How does Psalm 105:34 connect to the plagues in Exodus? Setting the Scene “ He spoke, and the locusts came—young locusts without number.” Psalm 105 pictures Israel’s history as a living testimony to God’s faithfulness. Verse 34 zeroes in on one specific event: the plague of locusts described in Exodus 10. A Snapshot of the Locust Plague Exodus 10:12-15 (selected) • v. 12 – “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt so that the locusts may swarm …” • v. 13 – “…the LORD sent an east wind… By morning the east wind had brought the locusts.” • v. 14 – “Never before had there been such a large swarm of locusts, nor will there ever be again.” • v. 15 – “They covered all the surface of the land until it was black … Nothing green was left …” Direct Parallels Between Psalm 105:34 and Exodus 10 • Divine Initiative – Psalm: “He spoke.” – Exodus: “The LORD said … Stretch out your hand.” God’s word initiates both scenes. • Overwhelming Numbers – Psalm: “locusts … without number.” – Exodus: “Never before had there been such a large swarm.” • Total Devastation – Psalm implies destruction by emphasizing the unstoppable invasion. – Exodus details how “nothing green was left.” • Purposeful Judgment – Both texts show God striking idols of Egypt (Exodus 12:12) and forcing Pharaoh’s hand, displaying the LORD’s supremacy. Why Psalm 105 Recalls the Plagues • Remembering God’s Mighty Deeds – The psalm is a call to “remember the wonders He has done” (Psalm 105:5). • Reinforcing Covenant Confidence – By retelling the plagues, the psalm reminds later generations that the same God who judged Egypt also “brought His people out with rejoicing” (Psalm 105:43). • Teaching Through Praise – The historical recap becomes worship, turning Israel’s story into a hymn of gratitude. Key Theological Threads • God’s Word Is Effective – “He spoke” (Psalm 105:34) echoes “God said… and it was so” of Genesis 1. His voice still carries creative and judicial power (Isaiah 55:11). • Sovereign Control Over Creation – Locusts obey His command (cf. Nahum 3:15-17). Even chaotic forces serve His redemptive plan. • Judgment Precedes Deliverance – Plagues break Egypt’s pride so Israel can walk free (Exodus 12:31-32). Hebrews 11:29 celebrates that rescue; Psalm 105 links it back to the plagues. • Covenant Faithfulness Across Generations – The psalm sandwiches the plagues between references to God’s promise to Abraham (Psalm 105:8-11) and the gift of Canaan (Psalm 105:44-45), underscoring unbroken covenant loyalty. Bringing It Home Psalm 105:34 is far more than a historical footnote. It calls us to: • Trust the unfailing power of God’s spoken word today. • Rest in His ability to master every force—natural or supernatural—for His people’s good. • Remember that judgment against sin and deliverance of the faithful are two sides of the same redemptive coin, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:15). |
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