Psalms 105:38
Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
Original Language Analysis
שָׂמַ֣ח
was glad
H8055
שָׂמַ֣ח
was glad
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 7
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
בְּצֵאתָ֑ם
when they departed
H3318
בְּצֵאתָ֑ם
when they departed
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 7
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָפַ֖ל
of them fell
H5307
נָפַ֖ל
of them fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
5 of 7
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Exodus 15:16Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.Exodus 12:33And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.Genesis 35:5And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.Joshua 2:9And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
Historical Context
The psychological impact of the plagues broke Egyptian will to resist. The nation that had drowned Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:22) now begged them to leave, even enriching them to hasten their departure. This reversal shows divine justice: oppressors will ultimately release the oppressed when God acts. Throughout Scripture, God promises to make enemies be at peace with His people when their ways please Him (Proverbs 16:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to turn oppressors into fearful servants demonstrate His sovereignty?
- What does this verse teach about divine justice for the oppressed?
- In what ways has God reversed circumstances of hardship in your life or the Church's history?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals Egypt's perspective on Israel's departure. 'Egypt was glad' shows the reversal: the oppressor nation rejoiced to see the oppressed leave. 'The fear of them fell upon them' explains why—God had placed supernatural dread of Israel upon the Egyptians. This phrase uses pachad (פַּחַד), meaning terror or dread. This fulfilled God's promise to send fear before Israel (Exodus 23:27). The nation that once enslaved Israel now feared them, demonstrating God's ability to change hearts and circumstances for His redemptive purposes. This fear was justified—Egypt's firstborn were dead, their economy devastated, their gods shown powerless.