Psalms 78:51
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
Psalms 78:51
Here the psalm recounts the striking of the firstborn in Egypt and the “chief of their strength” in the tents of Ham, a reference to Egypt and its power structures. This is a climactic act in the Exodus narrative—the judgment on Egypt’s most powerful and revered institutions. “Firstborn” and “chief of their strength” symbolize authority, vitality, and national identity. The psalmist uses this to illustrate God’s decisive intervention to deliver his people by dismantling oppressive power. It also underscores the contrast between Israel’s suffering in Egypt and God’s protection of his own people through the wilderness. The language situates God as judge of nations, sovereign over human hierarchies, and faithful to his covenant promises.
Theologically, the verse emphasizes sovereignty over nations and the upholding of divine justice against oppression. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through God’s redemptive acts, prefiguring the deliverance brought about by Jesus Christ. The act of judging Egypt demonstrates that God’s purposes include liberating the oppressed and dismantling the power structures that oppose his will. It reinforces the theme that divine love can entail costly action against evil, a necessary prelude to the people’s journey to the promised land.
Today, consider where power is misused—economic systems, political structures, or social hierarchies that exploit the vulnerable. The psalm encourages advocacy for justice and mercy, aligning with God’s heart for the oppressed. Practical response: support charitable initiatives that counter oppression, engage in ethical leadership, and resist compulsion to conform to unjust norms. In your own life, reflect on where you rely on power or status and ask God to reorient your priorities toward service and humility. Celebrate the ways God frees and sustains his people, and cultivate gratitude for liberation and the ongoing journey toward the land of promise—both in this world and the coming kingdom.
Cross-References: Exodus 12:29-36; Psalm 84:7; Isaiah 14:5-7; Revelation 11:14-15