Psalms 105:16

Authorized King James Version

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
H7121
Moreover he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
רָ֭עָב
H7458
for a famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
הָאָ֑רֶץ
H776
upon the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
כָּֽל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
מַטֵּה
H4294
the whole staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#7
לֶ֥חֶם
H3899
of bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#8
שָׁבָֽר׃
H7665
he brake
to burst (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection