Psalms 105:40
The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁאַ֣ל
The people asked
H7592
שָׁאַ֣ל
The people asked
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 6
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
וַיָּבֵ֣א
and he brought
H935
וַיָּבֵ֣א
and he brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שְׂלָ֑ו
quails
H7958
שְׂלָ֑ו
quails
Strong's:
H7958
Word #:
3 of 6
the quail collectively (as slow in flight from its weight)
וְלֶ֥חֶם
them with the bread
H3899
וְלֶ֥חֶם
them with the bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 6
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
Historical Context
Manna fell six days per week for 40 years, feeding approximately 2 million people daily—one of Scripture's greatest sustained miracles. The manna was white like coriander seed, tasted like honey wafers, and melted in the sun (Exodus 16:14-31). Israel was commanded to keep a jar of manna in the Ark of the Covenant as a memorial (Exodus 16:32-34). This daily miracle taught each generation that 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God' (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does daily dependence on God's provision cultivate faith and humility?
- In what ways is Christ the ultimate fulfillment of the 'bread from heaven'?
- What does God's 40-year miracle of manna teach about His faithfulness to sustain His people?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse recounts God's provision of quail and manna (Exodus 16; Numbers 11:31-32). 'The people asked' shows God's response to their grumbling. The quail provided meat, while 'bread of heaven' refers to manna. The Hebrew lechem shamayim (לֶחֶם שָׁמָיִם) literally means 'bread from heaven,' emphasizing its miraculous origin. 'Satisfied' (saba, שָׂבַע) means to be filled or sated. Jesus identified Himself as the true 'bread from heaven' (John 6:31-35), the ultimate provision for spiritual hunger. The daily provision of manna taught dependence on God (one day's need at a time, except before Sabbath), prefiguring the Lord's Prayer: 'Give us this day our daily bread.'