Psalm 78 (77):16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The One who struck the rock in the desert and provided water akin to the depths (Ps. 77:15), who brought forth streams from the rock like mighty rivers (Ps. 76:16), is indeed capable of bestowing the gift of the Holy Spirit—this divine gift intended to fulfill this purpose—upon a faith that longs for sustenance. I assert that He will pour out from the spiritual rock that accompanies us, which is Christ. He once stood and proclaimed, "Whosoever thirsteth, come unto me" (Jn. 7:37), and assured that "whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give, rivers of living water shall flow from his bosom" (Jn. 4:14). In this context, He spoke, as recorded in the Gospel (Jn. 7:39), about the Spirit that those who believe in Him were meant to receive; to Him, as a staff, the tree of the Passion approached, so that grace might be abundantly bestowed upon the faithful.

The water that poured forth was separated into numerous streams, providing those in need with a delightful and plentiful refreshment.

Another miracle occurred in the wilderness of Kaddish, as documented in the book of Exodus. On two separate occasions, God provided water from the rock, at different times and locations. The site at Horeb, where water flowed, is referred to as Temptation and Murmuring, for there the Israelites tested God, challenging His might and failing to trust in the wonders they had frequently witnessed. They also complained against Moses for leading them from Egypt into such a desolate place. The location at Kaddish, where water was also granted, is known as the Water of Controversy, because the Israelites opposed God and grumbled. God commanded them to adhere to His commandments and to trust in Him; however, they neither believed in Him nor followed His instructions. Through Moses, God enacted this miraculous provision from the sea and the rocks.

Some might think that the prophet referenced the same miracle on two occasions; however, this is not the case. Moses indeed brought forth water from the rock two times—once in the wilderness of Horeb and again at Kadesh, the site where Miriam passed away and was laid to rest. In both instances, the flow was abundant, which is why it is described as coming ‘out of the great abyss.’ The water is likened not to a single river, but to numerous ones. This serves as evidence that the wonders performed for them were genuine rather than fanciful.

On Wednesday, the Prophet illustrates another indication of the Father’s love, emphasizing the depth of God’s concern for the salvation of His people. Rather than stating that God simply provided the Israelites with water, he highlights that it was done in an extraordinary manner. It is common knowledge that water flows from mountains, and naturalists understand this phenomenon; however, the rock that Moses struck was neither a mountain nor was it moist or soft. This suggests that the water did not originate from a spring but rather emerged from within the rock itself, akin to coming from the very core of the earth. This is further corroborated in the subsequent verse, which describes how rivers, previously absent, appeared in abundance.

This Psalm attributed to David, rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so that he could communicate its message to all, reflecting on the countless blessings bestowed by God Almighty upon the ungrateful people of Israel. It serves as a rebuke for their thanklessness and an encouragement for others to appreciate the profound mercy of God as manifested through Christ the Lord, who believes in His name. In this psalm, David speaks as if he represents Christ, urging believers to heed the teachings of the Gospel. The insights of this psalm, while initially directed at the Jews, now hold significance for the faithful followers of Christ: the old law acts as a foreshadowing of the new covenant.