God oversees human affairs, and sometimes He uses times of scarcity to accomplish His plans.
In speaking of the LORD’s workings in history, the psalmist declares, “And He called for a famine upon the land; He broke the whole staff of bread.” (v.16) This verse highlights God’s active involvement in orchestrating events among His people, reminding readers that He can bring about scarcity or provision according to His sovereign will. Even though a famine was a hardship, it was not random chance but part of His shaping of their story. In the biblical timeline, this famine was historically experienced during the days of Joseph, who lived from about 1914 BC to 1805 BC, when the land of Egypt and surrounding regions experienced severe food shortages that led Egypt to store and distribute grain to many nations (Genesis 41:53-57).
When the verse states, “He broke the whole staff of bread,” (v.16) it alludes to the collapse of what normally provided sustenance and food security. “Staff of bread” figuratively portrays the daily provision humans rely on, showing that God can remove the comforts of everyday life to accomplish His overarching purposes. In the deeper context of Israel’s history, this famine served as a catalyst that brought Jacob’s family into Egypt under Joseph’s protective leadership (Genesis 46:1-7). This further weaves into the grand narrative that God was using even dire circumstances to position His people where they needed to be.
Seen from a broader biblical perspective, this verse reminds us that the Lord Himself is the highest source of provision. Jesus later refers to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), reinforcing the truth that Israel’s physical bread and spiritual nourishment ultimately spring from the same divine Giver. For believers, this verse underscores our reliance on God’s sustaining hand, demonstrating that any season of lack can point us back to trusting Him.
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Psalms 105:16 meaning
In speaking of the LORD’s workings in history, the psalmist declares, “And He called for a famine upon the land; He broke the whole staff of bread.” (v.16) This verse highlights God’s active involvement in orchestrating events among His people, reminding readers that He can bring about scarcity or provision according to His sovereign will. Even though a famine was a hardship, it was not random chance but part of His shaping of their story. In the biblical timeline, this famine was historically experienced during the days of Joseph, who lived from about 1914 BC to 1805 BC, when the land of Egypt and surrounding regions experienced severe food shortages that led Egypt to store and distribute grain to many nations (Genesis 41:53-57).
When the verse states, “He broke the whole staff of bread,” (v.16) it alludes to the collapse of what normally provided sustenance and food security. “Staff of bread” figuratively portrays the daily provision humans rely on, showing that God can remove the comforts of everyday life to accomplish His overarching purposes. In the deeper context of Israel’s history, this famine served as a catalyst that brought Jacob’s family into Egypt under Joseph’s protective leadership (Genesis 46:1-7). This further weaves into the grand narrative that God was using even dire circumstances to position His people where they needed to be.
Seen from a broader biblical perspective, this verse reminds us that the Lord Himself is the highest source of provision. Jesus later refers to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), reinforcing the truth that Israel’s physical bread and spiritual nourishment ultimately spring from the same divine Giver. For believers, this verse underscores our reliance on God’s sustaining hand, demonstrating that any season of lack can point us back to trusting Him.