Psalm 105:23-36 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 105:23-36

Why does the deliverance story retell oppression and judgment?

Berean Standard Bible

23 Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, 25 whose hearts He turned to hate His people, to conspire against His servants. 26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen. 27 They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and it became dark— yet they defied His words. 29 He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die. 30 Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers. 31 He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country. 32 He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land. 33 He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came— young locusts without number. 35 They devoured every plant in their land and consumed the produce of their soil. 36 Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.

What is the context?

Israel grows in Egypt, where hostility and deceit arise against the people. God sends Moses and Aaron with signs.

Darkness, blood, frogs, insects, hail, locusts, and the firstborn’s death form the remembered judgment. The narrative praises deliverance without making oppression unreal.

The poem selects and arranges events for remembrance. It does not present an independent chronological catalogue of every plague or a medical explanation of each event.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains God’s turning the enemies’ hearts through permission. His older verse 28 says the messengers did not rebel; the BSB instead says they defied God’s words. These differences should remain visible rather than being silently combined.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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