Psalm 78 (77):19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, in their disbelief, they searched for solace for their souls. The apostle James does not instruct us to seek wisdom in this manner; rather, he encourages those who have faith to pursue it, warning against those who test or defame God. He states that if anyone among you feels insufficient in wisdom, they should ask God, who generously provides to all without reproach, and it will be granted; however, they must ask in faith, without any doubting. (James 1:5-6) This kind of faith was absent in that generation, for their hearts were not set on God, and they did not place their spirit in His care.

Providing water was a simple task, as the concealed treasures of the earth were made manifest. However, how can the hunger that afflicts us be alleviated? How can we receive bread that is bestowed upon us unexpectedly, which is cultivated and matures through the passage of time?

And they spoke ill of God. Instead of merely complaining about being deprived of the food they desired, they accused Him of leaving them hungry. They questioned, 'Can God provide food in the wilderness?' This statement reveals their lack of faith.

To speak ill of an ordinary person is a serious wrongdoing, which is why David proclaims, “I cast out him who slanders his neighbour in secret” (Psalm 100:5). Slandering a master is even more serious, as the reproach will return to the slanderer; however, to speak against God is the gravest offense, for He is our Creator, our Sovereign, and our Sustainer, owning all that is good and powerful. Therefore, one must refrain from blaspheming Him, either out of reverence for His might or in gratitude for His blessings. Yet, what accusations were made against Him? See Interpretation on v. 20.

Israel desired trivial things, provoking the anger of God. He chose to overlook the awe-inspiring acts of God and pursued the desires of his flesh. Yet, “the wrath of God is still in their mouths, and the wrath of God is come upon them” (Psalm 77:30-31). Present your requests to God in accordance with His glory, so that your worth may be elevated in His sight, and He may take delight in you. When someone asks a king for something insignificant, they not only demean themselves by making such a petty request, revealing a foolish mindset, but they also insult the king. Similarly, those who petition God for merely earthly benefits in their prayers do a disservice to themselves.

The actions of the Israelites were particularly displeasing to God. They desired the food, which caused Him irritation, not because it was wrong to seek sustenance during times of hunger—who could fault children for requesting bread from their father when in need? Rather, the Israelites sinned by refusing to be content with the provision appointed by God, indulging instead in their desires. God had already started to sustain them with manna, which we will soon observe, but they rejected it in favor of new and different food, akin to disparaging their father’s offerings.

This Psalm by David, rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the choir, so that he might proclaim it for the enlightenment of all regarding the countless blessings bestowed by God Almighty upon the ungrateful descendants of Israel. It serves to admonish them for their lack of gratitude and to encourage others to appreciate the immeasurable compassion of God, particularly as revealed through our Lord Christ, for those who believe in His name. Throughout this psalm, David speaks as if representing Christ, urging Christian believers to pay close attention to the Gospel's teachings.