Psalm 105:23-36
23 Then Israel came into Egypt, and Jacob was living in the land of Ham. 24 And his people were greatly increased, and became stronger than those who were against them.
25 Their hearts were turned to hate against his people, so that they made secret designs against them. 26 He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, the man of his selection. 27 He let his signs be seen among the people, and his wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent black night and made it dark; and they did not go against his word. 29 At his word their waters were turned to blood, and he sent death on all their fish. 30 Their land was full of frogs, even in the rooms of the king. 31 He gave the word, and there came the dog-fly, and insects over all the land. 32 He gave them ice for rain, and flaming fire in their land. 33 He gave their vines and their fig-trees to destruction, and the trees of their land were broken down. 34 At his word the locusts came, and young locusts more than might be numbered, 35 And put an end to all the plants of their land, taking all the fruit of the earth for food. 36 He put to death the first child of every family in the land, the first-fruits of their strength.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 105:23-36
Commentary on Psalm 105:8-23
(Read Psalm 105:8-23)
Let us remember the Redeemer's marvellous works, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. Though true Christians are few number, strangers and pilgrims upon earth, yet a far better inheritance than Canaan is made sure to them by the covenant of God; and if we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, none can do us any harm. Afflictions are among our mercies. They prove our faith and love, they humble our pride, they wean us from the world, and quicken our prayers. Bread is the staff which supports life; when that staff is broken, the body fails and sinks to the earth. The word of God is the staff of spiritual life, the food and support of the soul: the sorest judgment is a famine of hearing the word of the Lord. Such a famine was sore in all lands when Christ appeared in the flesh; whose coming, and the blessed effect of it, are shadowed forth in the history of Joseph. At the appointed time Christ was exalted as Mediator; all the treasures of grace and salvation are at his disposal, perishing sinners come to him, and are relieved by him.
Commentary on Psalm 105:24-45
(Read Psalm 105:24-45)
As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. Yet instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and plagues may be expected by persecutors. And see the special care God took of his people in the wilderness. All the benefits bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Having redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us all the way. He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven, and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring us safely to heaven. He redeems his servants from all iniquity, and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works.