King James Version

What Does Psalms 135:9 Mean?

Psalms 135:9 in the King James Version says “Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 135 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

Psalms 135:9 · KJV


Context

7

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

8

Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. both: Heb. from man unto beast

9

Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

10

Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings;

11

Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The exodus narrative expands with 'tokens and wonders' (otot u'mophetim), the standard Hebrew pairing for miraculous signs. 'Otot' emphasizes their significance as indicators pointing beyond themselves; 'mophetim' stresses their extraordinary, supernatural character. The direct address 'O Egypt' rhetorically brings the ancient nation into the worshiping assembly, making the historical account vivid and immediate. Pharaoh and 'all his servants' (court officials, magicians, military) were comprehensively humiliated. Each plague demonstrated Yahweh's power over specific Egyptian deities: the Nile god, the sun god Ra, and others. These signs served dual purpose - judgment upon Egypt and revelation to Israel (and the nations) of Yahweh's incomparable power. Moses called Israel to remember these wonders perpetually (Deuteronomy 4:34-35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The ten plagues systematically dismantled Egyptian religious confidence. Each plague targeted a specific deity or aspect of Egyptian life: the Nile (Hapi), frogs (Heqet), cattle (Hathor), the sun (Ra). Pharaoh himself claimed divine status as Horus incarnate, making his humiliation theologically significant. The phrase 'signs and wonders' becomes technical vocabulary for divine intervention throughout Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the signs and wonders of the Exodus point forward to Christ?
  2. What "signs" has God used to reveal Himself in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
שָׁלַ֤ח׀1 of 8

Who sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתֹ֣ות2 of 8

tokens

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

וּ֭מֹפְתִים3 of 8

and wonders

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

בְּתוֹכֵ֣כִי4 of 8

into the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

מִצְרָ֑יִם5 of 8

of thee O Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּ֝פַרְעֹ֗ה6 of 8

upon Pharaoh

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וּבְכָל7 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲבָדָֽיו׃8 of 8

and upon all his servants

H5650

a servant


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 135:9 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 135:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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