Psalms 78:19
Psalms 78:19 in Multiple Translations
They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?
Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
Yea, they spake against God; They said, Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?
They said bitter words against God, saying, Is God able to make ready a table in the waste land?
They insulted God by saying, “Can God provide food here in the desert?
They spake against God also, saying, Can God prepare a table in the wildernesse?
And they speak against God — they said: 'Is God able to array a table in a wilderness?'
Yes, they spoke against God. They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?
Yes, they spoke against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
They insulted God by saying, “We don’t think he can supply food for us here in this desert!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 78:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֗וּ
בֵּֽ/אלֹ֫הִ֥ים
אָ֭מְרוּ
הֲ/י֣וּכַל
אֵ֑ל
לַ/עֲרֹ֥ךְ
שֻׁ֝לְחָ֗ן
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֗וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
בֵּֽ/אלֹ֫הִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
אָ֭מְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הֲ/י֣וּכַל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
לַ/עֲרֹ֥ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שֻׁ֝לְחָ֗ן
shulchân
H7979
table
N-ms
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:19
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֗וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
בֵּֽ/אלֹ֫הִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אָ֭מְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/י֣וּכַל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
לַ/עֲרֹ֥ךְ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
שֻׁ֝לְחָ֗ן
shulchân
H7979
"table"
N-ms
A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.
Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:19
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
- Sermons on Psalms 78:19
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
17But they continued to sin against Him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.
19They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?
20When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?” 21Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 21:5 | and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
| 2 | Numbers 11:4 | Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? |
| 3 | Exodus 16:3 | “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” |
| 4 | Psalms 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. |
| 5 | Exodus 16:8–10 | And Moses added, “The LORD will give you meat to eat this evening and bread to fill you in the morning, for He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of Israel, ‘Come before the LORD, for He has heard your grumbling.’” And as Aaron was speaking to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there in a cloud the glory of the LORD appeared. |
| 6 | Numbers 20:3 | The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! |
| 7 | Numbers 11:13 | Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ |
| 8 | Job 34:37 | For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.” |
| 9 | Romans 9:20 | But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 32:19 | They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as they had spoken against the gods of the peoples of the earth—the work of human hands. |
Psalms 78:19 Summary
[This verse shows that the Israelites doubted God's ability to take care of them, even after all the amazing things He had done for them, like parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31. They asked if God could really provide food for them in the wilderness, which is similar to when they questioned His provision in Exodus 16:3. We can learn from their mistake by trusting in God's power and provision, even when things seem impossible, as encouraged in Matthew 19:26. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue with the Israelites in this verse?
The Israelites doubted God's ability to provide for them, questioning if He could prepare a table in the wilderness, as seen in Psalms 78:19, similar to their lack of faith in Exodus 16:3.
How did the Israelites' actions affect their relationship with God?
The Israelites' rebellion and doubts filled the Lord with wrath, as stated in Psalms 78:21, and is reminiscent of the consequences of disobedience seen in Numbers 14:22-23.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in this verse?
We can learn to trust in God's provision and power, even in difficult circumstances, as encouraged in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the Psalms?
This verse contributes to the theme of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him, despite the Israelites' disobedience, as seen in Psalms 78:1-72 and supported by Deuteronomy 32:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I doubt God's provision or power, and how can I apply the lesson from this verse?
- How do I respond when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from the Israelites' response in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's ability to provide for me, as seen in Psalms 78:19?
- What are some ways I can practically apply the principle of trusting in God's power and provision in my daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:19
Yea, they spoke against God,.... Not only thought ill of him, and tempted him in their hearts, but they expressed with their mouths what was in their hearts, and spoke against him, his power, and his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:19
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
Psalms 78:19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?Ver. 19. Yea, they stake against God] Their villanous and foul thoughts blistered and brake out at their lips. Can God furnish a table?] This was a blasphemous question. God can do more than he will; but whatsoever he will do shall be done, and nothing can hinder it. "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean," said he in the Gospel. And this was better than that of the other, who said, "If thou canst do any thing, help us," Mark 9:22
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
(19, 20) A comparison of these verses with the references in the margin shows how the ancient narratives fared under poetical treatment. Furnish a table.—Comp. Psalms 23:5, Note Gushed out.—Comp. Psalms 105:41.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:19
19. Can God furnish] R.V., Can God prepare?
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:19
Yea, they spake against God - That is, in the manner which is immediately specified - by calling in question his power, or his ability to provide for them in the wilderness. See Numbers 11:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:19
19. They spake against God—And, in reply, “the wrath of God arose against them.” Psalms 78:21.
Sermons on Psalms 78:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Glory of God in Dry Places by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the common struggle that believers face when they leave the sanctuary and enter a hostile world. He emphasizes that the devil continuously bo |
|
|
Lord Increase My Unbelief by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the need to overcome unbelief and trust in God's power to work miracles in our lives. It calls for a rejection of lies and doubts that hinder us from experie |
|
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 8. Saving Faith by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in and resting in the word of God. He highlights that God's current message to the world is one of mercy, but wa |
|
Numbers 21:5 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the sin of complaining among the Israelites, emphasizing that while they had valid reasons to complain about their monotonous diet of manna, they also had muc |
|
The Serpent, the Curse: Jesus Lifted Up by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the connection between the serpent lifted by Moses in the wilderness and Jesus being lifted up on the cross, illustrating how Christ bore the curse and |
|
The New Birth as Set Forth in John 3:2-21 by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical doctrine of the New Birth as outlined in John 3:2-21, asserting its universal necessity for all individuals, regardless of their moral or religi |
|
|
Bitter Fruit of Disobedience by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the story from Jeremiah 42, where a small remnant of people, despite promising to obey God's word, choose to go against His warning and head to Egypt for saf |