Psalms 78:12-20

78:12 He did amazing things in the sight of their ancestors,

in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.

78:13 He divided the sea and led them across it;

he made the water stand in a heap.

78:14 He led them with a cloud by day,

and with the light of a fire all night long.

78:15 He broke open rocks in the wilderness,

and gave them enough water to fill the depths of the sea.

78:16 He caused streams to flow from the rock,

and made the water flow like rivers.

78:17 Yet they continued to sin against him,

and rebelled against the sovereign One in the desert.

78:18 They willfully challenged God

by asking for food to satisfy their appetite.

78:19 They insulted God, saying,

“Is God really able to give us food in the wilderness?

78:20 Yes, he struck a rock and water flowed out,

streams gushed forth.

But can he also give us food?

Will he provide meat for his people?”


sn The region of Zoan was located in the Egyptian delta, where the enslaved Israelites lived (see Num 13:22; Isa 19:11, 13; 30:4; Ezek 30:14).

tn Heb “and caused them to drink, like the depths, abundantly.”

tn Heb “rebelling [against] the Most High.”

tn Heb “and they tested God in their heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the center of their volition.

tn Heb “they spoke against God, they said.”

tn Heb “to arrange a table [for food].”

tn Heb “look.”