for the dread of Israel had fallen on them
The dread mentioned here refers to the fear and awe that the Egyptians felt towards the Israelites and their God. This fear was not only due to the plagues but also because of the demonstration of God's might and protection over His chosen people. This concept of dread is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in Joshua 2:9-11, where Rahab speaks of the fear that had fallen on the inhabitants of Canaan because of the Israelites. This fear served as a divine tool to protect Israel and fulfill God's plan. It also foreshadows the reverence and fear that nations would have towards God's people throughout biblical history.

Psalm 105:38 opens with the surprising statement, “Egypt was glad.” After ten devastating plagues, Egypt’s hard hearts finally gave way to relief at Israel’s exit. Exodus 12:33 says, “And the Egyptians urged the people to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, ‘We are all going to die!’” Their gladness was not goodwill toward Israel but sheer desperation to end the judgments God was sending.

• The plagues dismantled Egypt’s economy (Exodus 9:6), health (Exodus 9:10), environment (Exodus 10:15), and future hope (Exodus 12:29).

• Every blow exposed Egypt’s idols as powerless (Exodus 12:12).

By the time Israel marched out, Egypt’s “gladness” was the exhausted sigh of a people beaten into submission to God’s will.

The departure marks the climax of centuries-long oppression and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13–14). Exodus 12:41 records, “At the end of 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt.”

• Israel left as a vast, organized nation—“about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children” (Exodus 12:37).

• They went out “with a high hand” (Numbers 33:3), a public declaration that God—not Pharaoh—was their deliverer.

• God even had the Egyptians finance the journey by granting Israel favor to ask for silver, gold, and clothing (Exodus 12:35–36).

The phrase “when they departed” reminds us that redemption always involves a decisive break with bondage.

Why did Egypt reach the breaking point? Because “the dread of Israel,” really the dread of Israel’s God, “had fallen on them.” Earlier, Exodus 9:20 notes some Egyptians “feared the word of the LORD.” After the firstborn died, that fear became overwhelming.

• God’s fame spread beyond Egypt: “The peoples have heard; they tremble… Terror and dread fall upon them” (Exodus 15:14–16).

• Forty years later, Rahab in Jericho testified, “We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea… our hearts melted and no courage remained” (Joshua 2:10–11).

• Psalm 78:53 echoes, “He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.”

This dread was God’s deliberate work, demonstrating His supremacy and protecting His people. The same Lord still defends His own today, causing the powers of darkness to tremble (James 2:19).

Psalm 105:38 celebrates the moment Egypt surrendered to God’s unstoppable purpose. Egypt’s glad dismissal of Israel sprang from terror at divine judgment, Israel’s departure showcased God’s faithfulness, and the dread resting on their oppressors displayed His power. The verse invites us to trust the same sovereign God who delivers, protects, and upholds His people in every generation.