Psalms 105:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 105:35
35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
Chapter Context
Psalms 105 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, creation, discipleship. 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 105:35
35 And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.
Analysis
This verse describes the comprehensive devastation of the locust plague. 'Did eat up' and 'devoured' emphasize total consumption—nothing was left. 'All the herbs' and 'fruit of their ground' means every green thing was destroyed. This fulfilled the covenant curse of Deuteronomy 28:38, 42. The agricultural obliteration left Egypt facing famine, forcing dependence on stored grain (which Joseph had wisely administered generations earlier). This demonstrates divine irony: Egypt once benefited from God's wisdom through Joseph; now they suffered God's judgment through Moses. God's purposes span generations, and His sovereignty encompasses both provision and judgment.
Historical Context
Total crop failure created economic crisis and threatened famine. Egypt's grain surplus had historically made it the 'breadbasket' of the ancient world, but God reduced it to desolation. This reversal demonstrated that national prosperity depends on God's favor, not human ingenuity or natural resources. The psalm's recounting taught Israel that their wilderness provision (manna and quail) came from the same God who could remove provision from their enemies.
Reflection
- How does God's control over food supply demonstrate His sovereignty over nations?
- What does Egypt's reduction from abundance to desolation teach about the source of prosperity?
- How should God's ability to give or remove provision affect our economic discipleship?