King James Version
What Does Psalms 78:47 Mean?
“He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. destroyed: Heb. killed frost: or, great hailstones”
Context
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
48
He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. gave: Heb. shut up hot: or, lightnings
49
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(47) **Vines.**—In the history of the plagues (Exodus 9:13-25) no mention is made either of vines or sycamores or of fig-trees, as in Psalm 105:33, and some consider that the poem reflects a Palestinian rather than an Egyptian point of view. But besides Numbers 20:5 and Joseph’s dream there is abundance of evidence of the extensive cultivation of the vine in Egypt. The mural paintings contain many representations of vineyards. Wine stood prominent among the offerings to the gods, and a note on a papyrus of Rameses II. speaks of rations of wine made to workmen.
**Sycamore.**—See 1Kings 10:27.
**Frost.**—The Hebrew word is peculiar to this place. The LXX. and Vulg. have “hoar-frost,” Aquila “ice,” Symmachus “worm.” The root of the word appears to mean *to cut off, *so that by derivation any *devastating *force would suit the word.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 78:47 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 78:47
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge