Psalms 105:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 105:31
31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.
Chapter Context
Psalms 105 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, judgment. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-45: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 105:31
31 He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.
Analysis
This verse combines the fourth plague (flies, Exodus 8:20-32) and the third plague (lice, Exodus 8:16-19). The phrase 'He spake' emphasizes the power of God's word—His mere command brings judgment. The Hebrew amar (אָמַר) for 'spake' parallels creation language ('God said, and it was so'), showing that the same word that creates can also judge. 'Divers sorts of flies' translates arov (עָרֹב), likely meaning swarms of biting insects. The comprehensive nature ('all their coasts') demonstrates that God's judgments are thorough and inescapable. This verse teaches that God's word is sovereign in judgment as in blessing.
Historical Context
These plagues demonstrated God's control over nature against Egyptian deities. The fly plague may have challenged Khepri, the beetle-god, while lice defiled Egyptian priests who required bodily purity for temple service. Magicians could not replicate the lice plague, leading them to declare 'This is the finger of God' (Exodus 8:19)—an acknowledgment of Yahweh's superior power.
Reflection
- What does the power of God's spoken word teach us about Scripture's authority?
- How do God's judgments reveal the futility of false religion and idolatry?
- In what ways does God's word both create and judge in our lives today?