How does Psalm 78:45 demonstrate God's power over creation and nature? Setting the Scene • Psalm 78 is a historical psalm, reminding Israel of God’s mighty acts in Egypt. • Verse 45 highlights two of the plagues: “He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them.” Unpacking the Verse • “He sent” – God Himself initiates the plague; nature obeys His directive. • “Swarms of flies” – literally “a mixture,” referring to overwhelming clouds of biting insects (Exodus 8:21-24). • “Frogs that devastated” – frogs overflowed the land, entered homes and beds (Exodus 8:2-6). • Both plagues ended exactly when God commanded (Exodus 8:9-13, 31), underscoring total control. God’s Sovereignty Over Creatures • Quantity: God multiplied ordinary creatures into nation-crippling numbers (Psalm 105:30-31). • Placement: He targeted Egypt yet spared Israel (Exodus 8:22-23). • Life-cycle: He summoned and dismissed them at precise moments. • Outcome: Insects “devoured,” frogs “devastated”; creation became an instrument of judgment. Purposes Behind the Display of Power 1. Judgment on Egypt’s idolatry—each plague confronted a specific Egyptian deity (Exodus 12:12). 2. Deliverance for His people—plagues broke Pharaoh’s resistance (Exodus 9:1). 3. Revelation of His name—“that you may know that I am the LORD” (Exodus 8:10). 4. Instruction for future generations—Psalm 78 recounts these events so “they might set their hope in God” (v. 7). Supporting Scriptures • Job 38:39-41 – God directs even wild animals’ food supply. • Psalm 104:24-30 – all creatures wait for His provision. • Joshua 10:13 – He commands the sun and moon. • Mark 4:39-41 – Jesus rebukes wind and waves, the same divine authority in human flesh. Encouragement for Today • The God who steered flies and frogs steers every detail of creation now (Colossians 1:17). • He can protect, correct, or deliver using means we never expect. • Trust His sovereign care; nothing in nature—or in our circumstances—operates outside His wise rule. |
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