Psalm 78 (77):18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, those who did not have faith sought solace for their souls in ways that were not in accordance with the teachings of the apostle James. He urges that wisdom be pursued by believers rather than by those who test and defame God. He states that if anyone among you is in need of wisdom, let that person ask God, who generously provides for all without reprimanding them, and it will be given. However, one must ask in faith, without doubting at all. (James 1:5-6) In that generation, such faith was absent, as their hearts were not directed toward God, and their spirits were not entrusted to Him.

Yet this did not cleanse their hearts of deceit; they remained burdened by the malady of ingratitude. Despite receiving numerous blessings, they resolved to test God's might, and in their time of need for sustenance, rather than seek what they required, they grumbled against God as if He lacked the ability to provide.

In the passages of this psalm, particularly in the part about the fire being ignited, there are concepts that Moses chose not to detail. However, David recorded these elements, along with various similar accounts, either drawn from apocryphal texts, as previously mentioned, from older traditions, or revealed to him through the Holy Spirit. David articulates that they tested the Lord in their hearts, questioning whether God could provide what they desired; they put Him to the test by seeking nourishment for their souls, meaning for their own fulfillment.

Behold, they tested the Lord by questioning whether He could provide sustenance in the desolate land. Their request arose more from a sense of depravity than genuine need. Thus, it is noted that they asked not merely for "food," but for that which would satisfy their souls, revealing their craving and desire when they complained about lacking cucumbers, melons, and onions.

Israel sought trivial matters, and as a result, the anger of God was directed towards him. He neglected to marvel at the awe-inspiring wonders manifested in the works of God and instead pursued the desires of his flesh. Yet, “the wrath of God is still in their mouths, and the wrath of God has come upon them” (Psalm 77:30-31). Bring your requests before God in accordance with His glory, so that your worth may be exalted in His sight, and He may take delight in you. When a person approaches a king with a trivial request, he not only degrades himself through such a meager appeal, reflecting foolishness, but he also disrespects the king. This is akin to one who seeks earthly blessings in their prayers to God.

The actions of the Israelites greatly angered God. They craved the broth, which troubled Him—not because it was wrong to seek sustenance when faced with hunger, as no one would deem it sinful for starving children to ask their father for bread. However, the Israelites strayed in their dissatisfaction with the provisions ordained by God, succumbing instead to their own desires. Although God had begun to nourish them with manna, as will soon be revealed, they grew weary of it and yearned for new fare, almost as if they were rejecting the food provided by their Father.

This Psalm, attributed to David and rich with prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so that he could communicate it for the enlightenment of all regarding the countless blessings bestowed by God Almighty on the often unthankful people of Israel. It serves as a call to repentance for their lack of gratitude and as a reminder for others to express their appreciation for the unfathomable grace of God, particularly as revealed through Christ our Lord for those who believe in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David appears to voice the sentiments of Christ, encouraging believers to pay attention to the Gospel's teachings.