Psalms 78:19

19 They spoke against God. They said, "Can God put food on a table in the desert?

Psalms 78:19 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:19

Yea, they spoke against God
Not only thought ill of him, and tempted him in their hearts, but they expressed with their mouths what was in their hearts, and spoke against him, his power, and his providence, in plain words, though he had been so good and gracious to them, and had done such wonderful things for them: they said,

can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
these are the words which they spoke against him, and by which they tempted him, questioning his power and his goodness, and expressing their dissatisfaction with their present and daily allowance; they were not content with the manna they had every day, but they wanted to have a table ordered and spread with all kind of dainties. The sense of the question is, can the Lord do this for us? give us a plentiful table in the wilderness, as well as drop the manna about our tents? if he can, why does not he? if he does not, it must be either for want in himself, or want of good will to us; and thus tried and tempted the Lord.

Psalms 78:19 In-Context

17 But they continued to sin against him. In the desert they refused to obey the Most High God.

18 They were stubborn and put God to the test. They ordered him to give them the food they longed for.

19 They spoke against God. They said, "Can God put food on a table in the desert?

20 When he struck the rock, streams of water poured out. Huge amounts of water flowed down. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?"

21 When the LORD heard what they said, he was very angry. His anger broke out like fire against the people of Jacob. He became very angry with Israel.