Psalms 105:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:31 mean?

Psalms 105:31 describes how God spoke, and a plague of various flies and lice appeared throughout the land. This verse recalls one of the miraculous plagues sent upon Egypt as part of the story of Israel’s deliverance.

The psalmist is recounting God’s mighty acts during the Exodus, speaking to the people of Israel as a reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. The verse highlights that these plagues happened simply because God commanded it, showing His authority over nature and history.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:31

• "spake" (אָמַר, 'amar): This word means "to say" or "to speak." The verse emphasizes that the plagues came about solely because God spoke, underscoring His power to bring things into being by His word alone.
• "flies" (עָרוֹב, `arov): This term is often understood as a swarm of biting insects, possibly flies or a mixture of pests. The word suggests a chaotic, overwhelming infestation, not just a few insects.
• "lice" (כִּנִּים, kinnim): This word refers to small, troublesome insects, often translated as "lice" or "gnats." The mention of both flies and lice highlights the severity and discomfort of the plagues.
• "coasts" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means "borders" or "territories." The infestation affected the entire land, not just a small area, showing the widespread impact of God’s action.

Why Psalms 105:31 matters

• This verse clarifies that the plagues in Egypt were direct acts of God’s will, not random natural disasters, as God simply spoke and they occurred.
• By naming both flies and lice, the verse emphasizes the intensity and variety of the suffering Egypt experienced, reinforcing the seriousness of the plagues.
• The verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 105, which is to remember and celebrate God’s mighty deeds in Israel’s history, encouraging trust in His ongoing faithfulness.