Psalms 105:38 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:38 mean?

Psalms 105:38 says that Egypt was relieved and happy when the Israelites left because the Egyptians were deeply afraid of them. The verse highlights how the fear that had come over Egypt made the Egyptians eager for the Israelites to go.

This verse is part of a psalm recounting Israel’s history, where the psalmist is telling the story of the Exodus. The psalmist describes how, after a series of plagues and disasters, the Egyptians were so overwhelmed by fear that they were glad to see the Israelites depart. The focus is on how God’s actions on behalf of Israel changed the attitude of the Egyptians from resistance to relief.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:38

• "Glad" (שָׂמַח, samach): This word means to rejoice or be happy. Here, it shows that the Egyptians’ happiness was not out of goodwill, but out of relief from the troubles they had suffered.
• "Fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word refers to dread or terror. The verse uses it to explain why the Egyptians wanted the Israelites gone—their fear was so strong it outweighed any other feeling.
• "Fell" (נָפַל, naphal): This verb means to fall upon or come over. The fear “fell upon” the Egyptians, suggesting it was sudden and overwhelming, not just a mild concern.

Why Psalms 105:38 matters

• Psalms 105:38 clarifies that the Egyptians’ attitude at the Exodus was not just resignation but a deep sense of fear and relief, which helps explain why they let the Israelites go after so much resistance.
• The verse emphasizes the impact of God’s actions in the Exodus story, showing that the plagues and signs were not just physical events but also changed hearts and attitudes.
• This detail connects to the larger theme of Psalms 105, which is about remembering God’s faithfulness and power in Israel’s history, encouraging trust in God’s ability to act on behalf of His people.