Psalms 78:27
He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:
Original Language Analysis
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֶּעָפָ֣ר
also upon them as dust
H6083
כֶּעָפָ֣ר
also upon them as dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
3 of 8
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
שְׁאֵ֑ר
flesh
H7607
שְׁאֵ֑ר
flesh
Strong's:
H7607
Word #:
4 of 8
flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
יַ֝מִּ֗ים
of the sea
H3220
יַ֝מִּ֗ים
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
6 of 8
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Historical Context
Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of craving') memorialized this judgment (Numbers 11:34). While they gorged on quail, a plague struck, killing thousands. Their graves testified that getting what you want can be the worst judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What answered prayer might actually be divine judgment, giving you over to your destructive desire?
- How can you discern the difference between God's provision and God 'giving you up' to your craving?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea—the hyperbolic language ('dust,' 'sand of the sea') emphasizes overwhelming abundance. Hebrew še'ēr (flesh) and 'ôp kānāp (winged birds) satisfied their craving. Yet this 'answered prayer' became their nightmare—God gave them what they demanded to expose the poison in their desire.
Psalm 106:15 adds the tragic footnote: 'He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.' Romans 1:24-28 describes similar judgment: 'God gave them up' to their lusts. Sometimes divine wrath means granting sinful requests, letting rebels discover ruin in their demands. Christ warns: 'seek first the kingdom... and all these things will be added' (Matthew 6:33)—in that order.