Question 1

What does Psalms 78:48 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 78:48 describes how God allowed the Egyptians’ cattle to be struck down by hail and their flocks to be killed by fiery lightning during the plagues in Egypt. The verse highlights the destructive power unleashed on Egypt’s livestock as part of God’s judgment. The psalm is written by Asaph, who is recounting Israel’s history to remind the people of God’s mighty acts and the consequences of turning away from Him. In this part of the psalm, Asaph is describing the plagues God sent upon Egypt, specifically focusing on the devastation of livestock through natural disasters like hail and lightning.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:48

Accepted Answer

The word for "up" is סָגַר (sagar), which often means "to give up" or "to hand over." Here, it emphasizes that God actively allowed the livestock to be exposed to destruction, not just passively letting it happen. The word for "cattle" is בְּהֵמָה (behemah), a general term for large domesticated animals. This shows that all kinds of livestock, not just one type, were affected. The word for "hail" is בָּרָד (barad), which refers to a severe and destructive hailstorm. In the context of the plagues, this was not ordinary weather but a supernatural event. The word for "flocks" is מִקְנֶה (miqneh), which usually refers to smaller livestock like sheep and goats. This detail shows that both large and small animals suffered. The word for "thunderbolts" is מַרְעֵשׁ (mar'esh), which can mean "fiery bolts" or "lightning." This adds to the sense of overwhelming, fiery destruction beyond just hail.

Question 3

Why Psalms 78:48 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the plagues affected not only people but also the Egyptians’ animals, showing the totality of the judgment. The verse highlights the specific means of destruction—hail and fiery lightning—emphasizing the supernatural nature of the events. By recounting these details, the psalm connects the listeners to the larger story of deliverance from Egypt, reminding them of God’s power and faithfulness in history.

Psalms 78:48 (KJV)