Psalms 105:34 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:34 mean?

Psalms 105:34 describes how God gave a command, and countless locusts and caterpillars appeared, overwhelming the land. The verse highlights the unstoppable and vast nature of this plague, showing it as a direct result of God’s word.

In this psalm, the writer is recalling the events of the Exodus, specifically the plagues that struck Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go. The verse emphasizes that these destructive insects came only because God “spoke,” underlining His authority and power over nature and history.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:34

• “spake” (אָמַר — ’amar): This word means “he said” or “he commanded.” The verse stresses that the plague happened simply because God gave the order, showing the effectiveness of His word.
• “locusts” (אַרְבֶּה — arbeh): This word refers to the common locust, known for swarming and devastating crops. The mention of locusts connects directly to the well-known plague in Egypt.
• “caterpillers” (יֶלֶק — yeleq): This term often means a kind of destructive larva or young locust, sometimes translated as “devouring insects.” Including both locusts and caterpillars shows the total destruction of vegetation.
• “number” (מִסְפָּר — mispar): This word means “number” or “count.” The phrase “without number” stresses that the insects were so many they could not be counted, highlighting the overwhelming scale of the plague.

Why Psalms 105:34 matters

• This verse reminds readers that the plagues in Egypt were not random disasters but direct acts of God, carried out exactly as He commanded.
• By mentioning both locusts and caterpillars, the verse emphasizes the completeness of the devastation, showing that nothing was left untouched.
• The verse fits into the psalm’s larger purpose of recounting God’s mighty acts in Israel’s history, encouraging trust in His power and faithfulness.