Psalms 78:20

Authorized King James Version

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֤ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

הִכָּה

H5221

Behold he smote

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

צ֨וּר׀

H6697

the rock

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

וַיָּז֣וּבוּ

H2100

gushed out

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

מַיִם֮

H4325

that the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וּנְחָלִ֪ים

H5158

and the streams

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

יִ֫שְׁטֹ֥פוּ

H7857

overflowed

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

הֲגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לֶ֭חֶם

H3899

bread

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

#10

י֣וּכַל

H3201

also can

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#11

תֵּ֑ת

H5414

he give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#13

יָכִ֖ין

H3559

he provide

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

#14

שְׁאֵ֣ר

H7607

flesh

flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood

#15

לְעַמּֽוֹ׃

H5971

for his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 covenant community 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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 78 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?