Psalms 78:51

51 And ¹smote all the firstborn in Egypt, The ²first issue of their virility in the tents of ³Ham.

Psalms 78:51 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt
From the prince to the peasant; and not only the firstborn of men, but of beasts also, ( Exodus 12:29 ) ,

the chief of their strength;
or first of it, as the firstborn is called, ( Genesis 49:3 ) ,

in the tabernacles of Ham;
in the several cities, towns, villages, and houses of the Egyptians, the descendants of cursed Ham; for Mizraim, from whom the Egyptians have their name, and from whence they sprung, was a son of Ham's, ( Genesis 10:6 ) . Perhaps No Ammon may be particularly meant, ( Nahum 3:8 ) , the same with Memphis, and which signifies the mansion or palace of Ammon, that is, Ham; and so Chemmis, another city in Egypt, signifies the same ^F14; of which see ( Psalms 105:23 ) this was the tenth and last plague: according to Suidas ^F15, the plagues of Egypt continued forty days.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 Dickinson Delph. Phoeniciz. cap. 4.
F15 In voce (aiguptou) .

Psalms 78:51 In-Context

49 He sent upon them His burning anger, Fury and indignation and trouble, A band of destroying angels.

50 He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, But gave over their life to the plague,

51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt, The first issue of their virility in the tents of Ham.

52 But He led forth His own people like sheep And guided them in the wilderness like a flock;

53 He led them safely, so that they did not fear; But the sea engulfed their enemies.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 12:29; Psalms 105:36; Psalms 135:8; Psalms 136:10
• 2. Genesis 49:3
• 3. Psalms 105:23, 27; Psalms 106:22