What lessons can we learn about God's justice from Psalm 105:36? Setting the Scene Psalm 105 traces God’s faithfulness to His covenant people from Abraham to the Exodus. Verse 36 zooms in on the climactic tenth plague: “Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.” Key Observations About God’s Justice • Justice executed, not merely threatened – The judgment fell exactly as foretold (Exodus 11:4–6; 12:29). God’s promises of justice are not empty rhetoric. • Targeted and proportionate – “All the firstborn” in Egypt, yet not one Israelite firstborn died (Exodus 12:13). God distinguishes between the guilty and the redeemed (Malachi 3:18). • Covenant-anchored – The plague fulfilled God’s word to Abraham that He would judge the nation that enslaved Israel (Genesis 15:13-14). Divine justice is inseparable from covenant faithfulness. • Redemptive in purpose – By judging Egypt, God simultaneously liberated Israel (Psalm 105:37). Justice and salvation walked hand in hand (Isaiah 30:18). • Display of sovereign authority – Striking “the firstfruits of all their vigor” dismantled Egypt’s future strength, proving every earthly power is under God’s rule (Psalm 135:8-12). Lessons for Today • Trust the certainty of God’s justice – Wrong may flourish for a season, but God keeps perfect accounts (Romans 12:19). • Rest in His protective care – As the blood covered Israelite homes, Christ’s blood shields believers from judgment (1 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 5:9). • Recognize that judgment and mercy are not opposites – In one act God judged Egypt and delivered Israel; Calvary likewise judges sin and saves sinners (Romans 3:25-26). • Live with holy fear and gratitude – The same God who struck Egypt’s firstborn is unchanged (Hebrews 10:30-31). Redemption should stir reverent obedience (1 Peter 1:17-19). Complementary Scriptures • Exodus 12:29 – historical record of the firstborn plague • Deuteronomy 32:4 – “all His ways are justice” • Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” • Hebrews 12:23-24 – believers come to “the Judge of all” and to “Jesus the mediator” God’s justice in Psalm 105:36 is not an isolated Old Testament event; it is a vivid portrait of His unwavering commitment to judge wickedness, protect His people, and advance His redemptive plan. |
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