Psalms 78:26
He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.
Original Language Analysis
יַסַּ֣ע
to blow
H5265
יַסַּ֣ע
to blow
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
קָ֭דִים
He caused an east wind
H6921
קָ֭דִים
He caused an east wind
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
2 of 6
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם
in the heaven
H8064
בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם
in the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 6
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
וַיְנַהֵ֖ג
he brought in
H5090
וַיְנַהֵ֖ג
he brought in
Strong's:
H5090
Word #:
4 of 6
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
Historical Context
Numbers 11:31 describes quail migrating across the Red Sea, falling exhausted after long flight. God timed their migration and directed the wind to drop them precisely at Israel's camp—supernatural providence through natural means.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereign control over weather patterns assure you of His detailed care?
- What 'winds' is God orchestrating in your circumstances to provide what you need (not just what you crave)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind—God orchestrated meteorology to deliver quail, using the qādîm (east wind) and dārôm (south wind) to drive exhausted birds into Israel's camp. The east wind regularly appears as God's judgment instrument (Exodus 10:13, Jonah 4:8), while the south wind brings heat and plenty.
This divine weather manipulation parallels Christ stilling the storm (Mark 4:39)—'even wind and sea obey him.' The God who commanded winds to satisfy Israel's lust can command them to advance His kingdom purposes. Pentecost's 'rushing mighty wind' (Acts 2:2) marked the Spirit's arrival, the true provision surpassing wilderness quail.