How does Psalm 78:50 connect with God's justice in Exodus 12:29? Setting the Scene - Israel had been enslaved for centuries (Exodus 1:11–14). - God promised Abraham He would judge the oppressing nation (Genesis 15:13-14). - Through Moses, the LORD sent nine plagues, each rejected by Pharaoh (Exodus 7–10). - The tenth plague—death of the firstborn—would display God’s final, righteous verdict (Exodus 11:1). Reading the Verses Psalm 78:50 – “He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague.” Exodus 12:29 – “Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh … to the firstborn of the captive … and every firstborn of the livestock as well.” What Psalm 78:50 Remembers - Psalm 78 is a historical psalm rehearsing God’s works and Israel’s need to remain faithful. - Verse 50 condenses the climax of the plagues: God “cleared a path” (removed restraint) so justice could advance unhindered. - The phrase “delivered their lives to the plague” recalls the angelic destroyer in Exodus 12:23. Justice in Exodus 12:29 - The firstborn judgment falls at God’s appointed “midnight,” emphasizing divine timing. - No social rank or species escaped; judgment was universal because Egypt’s sin was universal (Exodus 9:14, 16). - God’s action vindicated His holiness and answered Pharaoh’s earlier defiance, “Who is the LORD?” (Exodus 5:2). How the Verses Interlock - Same Event, Two Angles • Exodus gives the historical narrative; Psalm 78 provides inspired commentary. - Unstoppable Justice • “Cleared a path” (Psalm) parallels “struck down” (Exodus); God’s wrath encountered no obstacles. - Purposeful, Not Capricious • Nine prior plagues showed patience (Exodus 7–10; 2 Peter 3:9). The final plague was measured, not impulsive. - Covenant Mercy Amid Judgment • Israel’s firstborn lived because of the Passover blood (Exodus 12:13). Justice and mercy met simultaneously, foreshadowing the cross (1 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 3:25-26). - Memorial for Future Generations • Psalm 78 calls parents to teach this account so children “set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:5-7). God’s justice is a safeguard against forgetfulness and rebellion. Key Takeaways for Today - God’s justice is deliberate and rooted in His holy character (Nahum 1:2; Revelation 19:2). - Sin’s consequences are real and comprehensive; no one is exempt apart from God’s provided atonement (Romans 6:23). - The same God who judged Egypt offers deliverance through the greater Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ (John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19). - Remembering His acts, as Psalm 78 models, fuels reverence, gratitude, and faithful obedience. |
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