Psalms 105:34 – “He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Psalm 105:34 refers to one of the devastating plagues that God sent upon Egypt. In this verse, God commanded, and locusts and grasshoppers swarmed across the land, covering everything. These insects came in such overwhelming numbers that they destroyed whatever was left of Egypt’s crops after previous plagues. The locusts were a severe judgment because they consumed everything green, leaving the land barren.

The emphasis on God “speaking” and the locusts coming shows that this was not just a natural disaster but a divine act. God was using the locusts to demonstrate His power over creation and to bring judgment upon Egypt for their stubbornness in refusing to let the Israelites go.

Historical Context

The historical background of this verse is found in Exodus 10:12-15. After Pharaoh repeatedly refused to release the Israelites, despite multiple plagues and warnings, God sent a plague of locusts. This was the eighth plague, following the earlier devastations of hail and other signs. The locusts covered the ground so completely that it looked black, and they devoured every plant in sight.

This plague was especially severe because it came after the hailstorm had already destroyed much of the crops. The locusts consumed what little was left, leaving the Egyptians with almost no food. The devastation was so great that it left the land in ruins, causing widespread fear and desperation.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Psalm 105:34 underscores God’s sovereignty over creation. God’s ability to command the locusts to invade Egypt shows that He is in control of all things, even the smallest creatures. It reminds us that God’s word is powerful and effective; when He speaks, things happen.

This verse also highlights God’s justice. The plagues, including the locusts, were not random acts but were specific responses to Pharaoh’s refusal to obey God’s command to release His people. God’s actions were aimed at securing freedom for the Israelites while simultaneously showing Egypt that their gods were powerless. The locusts demonstrated that God’s judgments are just and serve His purposes.

Literary Analysis

Psalm 105:34 uses simple yet powerful language to describe the arrival of the locusts. The phrase “He spoke” highlights that this plague was initiated by God’s command. The description of locusts and grasshoppers coming “without number” emphasizes the overwhelming scale of this plague. The imagery of an uncontrollable swarm that darkened the land underscores the severity of God’s judgment.

The verse fits into the larger context of Psalm 105, which recounts God’s mighty acts to deliver His people. The psalm serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and power to act on behalf of His people, even against the greatest empires of the time.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 10:12-15: The original account of the plague of locusts, where God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt to bring the locusts.
• Joel 1:4: The prophet Joel describes a devastating locust plague as a symbol of God’s judgment: “What the locust swarm has left, the great locusts have eaten.”
• Proverbs 30:27: “Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks,” highlighting the destructive unity of locust swarms.
• Revelation 9:3: In the end times, locusts appear as part of God’s judgment, showing that they are often used as a symbol of divine punishment.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Psalm 105:34 serves as a reminder that God is all-powerful and that His word has authority over all creation. It challenges us to remember that nothing is beyond God’s control, even things that seem chaotic or uncontrollable, like swarms of locusts. This verse also encourages us to take God’s warnings seriously. Just as Pharaoh’s refusal to listen led to greater suffering, ignoring God’s guidance in our lives can have consequences.

This verse also reminds us that God uses even difficult circumstances for His purposes. The locusts were sent to demonstrate God’s power and to deliver His people. In the same way, God can use challenges in our lives to bring about His good purposes, even if we don’t understand them at the time.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

It may seem harsh that God would send locusts to destroy crops, but this act was part of His plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery. God’s love is not always about making life comfortable; sometimes it involves confronting injustice head-on. By sending the plagues, God was fighting on behalf of His people to set them free.

God’s willingness to act decisively shows that He cares deeply about the suffering of His people. He did not sit idly by while the Israelites suffered in slavery. Instead, He intervened powerfully to bring about their freedom. God’s love includes taking action against those who oppress and harm others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The story of the locusts and the other plagues in Egypt foreshadows the spiritual deliverance that Jesus came to bring. Just as God sent the plagues to free His people from physical slavery, Jesus came to free humanity from the bondage of sin. The locusts were a sign of God’s power to destroy what holds His people captive, while Jesus’ ministry was filled with miracles that set people free spiritually.

In John 8:36, Jesus says, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Just as God used powerful signs to deliver the Israelites, Jesus used signs and wonders to demonstrate that He had the authority to forgive sins and set people free from spiritual oppression.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s control, even when life feels chaotic?
2. Are there areas in your life where you might be resisting God’s guidance, much like Pharaoh did?
3. How can you remain open to the lessons God is trying to teach you through difficult circumstances?
4. What does the story of the locusts teach us about God’s commitment to justice and His willingness to act on behalf of those who are suffering?
5. How does the story of God’s deliverance in Egypt relate to the freedom that Jesus offers us today?
6. How can you encourage someone who feels overwhelmed by challenges to trust in God’s power to deliver them?

Psalm 105:34 reminds us that God’s power is limitless and that His plans cannot be thwarted by human resistance. Let’s trust in His authority and remember that He always acts for the good of those who love Him, even if it means using unexpected means to achieve His purposes.