Psalms 78:43

Authorized King James Version

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
שָׂ֣ם
How he had wrought
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
בְּ֭מִצְרַיִם
in Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#4
אֹֽתוֹתָ֑יו
his signs
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#5
וּ֝מוֹפְתָ֗יו
and his wonders
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#6
בִּשְׂדֵה
in the field
a field (as flat)
#7
צֹֽעַן׃
of Zoan
tson, a place in egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection