King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:45 Mean?

Psalms 78:45 in the King James Version says “He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.”

Psalms 78:45 · KJV

Context

43

How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: wrought: Heb. set

44

And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.

45

He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

46

He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.

47

He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. destroyed: Heb. killed frost: or, great hailstones

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. ʿĀrōḇ (עָרֹב, "divers sorts of flies") literally means "swarm" or "mixture"—possibly various biting insects. Šāḥat (שָׁחַת, "destroyed") means to ruin or corrupt. These creatures invaded homes, covered people, made life unbearable—divine invasion of personal space.

The frogs (ṣĕpardĕʿîm, צְפַרְדְּעִים) came from the Nile (Exodus 8:3), entering bedrooms, ovens, kneading bowls—total infiltration. Heqet, the Egyptian frog-goddess of fertility, was multiplied to plague proportions. What they worshiped became their torment, illustrating that idols eventually destroy their worshipers.

God's use of common creatures—flies and frogs—demonstrates His sovereignty over all creation. He needs no exotic instruments; ordinary creatures obey Him while Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that God's care extends even to sparrows (Matthew 10:29).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Frogs were sacred in Egyptian religion, associated with fertility and resurrection. Killing them was forbidden. God forced Egyptians to live with millions of rotting frogs (Exodus 8:14), creating a stench that permeated everything—another assault on Egypt's religious sensibilities.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "small things" is God sovereign over that you tend to think beneath His notice?
  2. How can what you value or even worship become a source of destruction when not submitted to God?
  3. Why does God often use ordinary means rather than spectacular miracles to accomplish His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְשַׁלַּ֬ח1 of 6

“He sent”

H7971

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

בָּהֶ֣ם2 of 6
H0
עָ֭רֹב3 of 6

“divers sorts of flies”

H6157

a mosquito (from its swarming)

וַיֹּאכְלֵ֑ם4 of 6

“among them which devoured”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וּ֝צְפַרְדֵּ֗עַ5 of 6

“them and frogs”

H6854

a marsh-leaper, i.e., frog

וַתַּשְׁחִיתֵֽם׃6 of 6

“which destroyed”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

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 78:45 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 78:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 8:21-24Exodus 8:2-15Psalms 105:30-31Revelation 16:3

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