Psalms 78:20
Psalms 78:20 in Multiple Translations
When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?”
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?
Behold, he smote the rock, so that waters gushed out, And streams overflowed; Can he give bread also? Will he provide flesh for his people?
See, the rock was cut open by his power, so that the water came rushing out, and overflowing streams; is he able to give us bread? is he able to get meat for his people?
Yes, he can strike a rock so that water gushes out like flowing rivers, but can he give us bread? Can he supply his people with meat?”
Behold, he smote the rocke, that the water gushed out, and the streames ouerflowed: can hee giue bread also? or prepare flesh for his people?
Lo, He hath smitten a rock, And waters flow, yea, streams overflow. 'Also — bread [is] He able to give? Doth He prepare flesh for His people?'
Behold, he struck the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed. Can he give bread also? Will he provide meat for his people?”
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?
It is true that he struck the rock, with the result that water gushed/flowed out, but ◄can he also provide bread and meat for us, his people?/we doubt that he can also provide bread and meat for us, his people.►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:20
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Psalms 78:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:20
Study Notes — Psalms 78:20
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
- Sermons on Psalms 78:20
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
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, 22because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 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.’ If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?” The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.” |
| 3 | Psalms 78:41 | Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel. |
| 4 | 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?” And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” |
| 5 | 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. He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” |
| 6 | 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. |
Psalms 78:20 Summary
This verse shows how the people doubted God's ability to provide food, even after seeing Him provide water from a rock. They were focusing on their immediate needs and not trusting in God's power and provision, similar to the Israelites in Exodus 16:3. We can learn from their mistake by trusting God to provide for us, just like Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:25-34, where He says not to worry about our needs, but to seek first the kingdom of God. By doing so, we can have faith that God will supply all our needs, as promised in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the people's question in Psalms 78:20?
The people had just seen God provide water from a rock, but they were still doubting His ability to provide food, as seen in Psalms 78:18-19 where they demanded the food they craved and spoke against God.
Why did the people doubt God's provision despite seeing His power?
The people's doubt stemmed from a lack of faith and trust in God's salvation, as mentioned in Psalms 78:22, which says they did not believe God or rely on His salvation, similar to the Israelites' lack of faith in Numbers 14:11.
How does this verse relate to other instances of God's provision in the Bible?
This verse is similar to Exodus 16:3, where the Israelites complained about God's provision of manna, and Exodus 17:2, where they tested God by demanding water, showing a pattern of doubt and disobedience.
What can we learn from the people's mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting God's provision and having faith in His power, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches us not to worry about our needs, but to seek first the kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am doubting God's provision, and how can I trust Him more?
- How can I cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God's salvation, like the opposite of the people in Psalms 78:22?
- What are some times when God has provided for me in the past, and how can I remember those instances to build my faith?
- In what ways can I seek first the kingdom of God, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:25-34, and trust Him to provide for my needs?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:20
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:20
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:20
Sermons on Psalms 78:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr |
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How God Provided for the Children of Israel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses how God provided for the children of Israel during their time in the wilderness. He focuses on the story of Moses striking the rock to |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund |
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Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou |
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The Baptism of the Holy Spirit by Randy Krahn | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding what we listen to and watch, as they can influence and corrupt us. He warns against the infiltration of worldly in |
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Wilderness Journey by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson illustrates the Christian life as a wilderness journey, akin to the Israelites' experience, where faith is the only means of crossing the treacherous terrain of lif |
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Why Read the Old Testament? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the relevance of the Old Testament for modern believers, arguing that it provides essential context and understanding for the New Testament. He illustrat |





