Psalms 81:16
He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽ֭יַּאֲכִילֵהוּ
He should have fed
H398
וַֽ֭יַּאֲכִילֵהוּ
He should have fed
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
1 of 6
to eat (literally or figuratively)
מֵחֵ֣לֶב
them also with the finest
H2459
מֵחֵ֣לֶב
them also with the finest
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
2 of 6
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
וּ֝מִצּ֗וּר
out of the rock
H6697
וּ֝מִצּ֗וּר
out of the rock
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
Cross References
Psalms 147:14He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.Joel 2:24And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.Judges 14:18And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.Job 29:6When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 32:13-14 promised such provision if Israel obeyed: "He made him ride on the high places...and he ate...honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock." The contrast between promise and reality is tragic—obedience yields abundance, disobedience brings leanness (Psalm 106:15). Jesus offers Himself as true bread from heaven (John 6:35), providing ultimate satisfaction.
Questions for Reflection
- What blessings might you be forfeiting through partial obedience or persistent disobedience?
- How does God providing "honey from rock" (impossible abundance) display His generous character?
- How does Christ as the bread of life and water of life fulfill and surpass these promises of satisfaction?
Analysis & Commentary
God promises abundance: "He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee" (Hebrew vaya-akhilehum me-chelev chittah u-mi-tzur d-vash asbi-ekha). "Finest wheat" represents choicest provision. "Honey from rock" recalls wilderness miracles when God provided water from rock (Exodus 17:6) and describes extravagant blessing—sweet abundance from impossible sources. The verse mourns what could have been if Israel obeyed. Disobedience forfeits blessing.