Psalms 105:38

“Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.”

Context:The Book of Psalms is a collection of poetic songs and prayers often attributed to King David. Psalm 105 is a historical psalm that recounts the story of God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel, focusing on their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

Departure from Egypt:In this verse, the psalmist refers to the Exodus, the miraculous event where God delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Egypt, represented here as a nation, is described as being “glad” or rejoicing when the Israelites departed from their land.

Fear of the Israelites:The psalmist attributes the reason for Egypt’s gladness to the fear that fell upon them. This fear likely refers to the plagues that God sent upon Egypt as a demonstration of His power and a means to secure the release of His people. The ten plagues, which included the Nile turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn, brought devastation and misery to the land of Egypt.

God’s Sovereignty:The psalmist emphasizes that the fear that fell upon Egypt was ultimately due to God’s intervention. It was God who brought about the plagues, demonstrating His power over the forces of nature and the gods of Egypt. The departure of the Israelites was a direct result of God’s deliverance and His fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.