Psalms 105:36
He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣ךְ
He smote
H5221
וַיַּ֣ךְ
He smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 7
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רֵ֝אשִׁ֗ית
the chief
H7225
רֵ֝אשִׁ֗ית
the chief
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
5 of 7
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
Historical Context
This plague occurred on the night of Passover (circa 1446 BC), establishing Israel's foundational redemptive event. Every Egyptian family lost their firstborn son, from Pharaoh's heir to the prisoner's child (Exodus 12:29). The night of weeping contrasted with Israel's protected households, demonstrating God's distinction between His people and the world. This became the central event of Israel's calendar and worship, remembered annually in Passover.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the death of Egypt's firstborn foreshadow Christ's sacrificial death?
- What does the Passover's substitutionary principle teach about atonement?
- How should the distinction between protected and judged households affect our view of salvation?
Analysis & Commentary
The tenth and final plague (death of firstborn, Exodus 11:1-12:30) is the climactic judgment. 'Smote' (nakah) again emphasizes divine striking. 'All the firstborn' shows comprehensive judgment—no Egyptian household was exempt. 'Chief of all their strength' (reshit, רֵאשִׁית, 'firstfruits') emphasizes these were the heirs, the future of Egypt. This plague directly challenged Pharaoh, considered the son of Ra, and all Egyptian hopes for dynastic continuation. The Passover lamb's blood protected Israel's firstborn, establishing the substitutionary principle: the righteous live because an innocent substitute dies. This foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).