Wonders in Egypt
The psalmist retells the story of Joseph, as a link in the chain of providences which secured the fulfillment of the Covenant. It may be that it was also introduced to comfort Israel amid the afflictions of the Captivity. Another reading of the second clause of Psalms 105:18 is, “The iron entered his soul.” This is what pain does for us all; it puts iron into our blood. In Psalms 105:19 we learn that God's promise, while unfulfilled and apparently contradicted by present facts, serves as a test of a man's reliance upon God. It brings into clear relief his unwavering faith. Joseph was tested and not found wanting.
In Psalms 105:23-27 carry us a step farther in the unfolding of God's purpose. The sojourn in Egypt, with its terrible hardships and the trouble that befell the tyrant, is quoted with direct reference to the action and interposition of the Almighty. The psalmist sees only one hand at work. He does not hesitate to ascribe to God even, the hatred which the Egyptians entertained toward Israel, and which, in Pharaoh's case, meant the hardening of his heart. Such is the inevitable effect when man's pride conflicts with divine tenderness and love. Let us believe that God is in all the incidents of our daily life and of human history.