What is the meaning of Psalm 135:8? He struck down - The subject is the LORD Himself; His action is deliberate, personal, and decisive. - Scripture presents God as actively intervening in history, not merely observing (Exodus 12:29, 2 Chronicles 20:6). - His judgments are righteous and purposeful, revealing both His power and His faithfulness to His covenant people (Psalm 136:10; Revelation 15:3–4). - The verb reminds us that God is never passive about sin or oppression; He confronts it in His perfect timing (Romans 9:17; Exodus 9:16). the firstborn - In the ancient Near East, the firstborn represented the strength and future of a family or nation (Exodus 13:2). - Striking the firstborn demonstrated that no societal rank—royal or common—could shield Egypt from divine judgment (Exodus 12:29). - The event foreshadowed substitutionary redemption: Israel’s firstborn lived because they sheltered under the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:7, 13; Hebrews 11:28). - This picture ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus, “the Firstborn over all creation” who became the sacrificial Lamb for our deliverance (Colossians 1:15, 18; John 1:29). of Egypt - Egypt had set itself against the LORD, boasting, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2). - God’s plagues systematically exposed the impotence of Egypt’s idols (Exodus 12:12; Isaiah 19:1). - By judging Egypt, God simultaneously vindicated His name and liberated His people (Exodus 7:5; Psalm 105:26–38). - The narrative warns every nation that security apart from the LORD is an illusion (Jeremiah 46:25–26; Acts 17:26–31). of both man and beast - The judgment was comprehensive: human heirs and valuable livestock alike (Exodus 11:5; Psalm 78:51). - Nothing in Egypt remained untouched, highlighting the totality of divine authority (Deuteronomy 32:39). - This sweeping blow dismantled Egypt’s economy and morale, compelling Pharaoh to release Israel (Exodus 12:30–33). - God’s thoroughness emphasizes that sin’s reach is wide, but so is His power to save those under His covering (Romans 6:23; John 3:16–17). summary Psalm 135:8 points back to the climactic plague of the Exodus, spotlighting the LORD’s sovereign, righteous, and comprehensive judgment against Egypt. By striking down every firstborn, He proved His supremacy over false gods, secured freedom for His covenant people, and foreshadowed the greater redemption accomplished in Christ, the true Firstborn and Passover Lamb. |
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