“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?”
The complaint continues: "Even though he struck the rock so that water gushed out and torrents overflowed, can he also give bread, or provide meat for his people?'" The paradox is stark: Israel acknowledges what God has done (the water from rock) while simultaneously expressing doubt that God can do what God had already done repeatedly (provide food). The complaint reveals a perverse ingratitude and a short memory of divine provision.
Church Fathers on Psalms 78:20
1. This Psalm does contain the things which are said to have been done among the old people: but the new and latter people is being admonished, to beware that it be not ungrateful regarding the blessings of God, and provoke His anger against it, whereas it ought to receive His grace....The Title thereof does first move and engage our attention. For it is not without reason inscribed, “Understanding of Asaph:” but it is perchance because these words require a reader who does…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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