Bible Strands
Psalms 105:38
Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the assembly of Israel while recounting the Exodus, capturing the precise moment immediately after the nation leaves Egypt. The narrative pauses on the psychological shift between the departing tribe and the remaining population.
The words — The Hebrew verb שָׂמַ֣ח (sa.Mach) translates literally as "it was glad," describing Egypt's unexpected rejoicing. The phrase נָפַ֖ל פַּחְדָּ֣ם (na.Fal pach.Da/m) renders as "dread fell on them," indicating the sudden imposition of terror.
The thread — This motif of divine dread falling on oppressors appears in Exodus 12:33, where Egyptians urge rapid departure, and Exodus 15:16, where terror strikes the nations. It also echoes Joshua 2:9, where foreign rulers acknowledge the fear of Israel has fallen upon them.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that God’s protection operates through both deliverance and intimidation of enemies. It requires the reader to observe how divine intervention reverses human power dynamics without embellishment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.
Cross-references
- Exodus 12:33 And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!”
- Exodus 15:16 and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.
- Joshua 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.
- Genesis 35:5 As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
- Exodus 10:7 Pharaoh’s officials asked him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt lies in ruins?”