How should Psalm 135:8 influence our view of God's justice and mercy? Setting the Context Psalm 135 recalls the mighty acts of the LORD in Israel’s history to fuel worship. Verse 8 points to the climactic plague in Egypt: “He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.” This single line captures a defining moment—God’s righteous intervention on behalf of His covenant people and His decisive judgment against stubborn rebellion. Divine Justice on Display • The plague of the firstborn was the tenth and final judgment on Egypt (Exodus 12:29). Each prior plague offered Pharaoh opportunities to repent, yet he hardened his heart (Exodus 9:34–35). • God’s action was measured and just—directed only at the firstborn of those who rejected His warnings, sparing every household marked by the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:7, 13). • Justice here is not arbitrary wrath; it upholds God’s moral order. He had earlier declared, “Israel is My firstborn son… let My son go” (Exodus 4:22–23). Egypt’s oppression of God’s “firstborn” called for a just, corresponding response. • Psalm 135:14 affirms, “For the LORD will vindicate His people and will have compassion on His servants.” Justice and vindication flow from His covenant faithfulness. Mercy Woven Through Judgment • In the same night judgment fell, mercy flourished. Every Israelite family shielded by the lamb’s blood was spared (Exodus 12:13). Mercy did not negate justice; it operated through the means God provided. • The pattern foreshadows the cross: “[God] presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement… to demonstrate His righteousness” (Romans 3:25–26). Justice is satisfied, and mercy is extended to all who trust in the Lamb of God. • Even for Egypt, the plagues were progressive and revelatory, giving repeated chances to acknowledge Yahweh (Exodus 9:14–16). Mercy patiently preceded the final blow. • Psalm 103:8 reminds us, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.” Slow-to-anger mercy is the backdrop against which Psalm 135:8’s swift justice finally appears. Personal Takeaways for Today • Confidence in God’s moral governance: evil will not have the last word; every injustice will receive a perfect response (Romans 12:19). • Gratitude for substitutionary mercy: just as Israel trusted the lamb’s blood, believers rest in Christ’s finished work (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Sobriety about sin’s seriousness: the death of the firstborn underscores that rebellion carries real consequences (Romans 6:23). • Hope for ultimate deliverance: the Passover night led to freedom; our salvation assures us of a future exodus from all bondage (Revelation 21:4). Living in Light of His Character • Stand in holy awe—justice is not a relic of the past but a present reality in God’s unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6). • Walk in humble assurance—mercy triumphs in Christ, inviting continual repentance and joyful obedience (Titus 2:11–14). • Proclaim both justice and mercy—Psalm 135 models a worship that celebrates God’s full character, encouraging believers to speak truthfully about both aspects of His glory. |
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