Psalms 105:40

Authorized King James Version

The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁאַ֣ל

H7592

The people asked

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

וַיָּבֵ֣א

H935

and he brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שְׂלָ֑ו

H7958

quails

the quail collectively (as slow in flight from its weight)

וְלֶ֥חֶם

H3899

them with the bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יַשְׂבִּיעֵֽם׃

H7646

and satisfied

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of covenant community reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?