What does Psalm 78:51 mean?
ESV: He struck down every firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.
NIV: He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.
NASB: And struck all the firstborn in Egypt, The first and best of their vigor in the tents of Ham.
CSB: He struck all the firstborn in Egypt, the first progeny of the tents of Ham.
NLT: He killed the oldest son in each Egyptian family, the flower of youth throughout the land of Egypt.
KJV: And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
NKJV: And destroyed all the firstborn in Egypt, The first of their strength in the tents of Ham.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 78:9–64 is a long summary of God's work on behalf of Israel. God freed the people from slavery in Egypt, guiding them day and night. He brought them across the Red Sea while drowning their Egyptian attackers. Despite their complaints and bitterness, the Lord provided food and water. When Israel finally entered the Promised Land, He empowered them to take it from the depraved Canaanites. Even then, the people betrayed their God. This led to the cycle of rescue and defeat described in the book of Judges.
Chapter Summary:
This psalm begins with a call for Israel to remember. In fact, they are told to remember remembering: God intends them to look back on their history during hard times. After setting this scene, Asaph gives a detailed list of ways in which the Lord has dealt with Israel. This includes punishment for blatant sin, but also consistent protection and care. Every time Israel sinned, God preserved and restored them, no matter how far they fell.
Chapter Context:
Asaph's name is associated with several psalms that start with worry (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 77:2–3; 79:5) and end in confidence (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 77:10–11; 79:13). This song is an extensive list of reasons why the people of Israel should trust the Lord, even in hard times. When Israel was freed from Egypt by God's power, they continued to be stubborn and disobedient. Even so, the Lord cared for them. Those events are the basis of Psalm 78.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 12/3/2024 12:22:18 PM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
