This verse shows the swift turnaround of those who once oppressed God’s people, testifying to the LORD’s supremacy over all human power.
“Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of them had fallen upon them” (v.38). In this psalm, the writer recounts the wonders God performed in delivering the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, describing how the Egyptians, who once ruthlessly enslaved God’s people, reached a point of utter fear. They recognized that the LORD’s power outmatched their own gods and chariots, and saw His mighty intervention in events such as the plagues and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The Egyptians eventually begged the Israelites to leave, and gave them gifts as they departed (Exodus 12:33-36; also see commentary on God’s deliverance in Exodus 14-15). This complete change of mind—from stubborn resistance to eager release—demonstrated that the LORD had completely humbled a proud and powerful nation.
The phrase “the dread of them had fallen upon them” captures the Egyptians’ realization that the God of Israel was unstoppable. Egypt, located in the northeastern region of Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea, was one of the mightiest powers of the ancient world, flourishing for centuries under various dynasties. Yet, faced with a series of devastating plagues and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, they had no choice but to relent. Even after centuries of dominance, Egypt’s gods and armies were powerless against the true God who defended His chosen people (Exodus 14:25, 15:14).
For Israel, this verse is a reminder that God’s strength on their behalf was so evident that even the most formidable empire rejoiced to see them go. Their departure was not a desperate escape but rather a triumphant exodus, fueled by the LORD’s protection. The Egyptians’ “gladness” was an admission of divine authority—evidence that God’s plans cannot be stopped by human power.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 105:38 meaning
“Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of them had fallen upon them” (v.38). In this psalm, the writer recounts the wonders God performed in delivering the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, describing how the Egyptians, who once ruthlessly enslaved God’s people, reached a point of utter fear. They recognized that the LORD’s power outmatched their own gods and chariots, and saw His mighty intervention in events such as the plagues and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The Egyptians eventually begged the Israelites to leave, and gave them gifts as they departed (Exodus 12:33-36; also see commentary on God’s deliverance in Exodus 14-15). This complete change of mind—from stubborn resistance to eager release—demonstrated that the LORD had completely humbled a proud and powerful nation.
The phrase “the dread of them had fallen upon them” captures the Egyptians’ realization that the God of Israel was unstoppable. Egypt, located in the northeastern region of Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea, was one of the mightiest powers of the ancient world, flourishing for centuries under various dynasties. Yet, faced with a series of devastating plagues and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, they had no choice but to relent. Even after centuries of dominance, Egypt’s gods and armies were powerless against the true God who defended His chosen people (Exodus 14:25, 15:14).
For Israel, this verse is a reminder that God’s strength on their behalf was so evident that even the most formidable empire rejoiced to see them go. Their departure was not a desperate escape but rather a triumphant exodus, fueled by the LORD’s protection. The Egyptians’ “gladness” was an admission of divine authority—evidence that God’s plans cannot be stopped by human power.