Psalms 78:51

51 He killed the first-born sons ¹ of all the families of Egypt.

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 caused them great distress by pouring out his anger and fierce rage, which came as messengers of death.

50 He did not restrain his anger or spare their lives, but killed them with a plague.

51 He killed the first-born sons of all the families of Egypt.

52 Then he led his people out like a shepherd and guided them through the desert.

53 He led them safely, and they were not afraid; but the sea came rolling over their enemies.

Cross References

• 1. 78.51Exodus 12.29.