What does Psalms 105:38 mean?

Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. Psalms 105:38

Explanation

Psalm 105:38 speaks of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, an event detailed in the book of Exodus. It highlights the reaction of the Egyptians to the exodus, suggesting a sense of relief or gladness. This response is attributed to the fear that the Egyptians experienced as a result of the ten plagues and the mighty acts of God that had befallen their country. The verse speaks both to the literal historical event and symbolically to the power of God to compel even a powerful nation to release His people. The gladness of the Egyptians can be interpreted as their realization that the God of the Israelites is indeed formidable, and their desire to avoid further suffering.

Historical Context

The historical setting for Psalm 105:38 is the Exodus from Egypt, one of the foundational stories in Jewish history. The story is recounted in the book of Exodus and tells of how God liberated the Israelites from slavery under the rule of the Pharaoh through a series of divine interventions, including ten plagues. These events culminate in the Israelites’ hasty departure, laden with gifts from the Egyptians, who were eager to see the end of the plagues and the departure of the Israelites.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Psalm 105:38 underlines the sovereignty and the justice of God. The verse could be interpreted as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be delivered from bondage. It also reflects the view of God as a protector and liberator of the oppressed. Some theologians might see this as an instance of divine retribution where the fear of God compels an oppressor to release the oppressed.

Practical Applications

Psalm 105:38 serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the potential for liberation from oppression. It can inspire individuals to trust in a higher power and invoke divine aid in times of distress. This could be particularly relevant for those who feel trapped in challenging circumstances, encouraging them to hold on to hope and remain steadfast in their belief that liberation is possible.

Cross-References

• Exodus 12:33 – “And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.”
• Exodus 12:36 – “And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”
• Exodus 15:14-16 – “(14) The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. (16) Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.”

Language Study

The phrase “Egypt was glad” (שָׂמְחָה עַל, sameach al) can indicate a sense of joy or relief. The word “glad” in Hebrew can encompass a spectrum of joyful emotions, which may seem unusual when considering the escape of a vast number of slaves.

“Fear of them” (מִפַּחְדָּם, mipachad) places emphasis on the dread or terror that the Egyptians felt, which likely stemmed from the plagues and the powerful display of God’s might.

“Fell upon them” (נָפַל עֲלֵיהֶם, nafal aleihem) implies a sudden or overwhelming sensation, adding to the urgency and impact of this fear on the Egyptians.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures often recorded stories of gods intervening in human affairs, supporting particular peoples or nations and causing great natural events as signs of their power. Psalm 105:38 corresponds with this pattern, seen in religious texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or accounts from Greco-Roman mythology, where deities act on behalf of their followers. Unlike these myths, however, the biblical narrative focuses on a monotheistic framework of a single, omnipotent deity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, natural explanations have been sought for the plagues and other events described in the Exodus narrative. Some researchers have hypothesized that environmental changes could have caused phenomena similar to the plagues, while others argue for a historical understanding that appreciates these narratives within their cultural and religious contexts rather than through modern empirical lenses.

Commentaries

Numerous biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Psalm 105:38 and the broader narrative of the Exodus. Matthew Henry’s commentary, for example, notes the irony of Egypt rejoicing at the departure of the very people they had desired to keep as slaves. Calvin’s commentary would likely reflect on the sovereign will of God in directing the hearts of the Egyptians to let the Israelites go. Contemporary commentaries discuss how Psalm 105 as a whole serves as a hymn of thanks for God’s covenant loyalty and his actions in history, which include the liberation of Israel from Egypt.