Psalms 78:46
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 78:46
46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
Chapter Context
Psalms 78 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, discipleship, wisdom. 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 21-72: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 78:46
46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
Analysis
He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust. Yĕḇûl (יְבוּל, "increase") means produce or harvest—the fruit of their agricultural labor. Ḥāsîl (חָסִיל, "caterpiller") is likely a locust larva, while ʾarbe (אַרְבֶּה, "locust") is the adult stage. Together they represent total agricultural devastation at every growth stage.
"Their labour" (yĕḡîʿām, יְגִיעָם) emphasizes human toil and sweat—an entire year's work consumed in hours. This plague (Exodus 10:1-20) fulfilled covenant curse language: "Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in" (Deuteronomy 28:38). Egypt experienced what Israel would later face for covenant breaking.
The plague exposed the futility of labor apart from God's blessing. What humans build, plant, or produce exists at God's pleasure. He gives, and He can give to others—even insects. This cultivates dependence on divine providence rather than human industry alone.
Historical Context
Locust plagues were (and remain) devastating in the ancient Near East. A single swarm could contain billions of insects, darkening the sky and stripping all vegetation in hours. Egypt's breadbasket economy depended on grain crops—this plague threatened starvation.
Reflection
- How might God be using "locusts" (setbacks, losses) to teach you dependence on Him rather than your own labor?
- What does it mean that all "increase" ultimately comes from God, not human effort?
- How should awareness that God can give your labor's fruit to others affect your stewardship?