Psalms 78:51

51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.

Psalms 78:51 in Other Translations

51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

51 He struck down every firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.

51 He killed the oldest son in each Egyptian family, the flower of youth throughout the land of Egypt.

51 He killed all the Egyptian firstborns, lusty infants, offspring of Ham's virility.

51 He struck all the firstborn in Egypt, the first progeny of the tents of Ham.

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 unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility— a band of destroying angels.

50 He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague.

51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.

52 But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the wilderness.

53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 12:12; Exodus 12:29; Psalms 135:8
• 2. Psalms 105:23; Psalms 106:22