Psalms 105:35

Psalms 105:35

This verse continues the exodus narrative, detailing the consequences of Israel’s bondage and the power of God’s judgment on Egypt’s land and produce. The destruction of “the herbs” and “the fruit of their ground” emphasizes the economic damage inflicted by locusts and plagues, which would devastate agriculture and national stability. In ancient Egypt, agriculture was the lifeblood of the economy and a symbol of divine favor. By striking crops and harvests, God demonstrates that the Pharaoh’s hardened heart cannot shield his people from the consequences of oppressing God’s chosen. The Psalm places these events within a liturgical memory, calling the people to recall a history where God’s interventions were dramatic, public, and transformative.

The emphasis on consuming crops and fruit highlights God’s sovereignty over fertility and sustenance. It’s not merely a punitive act; it’s a corrective, a way to reveal false security in Egypt’s wealth and godliness. Thematically, this verse reinforces the biblical idea that prosperity is a gift from God and that corruption of power or oppression leads to communal vulnerability. It also foreshadows the broader biblical arc: God relocates the vulnerable from oppression toward liberation, showing that his purposes are for the flourishing of the people He loves.

Practically, this verse invites humility and dependence on God’s provision rather than worldly security. If your “fields” are failing, consider:

- Reassessing priorities: are you pursuing wealth at the expense of justice?

- Trusting God for daily bread: practice gratitude and simple living where possible.

- Caring for the vulnerable: when resources are scarce, look for ways to support neighbors in need.

- Re-evaluating leadership: reflect on how leadership affects the common good.

Cross-References: Leviticus 26:16-20; Deuteronomy 28:38-41; Job 12:7-10; Amos 4:9; Luke 12:24