What other scriptures highlight God's sovereignty as seen in Psalm 135:8? An Overview of Psalm 135:8 “He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of man and beast alike.” The verse recalls the climactic plague of Exodus, a historical moment where the LORD’s absolute rule over life, death, and the most powerful empire of the day is displayed without contest. Scripture never treats this event as myth or metaphor; it is recorded as literal, purposeful intervention by the living God who rules every detail of His creation. Echoes of God’s Sovereignty in the Exodus The tenth plague is repeatedly cited to remind God’s people that nothing limits His authority. • Exodus 12:12 — “And on that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast; and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.” – Every Egyptian household felt His hand, while Israel remained untouched, underscoring total dominion. • Exodus 12:29 — “Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt…” – The timing, targets, and outcome were God-directed, proving He commands history’s details. – “He struck down the firstborn of Egypt… and brought Israel out… with a mighty hand and outstretched arm.” – Sovereignty displayed through both judgment and deliverance. • Psalm 78:51; 105:36 – Recounting the same event generations later, reinforcing that God’s authority is a settled fact, not a passing story. Ruling over Nations and Rulers God’s power over Egypt extends to every throne. • Daniel 2:21 — “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” • Isaiah 40:23-24 — “He brings the princes to nothing and makes the judges of the earth meaningless.” • Proverbs 21:1 — “A king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” • Acts 17:26 — “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” He is not merely reacting to world events; He authors them. Holding Life and Death in His Hands Striking Egypt’s firstborn showcases authority over life itself—an authority Scripture affirms elsewhere. • Deuteronomy 32:39 — “See now that I, I am He, and there is no god besides Me. I bring death and I give life.” • 1 Samuel 2:6 — “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.” • Job 1:21 — “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” • Revelation 1:18 — “I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” The sovereign chooses both the moment life begins and the moment it ends. Master of Creation The same hand that judged Egypt commands every corner of the cosmos. – “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made… He spoke, and it came to be.” – “He made the earth by His power… At the sound of His voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens.” – Mountains quake, hills melt, the earth trembles at His presence. – Jesus rebukes the storm; even wind and waves obey Him, affirming divine prerogative over nature. Sovereign in Salvation The Exodus foreshadows God’s ultimate redemptive rule in Christ. • Romans 9:17 — “For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, to display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’” • Ephesians 1:11 — “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” • John 10:28-29 — “No one can snatch them out of My hand.” • Revelation 19:6 — “The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” The God who freed Israel is the same God who decisively secures eternal redemption. Bringing It All Together Psalm 135:8 is not an isolated snapshot; it is part of a divine portfolio revealing the LORD’s unrivaled sovereignty over nations, rulers, life, death, creation, and salvation itself. From Egypt’s firstborn to the consummation of history, every page of Scripture confirms that the God who struck down, delivered, and preserved His people then is still ruling, guiding, and accomplishing His purposes today. |
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