King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:34 Mean?

Psalms 105:34 in the King James Version says “He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

Psalms 105:34 · KJV


Context

32

He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. them: Heb. their rain hail

33

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.

34

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,

35

And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.

36

He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The eighth plague (locusts, Exodus 10:1-20) is described. 'He spake' again emphasizes divine word-power. The locusts came in unprecedented numbers ('without number'), representing total devastation. 'Caterpillers' (yelek, יֶלֶק) refers to young locusts or grasshoppers, indicating multiple life stages attacking crops. This plague challenged Anubis (god of fields) and Osiris (god of crops). The phrase 'without number' parallels God's promises to Abraham about innumerable descendants (Genesis 15:5)—the same God who multiplies in blessing can multiply in judgment. This demonstrates the covenant principle: obedience brings multiplication of blessing; disobedience brings multiplication of curses.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Locust plagues were (and remain) devastating to agrarian societies. The Book of Joel uses locust imagery for divine judgment, showing this was a recognized form of God's discipline. For Israel singing this psalm, it reminded them that the God who controls natural forces for judgment also controls them for preservation—He could send or withhold locusts as covenant faithfulness required.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use natural phenomena to accomplish His sovereign purposes?
  2. What does the 'without number' multiplication of judgment teach about God's thoroughness?
  3. How should creation's responsiveness to God's word affect our response to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אָ֭מַר1 of 6

He spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיָּבֹ֣א2 of 6

came

H935

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

אַרְבֶּ֑ה3 of 6

and the locusts

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

וְ֝יֶ֗לֶק4 of 6

and caterpillers

H3218

a devourer; specifically, the young locust

וְאֵ֣ין5 of 6
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִסְפָּֽר׃6 of 6

and that without number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration


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 105:34 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 105:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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