King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:23 Mean?

Psalms 105:23 in the King James Version says “Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

Psalms 105:23 · KJV


Context

21

He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: substance: Heb. possession

22

To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

23

Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.

24

And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.

25

He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel (Jacob) 'came into Egypt' and Jacob 'sojourned in the land of Ham.' This transition sets up the Exodus narrative. What began as temporary sojourn (ger) became prolonged settlement, eventually leading to slavery. 'Ham' refers to Egypt through Noah's son Ham, father of Mizraim (Egypt, Gen 10:6). God's providence brought Israel to Egypt for preservation, growth, and ultimately for demonstrating His power in the Exodus. Christ's family also fled to Egypt (Matt 2:13-15), fulfilling 'Out of Egypt I called my son' (Hos 11:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jacob's family of 70 people entered Egypt during the famine (Gen 46:27). They settled in Goshen (Gen 47:11) and multiplied greatly over approximately 400 years before the Exodus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use unexpected relocations and transitions to accomplish His purposes in your life?
  2. What does Israel's preservation in Egypt teach about God's faithfulness even in foreign, difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיָּבֹ֣א1 of 7

also came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל2 of 7

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מִצְרָ֑יִם3 of 7

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְ֝יַעֲקֹ֗ב4 of 7

and Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

גָּ֣ר5 of 7

sojourned

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּאֶֽרֶץ6 of 7

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חָֽם׃7 of 7

of Ham

H2526

cham, a son of noah; also (as a patronymic) his descendants or their country


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 105:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 105:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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