Discovery BoxPsalms 78:12-20
Context78:12 He did amazing things in the sight of their ancestors,
in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan. 1
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. 2
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 3 in the desert.
78:18 They willfully challenged God 4
by asking for food to satisfy their appetite.
78:19 They insulted God, saying, 5
“Is God really able to give us food 6 in the wilderness?
78:20 Yes, 7 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?”
[78:12] 1 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] 2 tn Heb “and caused them to drink, like the depths, abundantly.”
[78:17] 3 tn Heb “rebelling [against] the Most High.”
[78:18] 4 tn Heb “and they tested God in their heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the center of their volition.
[78:19] 5 tn Heb “they spoke against God, they said.”
