Discovery BoxPsalms 78:11-22
Context78:11 They forgot what he had done, 1
the amazing things he had shown them.
78:12 He did amazing things in the sight of their ancestors,
in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. 2
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. 3
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 4 in the desert.
78:18 They willfully challenged God 5
by asking for food to satisfy their appetite.
78:19 They insulted God, saying, 6
“Is God really able to give us food 7 in the wilderness?
78:20 Yes, 8 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?”
78:21 When 9 the Lord heard this, he was furious.
A fire broke out against Jacob,
and his anger flared up 10 against Israel,
78:22 because they did not have faith in God,
and did not trust his ability to deliver them. 11
Psalms 78:32
Context78:32 Despite all this, they continued to sin,
and did not trust him to do amazing things. 12
[78:12] 2 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).
[78:15] 3 tn Heb “and caused them to drink, like the depths, abundantly.”
[78:17] 4 tn Heb “rebelling [against] the Most High.”
[78:18] 5 tn Heb “and they tested God in their heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the center of their volition.
[78:19] 6 tn Heb “they spoke against God, they said.”
[78:19] 7 tn Heb “to arrange a table [for food].”
[78:21] 10 tn Heb “and also anger went up.”
[78:22] 11 tn Heb “and they did not trust his deliverance.”
[78:32] 12 tn Heb “and did not believe in his amazing deeds.”
