Overview of the Verse

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, reflecting a significant change in the political and spiritual landscape of Egypt as the Israelites exited from captivity. Psalms 105 commemorates the providential care of God toward His people, and this verse highlights the culmination of divine judgment upon Egypt and deliverance for Israel.

Thematic Insights

• The Deliverance of Israel:

  The departure of the Israelites from Egypt illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to His people. As the Israelites left, their freedom was not just physical; it represented liberation from oppression and the commencement of a new identity as God's chosen nation.

• The Fear of Israel:

  The "fear" that fell upon the Egyptians signifies the recognition of God's power and possibly the dread of retribution for their treatment of the Israelites. This element serves as a reflection on the nature of divine sovereignty and the psychological impact of witnessing God's judgment.

• The Gladness of Egypt:

  The gladness of Egypt indicates that their relief from the Israelites could also be a manifestation of their own guilt and conscience. The Egyptians, who had enslaved and mistreated the Israelites, now experienced a profound sense of joy coinciding with their fear—an interesting juxtaposition whereby their liberation from the burden of their own wickedness coincided with the acknowledgment of God's dominion.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the joy of Egypt intertwined with their fear, suggesting that the Egyptians were relieved at the departure of a nation that had stirred God's wrath upon them. Henry notes this as a lesson about the repercussions of oppressing God’s people. The exodus was not only a deliverance but also a point of judgment for Egypt.

Albert Barnes

Barnes focuses on the idea that the Egyptians recognized the power of the God of Israel. Their gladness was rooted in a realization of the threat posed by the Israelites who were favored by God. This acknowledgment is critical because it illustrates the belief that divine favor can bring fear to opposing nations. The fear was likely not just physical but spiritually resonant, a recognition of the true God’s might.

Adam Clarke

Clarke elaborates on the theological implications behind the Israelites' departure. He connects this event to the overarching narrative of redemption in Scripture, viewing it as not merely an escape from slavery but the inauguration of a covenant community. Clarke examines the nature of God’s intervention, noting that the Egyptians were evidently aware that their blessings could not thrive in the presence of a people under divine protection.

Theological Reflections

• Divine Judgment and Mercy:

  This verse exemplifies the duality of God's nature—His judgment against those who oppose His will and His mercy toward those who trust in Him. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God addresses injustice.

• God’s Sovereignty:

  The events leading up to and including the exodus reinforce the doctrine of God’s sovereignty over nations and the course of human history. The fear experienced by the Egyptians can also serve as an allegorical warning to nations today regarding the consequences of opposing God and His ways.

• Identity and Nationhood:

  The departure of Israel signifies the formation of a new identity. In their movement out of Egypt, they were not just escaping slavery—they were becoming the people of God, destined for a land of promise.

Concluding Thoughts

Psalms 105:38 encapsulates a significant transition marked by fear, judgment, and deliverance. For pastors and theologians, it serves as a poignant reminder of God’s faithfulness, the call for holiness, and the implications of living in alignment with divine purpose. For students and scholars, it presents an opportunity to explore the historical, spiritual, and theological implications of the Exodus, enriching one’s understanding of God's overarching narrative throughout Scripture.