Psalms 105:38 – “Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 105:38 reflects a significant moment in the story of the Exodus. The Egyptians, after experiencing God’s plagues and seeing the power He wielded on behalf of the Israelites, were finally eager for them to leave. The “dread of Israel” refers to the fear and awe that the Egyptians felt after witnessing God’s mighty acts. They recognized that the God of Israel was not to be challenged, and they were relieved to see the Israelites depart, fearing further calamities.
The verse highlights how God’s deliverance was so powerful that it not only convinced Pharaoh to release the Israelites but also caused the entire nation of Egypt to support their departure. The Egyptians went from stubborn resistance to a willingness to see the Israelites go quickly, even giving them treasures to speed their exit (Exodus 12:33-36).
Historical Context
The historical backdrop of this verse can be found in the book of Exodus. After a series of devastating plagues, including the final plague that took the lives of all the firstborn in Egypt, Pharaoh finally agreed to let the Israelites go (Exodus 12:29-32). The Egyptians, overwhelmed by the destruction they had witnessed, urged the Israelites to leave immediately. They were afraid that if the Israelites stayed any longer, even worse disasters might strike.
This fear and urgency were so intense that the Egyptians gave the Israelites silver, gold, and clothing just to hasten their departure (Exodus 12:35-36). The dread that had fallen upon the Egyptians was a result of God’s powerful intervention on behalf of His people, showcasing that He was the one true God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Psalm 105:38 highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to turn the hearts of even the most stubborn opponents. The Egyptians, who had initially resisted letting the Israelites go, were now desperate to see them leave. This shows that when God decides to act, no human force can stand in His way.
The verse also illustrates God’s protection over His people. Despite being a nation of slaves, the Israelites were able to leave Egypt not only with their freedom but also with wealth and favor. God ensured that their exit was not just an escape but a triumph, showcasing His power to bless His people even in the midst of their enemies.
Literary Analysis
The language in Psalm 105:38 is straightforward yet powerful. The phrase “Egypt was glad when they left” emphasizes the relief that the Egyptians felt, while “dread of Israel” underscores the fear that gripped them after witnessing God’s mighty acts. The verse is concise, but it encapsulates the dramatic shift in Egypt’s attitude from resistance to relief.
This verse is part of a broader narrative in Psalm 105, which recounts God’s faithfulness to His promises and His deliverance of Israel. The psalmist uses this moment to highlight the culmination of God’s deliverance—a complete reversal where the oppressors, who once held the Israelites captive, are now eager to see them go.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:33: “The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. ‘For otherwise,’ they said, ‘we will all die!’”
- Exodus 11:1: God told Moses that after the final plague, Pharaoh would not only let the Israelites go but would drive them out completely.
- Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
- Psalm 78:49-50: A recounting of how God’s wrath brought fear upon Egypt, leading to their willingness to release Israel.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 105:38 is a reminder that God can change hearts and circumstances, even those that seem impossible. Just as God turned the hearts of the Egyptians, causing them to urge the Israelites to leave, He can bring about sudden breakthroughs in our own situations. When God moves on our behalf, even those who oppose us may end up supporting us.
This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s timing. The Israelites had been oppressed for generations, but when God chose to act, He brought about a swift and dramatic deliverance. It shows us that even when it seems like nothing is changing, God can turn things around in an instant.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s actions in Egypt, though harsh, were ultimately motivated by His love for His people. He saw their suffering, heard their cries, and acted powerfully to free them. The fact that the Egyptians were glad to see the Israelites leave shows that God’s deliverance was so complete that even their enemies recognized His power and let them go without further resistance.
God’s love is not passive; it is active and protective. He not only rescued His people from slavery but also ensured that they left with favor and provision. This demonstrates that God’s love goes beyond just freeing us from our burdens; it also involves blessing us as we step into a new chapter.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The story of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt foreshadows the ultimate deliverance that Jesus provides. Just as God freed His people from physical slavery, Jesus came to free us from spiritual slavery to sin. The relief and joy that Egypt felt when the Israelites left can be likened to the freedom and peace we experience when we accept Jesus’ salvation.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me… to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Just as God acted powerfully to release the Israelites, Jesus’ mission was to set us free from the bondage of sin and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s power to change even the hardest of hearts?
- Are there situations in your life where you need to believe that God can bring a sudden breakthrough?
- How can you find comfort in knowing that God sees your struggles and is working behind the scenes for your deliverance?
- What does this story teach us about God’s ability to turn even our enemies into allies?
- How does the deliverance of the Israelites relate to the spiritual freedom that Jesus offers us today?
- How can you encourage someone who feels stuck in a difficult situation to trust that God is able to deliver them?
Psalm 105:38 is a powerful reminder that God’s deliverance is complete and that He can change the hearts of even those who oppose us. Let’s trust in His ability to bring about His plans in our lives, knowing that His timing is perfect and His power is unmatched.