King James Version
What Does Psalms 78:20 Mean?
“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?”
Psalms 78:20 · KJV
Context
18
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
19
Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? furnish: Heb. order
20
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?
21
Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
22
Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBehold, 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?—Israel's 'can he also' exposes addiction to novelty: yesterday's miracle doesn't count toward today's faith. The Hebrew nāḥal (streams) flooded the desert, yet they immediately demanded new categories of provision. God's résumé meant nothing to their chronic unbelief.
This parallels the Pharisees demanding 'another sign' after Jesus fed thousands (Matthew 16:1-4). No amount of evidence satisfies determined skepticism. Jesus diagnosed it: 'an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign' (Matthew 12:39). Faith rests in the Giver, not the gifts; it trusts the Person, not the portfolio of past performances.
This parallels the Pharisees demanding 'another sign' after Jesus fed thousands (Matthew 16:1-4). No amount of evidence satisfies determined skepticism. Jesus diagnosed it: 'an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign' (Matthew 12:39). Faith rests in the Giver, not the gifts; it trusts the Person, not the portfolio of past performances.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The rock-smiting preceded the manna (Exodus 16-17), yet this psalm compresses events to reveal the logical absurdity: if God provides water from stone, why doubt His ability to provide food? Yet Israel's unbelief wasn't logical but spiritual rebellion.
Reflection Questions
- Do you treat God's past faithfulness as irrelevant to present circumstances, demanding fresh proof?
- How does the mindset 'what have you done for me lately' poison your relationship with God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsצ֨וּר׀3 of 15
“the rock”
H6697properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
וַיָּז֣וּבוּ4 of 15
“gushed out”
H2100to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
וּנְחָלִ֪ים6 of 15
“and the streams”
H5158a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
יִ֫שְׁטֹ֥פוּ7 of 15
“overflowed”
H7857to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
הֲגַם8 of 15
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אִם12 of 15
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יָכִ֖ין13 of 15
“he provide”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
שְׁאֵ֣ר14 of 15
“flesh”
H7607flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
לְעַמּֽוֹ׃15 of 15
“for his people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 78:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 78:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge