What is the meaning of Psalm 78:48? He abandoned Psalm 78:48 opens with decisive language: “He abandoned …” This is not passive resignation but an active handing over. God deliberately turned Egypt’s possessions over to destructive forces because Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 9:17). • Exodus 9:12–14 shows the LORD asserting, “I will send all My plagues upon you… so that you may know there is no one like Me.” • In Romans 1:24 we see the same principle: “Therefore God gave them over …”—judgment sometimes comes by God simply releasing sinners to the consequences they have chosen. The verse affirms His sovereignty and righteousness; nothing happens by chance. their cattle Cattle represented economic strength, food supply, and agricultural power in Egypt (Genesis 47:17). By touching livestock, God struck at the heart of their security. • Exodus 9:3 records the earlier livestock plague that killed animals in the field. • Proverbs 14:4 links strong livestock with prosperity; losing them signaled utter ruin. God’s judgment went straight to what the Egyptians treasured most. to the hail Hail was the seventh plague (Exodus 9:22–25). God used the weather He controls (Job 38:22–23) as a weapon. • Exodus 9:24 says, “there was hail, and fire flashing continually… the worst storm in all the land of Egypt.” • Joshua 10:11 and Revelation 16:21 show the LORD using hail again in judgment. Literal hailstones shattered Egypt’s fields, trees, and animals, displaying that creation obeys its Creator. and their livestock The pairing of “cattle” and “livestock” widens the scope: oxen, sheep, goats, camels—everything that grazed or labored. • Exodus 9:19 warned, “Bring your livestock… to safety. Every man and beast left in the field … will die.” • Psalm 105:33–36 retells how “He struck their vines… He also struck down all the firstborn.” Pharaoh’s refusal to heed the warning meant catastrophic loss across every category of animal life. to bolts of lightning The hailstorm contained “fire,” describing lightning that crackled through the falling ice (Exodus 9:23). • Psalm 105:32: “He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.” • Revelation 8:7 mirrors this mix of hail and fire in future judgment. Lightning added terrifying immediacy—there was no natural explanation; it was supernatural precision aimed at Egypt’s rebellion. summary Psalm 78:48 recounts God’s literal, historical judgment on Egypt during the Exodus. By abandoning the Egyptians’ prized animals to hail and lightning, the LORD demonstrated: • His absolute sovereignty—He commands storms. • His justice—He repays stubborn rebellion. • His faithfulness—He defended and distinguished His covenant people. The verse invites believers to trust the God who rules nature, keeps His word, and ultimately judges sin while protecting those who seek refuge in Him. |
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