nation’s past.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Psalm 105:34 affirms God’s sovereignty and omnipotence; God speaks, and nature responds. It also conveys a narrative of divine retribution where God enacts justice on behalf of His people. Some Christian theologies might use this verse to highlight the principle of sowing and reaping, whereas Jewish interpretations may frame this as a testament to God fulfilling promises made to the patriarchs. Both perspectives see the plagues as instrumental to God’s larger plan for His chosen people.

Practical Applications

In applying this verse to daily life, one might consider the power of divine intervention and the importance of aligning with God’s will. It serves as a reminder that actions against God’s commandments can have severe consequences. The text also encourages believers to recall and be thankful for the ways in which God has acted in their lives, both personally and within their community or nation.

Cross-References

• Exodus 10:12-15: Describing the actual event of locusts in Egypt.
• Joel 2:25: God’s promise to restore what the locusts have eaten, in a broader metaphorical sense.
• Revelation 9:3: Referring to the locusts as part of the plagues in the end times.

Language Study

Important Hebrew words in this verse include:

• “Spake” (דִּבֵּר, dibber): Refers to God giving a command or uttering a word.
• “Locusts” (אַרְבֶּה, arbeh): A swarming insect that can form destructive plagues.
• “Caterpillers” (ילק, yeleq): Another term for locusts in the larval stage, or possibly referencing a different species of destructive insect.
• “Without number” (בְּלִי-מִסְפָּר, bli mispar): Conveys an incalculable amount, emphasizing the vastness and overwhelming nature of the plagues.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The plagues on Egypt have parallels in other ancient cultures where tales of gods imposing natural disasters as a form of divine retribution are common. Such myths often serve to explain why bad things happen and reinforce the power of deities as well as the importance of obedience to them. The specific plague of locusts is also found in other ancient Near Eastern texts as a common agricultural calamity that would be interpreted through a religious lens.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands locust plagues as natural phenomena driven by climatic and ecological factors. Locusts swarm when their populations become dense enough to trigger a change in behavior and physical characteristics, leading to mass migration and consumption of vegetation. The event described in Psalm 105:34 can be studied as a historical instance of such a biological occurrence, possibly triggered by environmental conditions of the time.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians propose various interpretations of Psalm 105:34. Some commentaries focus on the historical accuracy and details of the plague, while others delve into the literary and theological symbolism of the event. Many agree that the psalm serves as a celebration of God’s deliverance and a warning against disobedience. Some scholars also discuss the thematic element of remembrance and the role of collective memory in shaping Israel’s identity.