Psalms 78:46 - He gave also their increase to the caterpillar, and their labor to the locust.
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What does "Psalms 78:46" mean?
Psalm 78 is a recounting of Israel's history of rebellion and God's continued faithfulness, even in judgment. Verse 46 specifically refers to one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt before the Exodus. Let's break it down:
"He gave also their increase to the caterpillar...": "Increase" refers to the harvest, the produce of their fields, the things they had grown and hoped to benefit from. The "caterpillar" (often translated more broadly as "locust" in some versions) represents a destructive insect that devoured the crops. So, their harvest, their expected abundance, was given over to the devastation of pests.
"...and their labor to the locust.": "Labor" refers to the hard work and effort they put into farming - the planting, tending, and nurturing of the crops. The "locust" (or similar swarming insects) consumed the fruits of their labor. All their hard work became futile because the locusts ate everything.
Meaning & Context
The verse is a direct reference to the plague of locusts described in Exodus 10:12-15. The meaning within the psalm is:
Judgment for Disobedience: It highlights the consequences of turning away from God. When Israel rebelled, God allowed natural disasters to punish them. The verse is a reminder that blessings and prosperity are tied to obedience.
Frustration of Effort: It illustrates the futility of human effort when God's blessing is withdrawn. The Egyptians worked hard to cultivate their land, but their efforts were rendered meaningless by the locust plague.
God's Power and Control: It demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation. He can use natural forces, even something as seemingly insignificant as insects, to carry out His will and bring about judgment.
In Summary:
The verse is a vivid description of God's judgment on Egypt through the plague of locusts. It shows how their hard work and expected harvest were completely wiped out, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and God's power over nature. It is a reminder to the Israelites of what happens when they turn away from God.
Psalms 78:46 - He gave also their increase to the caterpillar, and their labor to the locust.
What does "Psalms 78:46" mean?
Psalm 78 is a recounting of Israel's history of rebellion and God's continued faithfulness, even in judgment. Verse 46 specifically refers to one of the plagues God sent upon Egypt before the Exodus. Let's break it down:
"He gave also their increase to the caterpillar...": "Increase" refers to the harvest, the produce of their fields, the things they had grown and hoped to benefit from. The "caterpillar" (often translated more broadly as "locust" in some versions) represents a destructive insect that devoured the crops. So, their harvest, their expected abundance, was given over to the devastation of pests.
"...and their labor to the locust.": "Labor" refers to the hard work and effort they put into farming - the planting, tending, and nurturing of the crops. The "locust" (or similar swarming insects) consumed the fruits of their labor. All their hard work became futile because the locusts ate everything.
Meaning & Context
The verse is a direct reference to the plague of locusts described in Exodus 10:12-15. The meaning within the psalm is:
Judgment for Disobedience: It highlights the consequences of turning away from God. When Israel rebelled, God allowed natural disasters to punish them. The verse is a reminder that blessings and prosperity are tied to obedience.
Frustration of Effort: It illustrates the futility of human effort when God's blessing is withdrawn. The Egyptians worked hard to cultivate their land, but their efforts were rendered meaningless by the locust plague.
God's Power and Control: It demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation. He can use natural forces, even something as seemingly insignificant as insects, to carry out His will and bring about judgment.
In Summary:
The verse is a vivid description of God's judgment on Egypt through the plague of locusts. It shows how their hard work and expected harvest were completely wiped out, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and God's power over nature. It is a reminder to the Israelites of what happens when they turn away from God.