Psalm 78:20

Modern

When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?”

Traditional

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

Literal

Behold, He struck the rock, and the waters gushed out, and torrents overflowed; and also is He able to give bread or provide food for His people?”

Latin

…quoniam percussit petram, et fluxerunt aquæ, et torrentes inundaverunt. Numquid et panem poterit dare, aut parare mensam populo suo?

Hebrew

English

When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?”

Israel rebelled in the wilderness despite God’s abundant provision.

This wisdom psalm urges people to learn wisdom and share it faithfully.

Theme notes and profiles

Numbers 20:11
Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.
Numbers 11:21–23
But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’
Genesis 18:12–14
So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
Psalm 78:41
Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
Numbers 11:18
And say to the people: Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you will eat meat, because you have cried out in the hearing of the LORD, saying: ‘Who will feed us meat? For we were better off in Egypt!’ Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat.
Exodus 17:6–7
Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.