What is the meaning of Psalm 78:51?

He struck

• Psalm 78:51 opens with decisive action: “He struck.” The “He” is the LORD Himself—no intermediary, no natural disaster misattributed.

• Scripture consistently presents God as the direct Agent of the tenth plague (Exodus 12:12–13, 29; Psalm 105:26, 36).

• This strike was not random; it was purposeful judgment after nine ignored warnings (Exodus 7–11).

• God’s sovereign power is emphasized—He alone controls life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39).

---

all the firstborn

• “All” shows the scope: from palace to prison, no Egyptian household was exempt (Exodus 11:5).

• The “firstborn” symbolized a family’s future, inheritance, and strength (Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17).

• God had called Israel His “firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22–23). Pharaoh’s assault on God’s “firstborn” is answered measure for measure.

• The plague exposes every Egyptian idol—none could protect their own (Numbers 33:4).

---

of Egypt

• Egypt represents the world power that opposed God’s covenant people (Psalm 105:23–27).

• By striking Egypt’s firstborn, the LORD judged the nation’s false gods (Exodus 12:12) and dismantled its pride (Isaiah 19:1).

• The contrast is stark: judgment on Egypt, deliverance for Israel (Exodus 11:7; Psalm 136:10–11).

---

the virility

• The phrase “the virility” highlights vigor, strength, and manhood—Egypt’s prime.

• God’s blow was against the nation’s very potency, underscoring that human strength is no match for divine holiness (Psalm 33:16–17).

• Israel saw that the LORD, not the arm of flesh, secures salvation (2 Chronicles 32:8; Psalm 20:7).

---

in the tents of Ham

• “Ham” is Noah’s son whose lineage includes Egypt (Mizraim) (Genesis 10:6).

• “Tents” picture households; no dwelling escaped (Exodus 12:30).

• Psalms often call Egypt “the land of Ham” (Psalm 105:23, 27), reminding listeners of historical roots and God’s unfolding plan from Genesis onward.

• Even in foreign tents, God’s covenant purposes advance; nothing stands outside His reach (Jeremiah 32:27).

---

summary

Psalm 78:51 records God’s climactic judgment in Egypt: the LORD Himself struck every Egyptian firstborn, cutting down the nation’s strength in every household descended from Ham. This act was a righteous response to Egypt’s oppression of God’s “firstborn,” Israel. It showcases God’s absolute sovereignty, the futility of human power against Him, and His faithful commitment to deliver His people exactly as He promised.