What lessons can we learn about God's power from Psalm 78:51? Setting the scene Psalm 78 recounts Israel’s history, highlighting God’s mighty acts and Israel’s repeated unbelief. Verse 51 looks back to the climactic judgment of the tenth plague during the Exodus. Reading the verse “He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.” (Psalm 78:51) Lesson 1: God’s power is unrivaled over every nation • Egypt was the superpower of its day; yet one word from God toppled its pride (Exodus 12:29). • Psalm 105:36 echoes the same event, underlining how no king or empire can shield itself from the Almighty. Lesson 2: God’s power safeguards His covenant people • The same night that brought death to Egypt brought deliverance to Israel (Exodus 12:12–13). • God’s power is not abstract; it moves on behalf of those who trust His word (Isaiah 43:1–2). Lesson 3: God’s power judges rebellion decisively • Egypt’s repeated refusals to release Israel culminated in a final, unmistakable act of judgment (Romans 9:17). • God’s patience is long, but His justice is certain (Nahum 1:2–3). Lesson 4: God’s power exposes and defeats false gods • Every plague contradicted a specific Egyptian deity; the death of the firstborn struck Pharaoh himself, believed to be divine (Exodus 12:12). • Isaiah 19:1 shows the LORD “riding on a swift cloud” into Egypt—poetic imagery of His supremacy over their idols. Lesson 5: God’s power fulfills promises exactly • God foretold this plague (Exodus 4:22–23) and executed it precisely. • His faithfulness undergirds every promise to His people today (Joshua 23:14; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Putting it all together Psalm 78:51 reminds us that God’s power is: • Universal—no throne or culture stands beyond His reach. • Protective—His might is a shield for those covered by the blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Just—He confronts sin with perfect righteousness. • Exclusive—every rival god is unmasked as powerless. • Reliable—what He declares, He performs. Trusting this God means living in confidence, obedience, and awe, knowing the same hand that judged Egypt now secures all who belong to Him through Christ. |
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