Psalms 135:8
Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.
Original Language Analysis
שֶֽׁ֭הִכָּה
Who smote
H5221
שֶֽׁ֭הִכָּה
Who smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 6
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
מֵ֝אָדָ֗ם
both of man
H120
מֵ֝אָדָ֗ם
both of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 78:51And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:Exodus 12:12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.Psalms 105:36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
Historical Context
The death of Egypt's firstborn was the culminating plague that finally broke Pharaoh's resistance (Exodus 12:29-32). Egyptian religion placed enormous importance on proper burial and afterlife; this plague struck at the heart of their religious system. The judgment against beasts may particularly target Apis, the sacred bull-god worshiped in Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's judgment on Egypt affect our view of His justice?
- What does the Exodus reveal about God's commitment to deliver His people?
Analysis & Commentary
From creation the psalm pivots to redemptive history, beginning with the exodus: 'Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.' The Hebrew 'nakah' (smote, struck) conveys decisive, powerful action. The tenth plague represented Yahweh's final judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt's gods (Exodus 12:12). The inclusion of 'beast' alongside 'man' demonstrates comprehensive judgment - nothing in Egypt escaped divine power. This act definitively answered the question 'Who is the LORD?' that Pharaoh dismissively posed (Exodus 5:2). The death of firstborn struck at Egyptian succession, inheritance, and hope, while Israel's firstborn were protected by blood on their doorposts - a profound foreshadowing of Christ, our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), whose blood shields believers from God's righteous judgment.