God’s limitless provision is real and reliable even when circumstances seem impossible.
The psalmist vividly describes the doubts of the Israelites when he writes, “Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, And streams were overflowing; Can He give bread also? Will He provide meat for His people?” (Psalm 78:20). This verse looks back at a moment in Israel’s wilderness journey where they questioned God’s ability to care for their needs. Historically, this can be connected to Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC) striking the rock at Rephidim, in the Sinai Peninsula, where water miraculously poured out for the thirsty people (Exodus 17:6). Rephidim is located in a desert region with rugged terrain and scarce natural water sources, emphasizing the miraculous nature of this provision.
In the minds of the doubting Israelites, even though God had provided water in a place that seemed incapable of yielding such a resource, they still asked if He could accomplish even greater feats like providing bread and meat. Their question implies a limited view of God’s power, showing how their hardships in the desert caused them to forget His previous acts of deliverance; they feared they would starve. This highlights a recurring struggle with unbelief that appears throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, where the people of Israel often wavered under stress despite witnessing God’s miracles.
Jesus later addresses such skepticism when He feeds multitudes and refers to Himself as the true Bread from heaven (John 6:32-35). While Psalm 78:20 focuses on the immediate concern for water, bread, and meat, it also echoes the deeper truth that God’s provision and compassion extend beyond physical needs to spiritual nourishment. In Christ, this theme reaches fulfillment, showing how God not only meets practical necessities but also offers eternal sustenance.
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Psalms 78:20 meaning
The psalmist vividly describes the doubts of the Israelites when he writes, “Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, And streams were overflowing; Can He give bread also? Will He provide meat for His people?” (Psalm 78:20). This verse looks back at a moment in Israel’s wilderness journey where they questioned God’s ability to care for their needs. Historically, this can be connected to Moses (circa 1526-1406 BC) striking the rock at Rephidim, in the Sinai Peninsula, where water miraculously poured out for the thirsty people (Exodus 17:6). Rephidim is located in a desert region with rugged terrain and scarce natural water sources, emphasizing the miraculous nature of this provision.
In the minds of the doubting Israelites, even though God had provided water in a place that seemed incapable of yielding such a resource, they still asked if He could accomplish even greater feats like providing bread and meat. Their question implies a limited view of God’s power, showing how their hardships in the desert caused them to forget His previous acts of deliverance; they feared they would starve. This highlights a recurring struggle with unbelief that appears throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, where the people of Israel often wavered under stress despite witnessing God’s miracles.
Jesus later addresses such skepticism when He feeds multitudes and refers to Himself as the true Bread from heaven (John 6:32-35). While Psalm 78:20 focuses on the immediate concern for water, bread, and meat, it also echoes the deeper truth that God’s provision and compassion extend beyond physical needs to spiritual nourishment. In Christ, this theme reaches fulfillment, showing how God not only meets practical necessities but also offers eternal sustenance.