Psalms 78:51
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣ךְ
And smote
H5221
וַיַּ֣ךְ
And smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 8
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רֵאשִׁ֥ית
the chief
H7225
רֵאשִׁ֥ית
the chief
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
5 of 8
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
Cross References
Psalms 105:23Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.Psalms 135:8Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.Psalms 106:22Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.Psalms 105:36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.Psalms 136:10To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:Exodus 13:15And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.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.Genesis 49:3Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Historical Context
Exodus 12:29-30 describes universal mourning—no house without a death. This plague shattered Egypt completely, leading to Israel's release and the plundering of Egypt. The Passover became Israel's defining memorial, celebrated annually and fulfilled in Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the death of Egypt's firstborn to free Israel foreshadow Christ's death to free believers?
- What does God striking "all the firstborn" without exception teach about His impartiality in judgment?
- How should remembering Israel's deliverance through substitutionary death shape your worship and gratitude?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham. Nāḵâ (נָכָה, "smote") is the verb for striking down in battle or execution—violent, decisive action. Bĕḵôr (בְּכוֹר, "firstborn") held primacy in inheritance and family honor. Rēʾšît ʾônîm (רֵאשִׁית אוֹנִים, "chief of strength") poetically describes the firstborn as the "beginning of vigor"—the prime of manhood.
"Tabernacles of Ham" (ʾohălê-Ḥām, אָהֳלֵי־חָם) uses Ham, Noah's son and Egypt's ancestor (Genesis 10:6), to emphasize Egypt's lineage. God struck Egypt in its homes (ʾohel, tent/dwelling), the most intimate space. No palace security or religious ritual could prevent the destroying angel's entrance.
This final plague accomplished Exodus: Pharaoh's heart was finally broken by losing his own son. The typology is profound—Egypt's firstborn died so Israel (God's firstborn, Exodus 4:22) could live, foreshadowing Christ (God's ultimate Firstborn) dying so believers might live. Passover blood protected then; Christ's blood protects eternally.