Psalms 78:23
Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,
Original Language Analysis
שְׁחָקִ֣ים
the clouds
H7834
שְׁחָקִ֣ים
the clouds
Strong's:
H7834
Word #:
2 of 6
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
מִמָּ֑עַל
from above
H4605
מִמָּ֑עַל
from above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
3 of 6
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Cross References
Genesis 7:11In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.Malachi 3:10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Historical Context
The manna provision (Exodus 16) continued for forty years—approximately 14,600 consecutive days of fresh bread from heaven. This sustained miracle required God to 'command clouds' daily, demonstrating patient grace despite persistent unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision for unbelieving Israel magnify His grace toward believing Christians?
- What 'doors of heaven' has God opened for you that you've taken for granted as natural provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven—despite Israel's unbelief, God demonstrates grace by answering their demand. The image of heaven's 'doors' (delet) opening portrays the cosmos as God's storehouse, with Him sovereignly distributing provision. This divine 'warehouse' imagery appears in Malachi 3:10: 'open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing.'
Jesus invokes this verse's imagery when teaching 'ask, and it will be given you' (Matthew 7:7). Yet He qualifies it: 'How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!' (7:11). God opened heaven's doors for grumbling Israel; how much more for trusting children who ask in Jesus's name (John 14:13-14)?