Psalms 78:46 – “He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust.”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
Psalm 78:46 recalls one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt during Israel’s time in captivity. This verse refers to the plague of locusts that consumed Egypt’s crops, devastating their food supply and economy. By allowing the locusts to destroy the Egyptians’ fields and produce, God showed His power over the natural world and used this event to persuade Pharaoh to release His people. This plague was both a judgment on Egypt and a demonstration of God’s authority, showing that even the most basic resources, like food and crops, are under His control.
Historical Context
The plague of locusts, described in Exodus 10:12-15, was one of ten plagues God sent to compel Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Egypt’s agriculture was essential to its economy, and its fertile land relied heavily on the annual flooding of the Nile to grow crops. By sending locusts, God effectively removed Egypt’s ability to feed itself, stripping them of one of their greatest resources. This was a serious judgment that not only affected their daily lives but also revealed the weakness of Egypt’s gods, who were unable to protect their land and people from this disaster. For Israel, these plagues were evidence of God’s determination to free them from bondage.
Theological Implications
Psalm 78:46 highlights God’s sovereignty over creation and His willingness to use nature to accomplish His purposes. God’s control over even the smallest creatures, like locusts, shows that He is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer and Ruler of all things. This verse teaches us that God can use any means, including what may seem small or insignificant, to bring about His will and to demonstrate His power. It also serves as a reminder that God can—and will—intervene when His people are oppressed, and that He has the power to disrupt any system or nation that stands in opposition to His purposes.
Literary Analysis
Psalm 78 is a reflective and historical psalm, recounting Israel’s story to teach lessons about God’s faithfulness and power. The phrase “gave their crops to the grasshopper” and “their produce to the locust” uses imagery that conveys destruction and loss. These words are meant to bring to mind the devastation Egypt experienced and the powerlessness of the Egyptians in the face of God’s judgment. The psalmist uses this imagery to show that God’s actions were deliberate and impactful, reminding readers that God’s intervention was significant and purposeful.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 10:14-15 – “They invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again.” This passage describes the locust plague in detail, showing its severity.
- Joel 1:4 – “What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left the young locusts have eaten.” The prophet Joel later uses locusts as a symbol of God’s judgment, reflecting a similar message.
- Psalm 105:34-35 – “He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil.” This verse parallels Psalm 78:46 and reinforces the theme of God’s power over creation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Psalm 78:46 serves as a reminder of God’s power to intervene in human affairs. This verse shows that God can use even the smallest aspects of creation to achieve His purposes, whether that’s to provide for His people, protect them, or bring justice. It challenges us to recognize that God is not limited by human resources or strength; He is in control of all things, and He can use any means necessary to accomplish His plans. When we face situations that seem out of our control, this verse reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He has the power to work in ways we might not expect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Psalm 78:46 reflects God’s love for His people by showing His willingness to act on their behalf. Though the plague of locusts was a judgment on Egypt, it was also a protective act for Israel. God was not indifferent to their suffering, and He didn’t abandon them in their time of need. Instead, He actively worked to free them, using His power to confront the forces that kept them in bondage. This verse shows that God’s love is not just gentle or comforting; it’s powerful and proactive, willing to do whatever it takes to bring freedom and justice to His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
In Jesus, we see God’s ultimate act of intervention on behalf of humanity. Just as God used the plagues to free Israel from physical slavery, Jesus came to free us from spiritual slavery to sin and death. In John 8:36, Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin, offering us a path to spiritual freedom and new life. The same God who sent the plagues to free His people in Egypt sent Jesus to bring us true freedom, showing that God’s desire for our liberation goes beyond physical circumstances to address the deeper bondage of sin.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding God’s power over creation encourage you in situations where you feel powerless?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to trust that God can use even small or unexpected means to bring about His purposes?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s commitment to justice and His willingness to act for His people?
- How does Jesus’ mission to free us from sin mirror God’s intervention in Egypt on behalf of Israel?
- How can you trust in God’s power and love, even when you can’t see how He might be working in your situation?
Psalm 78:46 reminds us of God’s power and willingness to act on behalf of His people. Through the image of the plague of locusts, we see a God who is not distant but engaged, willing to confront oppression and to use His authority over all creation for His purposes. In Jesus, we see the fulfillment of God’s love and power, freeing us from spiritual bondage and offering us new life. This verse calls us to trust in God’s sovereignty, to rely on His strength, and to believe in His commitment to justice and mercy for those who seek Him.