Psalms 105:36 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:36 mean?

Psalms 105:36 describes how God struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, including the most important and powerful among them. This verse recalls a specific event where the firstborn children and even the firstborn of livestock in Egypt died as a result of God’s judgment.

The psalmist is recounting the story of the Exodus, where God delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This verse highlights the severity and completeness of the final plague that convinced Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. By mentioning “the chief of all their strength,” the verse emphasizes that Egypt lost its most valued and promising people in this act.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:36

• “smote” (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or hit with force, often with the sense of a decisive or fatal blow. Here, it underscores the direct and powerful action taken by God.
• “firstborn” (בְּכוֹר, bĕkhôr): This refers to the first child born in a family, who often held a special status. In ancient cultures, the firstborn represented the future and strength of a family or nation.
• “chief” (רֵאשִׁית, rē’shīt): This word means “the first” or “the best,” highlighting that not just any children, but the most important and prominent were affected.
• “strength” (אוֹן, ōn): This word can mean strength, power, or vigor. Here, it points to the idea that Egypt’s greatest potential and hope for the future was struck down.

Why Psalms 105:36 matters

• This verse clarifies that the final plague was not random but targeted Egypt’s most significant people, showing the seriousness of God’s intervention.
• The mention of “the chief of all their strength” helps readers see the depth of loss Egypt experienced, not just in numbers but in future potential.
• By recalling this event, the psalm connects God’s past actions to the ongoing story of Israel’s deliverance, reminding readers of the power and faithfulness of God in history.