Psalms 78:16-20

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 ¹  in the desert.

78:18 They willfully challenged God ² 

by asking for food to satisfy their appetite.

78:19 They insulted God, saying, ³ 

“Is God really able to give us food ⁴  in the wilderness?

78:20 Yes, ⁵  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?”

[78:17]  ¹ tn Heb “rebelling [against] the Most High.”

[78:18]  ² tn Heb “and they tested God in their heart.” The “heart” is viewed here as the center of their volition.

[78:19]  ³ tn Heb “they spoke against God, they said.”

[78:19]  ⁴ tn Heb “to arrange a table [for food].”

[78:20]  ⁵ tn Heb “look.”