Psalm 105:38

Psalm 105:38, in plain English

Ironically, Egypt was glad to see them go. The fear of Israel had fallen on all the Egyptians, and they were desperate to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Why it's here

The very people who had enslaved Israel now feared them. The oppressed had become fearful in their oppressors' eyes. The Egyptians knew what Israel's God had done, and they didn't want to be in the way anymore. They literally drove them out.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, noting the ironic reversal of the power dynamic

Where it sits in the story

This shows the complete turnaround. Israel had been powerless, enslaved, despised. Now they were feared and honored. God had vindicated His people and demonstrated that His name and power were greater than all of Egypt's might.

The scholarly reading

Egypt was actually relieved when Israel departed—the Egyptians were seized by dread of Israel and welcomed their exodus.

Language and setting

Exodus 12:33 states that 'the Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. For they said, "We will all die!"' The reversal is complete—from viewing Israel as a threat requiring enslavement to viewing them as such a threat that their departure is salvation.

Voice

The psalmist, emphasizing the ironic and complete reversal of the power dynamic through the plague sequence.

Significance

This verse highlights the theological inversion at the heart of the exodus—what was meant for harm becomes the occasion for liberation, and the oppressor becomes the one desperate for the oppressed to leave. This pattern of inversion becomes central to Christian soteriology, where apparent defeat becomes victory.

36Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.

37He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.

38Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.

39He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

40They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

Read all of Psalm 105 — From Abraham to the exodus, God's faithfulness is retold as a song. He remembered His holy promise and brought His people out with joy.