Psalm 78 (77):20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, in their disbelief, they sought 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 earnestly seek it, rather than those who test and criticize God. He states that if anyone among you lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who generously grants to all without reproach, and it will be given to them; however, they must ask in faith, without doubting anything. (James 1:5-6) Such faith was absent in that generation, as their hearts were not directed towards God, and their spirits were not committed to Him.

It was simple to provide water, as the concealed treasures of the earth were revealed. Yet how can the hunger that afflicts us be quenched, and bread presented to us unexpectedly, which is cultivated and develops over the course of time?

It has been claimed that, while God has accomplished what is stated, can He also achieve this? What folly! If He could perform the former, how is it possible for Him to be incapable of the latter? The floods should be interpreted as torrents overflowing with immense force. For it is written, "He brought down like rivers of water." When reference is made to the meal, it denotes favorite meats. Yet, dear reader, notice how David recounts the event of water being drawn from the rock prior to the delivery of bread and meat to the Israelites, which contrasts with the account found in the book of Exodus. There, you will discover that God first provided them with manna and quail, and subsequently supplied water from the rock.

The blindness experienced by those who blaspheme and act unlawfully is truly lamentable. Based on the great might of God, one should firmly believe that all things are achievable for Him and that nothing is beyond His capability. Yet, in spite of this understanding, they lose faith in His strength, to the point of questioning His ability, as if He could provide water but not sustenance, as if His miraculous power had diminished or had been exhausted on those who have already witnessed His wonders.

Israel sought trivial matters, provoking the anger of God. He neglected to marvel at the awe-inspiring 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 is come upon them" (Psalm 77:30-31). Present your requests to God in accordance with His glory, so that your worth may be exalted in His sight, and that He may take delight in you. If one were to approach a king with a request as insignificant as a mere scrap, not only would they dishonor themselves through such a petty appeal, displaying immense foolishness, but they would also offend the king. This parallels those who bring forth prayers to God seeking carnal desires.

The actions of the Israelites were deeply offensive to God. They craved the broth, which troubled Him—not because it was inappropriate to seek sustenance when they were hungry, for who would consider it wrong for starving children to ask their father for bread? Rather, their sin lay in their discontent with the sustenance provided by God; they surrendered to their own desires. God had begun to nourish them with manna, as we will soon observe, but instead of appreciating it, they grew weary and sought new provisions, as though they marginalized their father’s offerings. This is the significance behind the reference to the souls that demanded the broth, indicating their request stemmed not from need but from an insatiable desire that disregarded the nourishment God had appointed.

This Psalm of David, rich in prophetic insight, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, to proclaim for the comprehension of all regarding the countless blessings of God Almighty bestowed upon the ungrateful lineage of the Jews. It serves to admonish them for their lack of thankfulness while inviting others to express gratitude for the inexpressible humanity of God, particularly as manifested in Christ the Lord, who believes in His name. In this psalm, the prophet David addresses the Christian believers, encouraging them to pay attention to the Gospel's teachings. The wisdom found in this psalm is relevant to the Jews in times past, yet now it is intended for Christ's faithful: the old law serves as a shadow of the new covenant.