Psalm 78 15

Psalm 78:15 kjv

He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.

Psalm 78:15 nkjv

He split the rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink in abundance like the depths.

Psalm 78:15 niv

He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas;

Psalm 78:15 esv

He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.

Psalm 78:15 nlt

He split open the rocks in the wilderness
to give them water, as from a gushing spring.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 15 Meaning

Psalm 78:15 describes God's miraculous provision of water for the Israelites in the wilderness. He supernaturally cleaved hard rocks, causing abundant water to gush forth, as if drawing from an immense, inexhaustible primordial source, thus sustaining His people in a desolate land.

Psalm 78 15 Context

Psalm 78 is a "Masoretic Psalm," meaning a teaching psalm, recounting Israel's history of rebellion against God despite His faithful provision and miracles. The broader narrative of Psalm 78 spans from the Exodus to David's kingship, serving as a didactic reminder to future generations about God's steadfast love and Israel's recurrent disobedience. Verse 15 falls within the section recounting the Exodus and wilderness wanderings (Ps 78:12-31), highlighting specific miraculous acts of God's provision—like the parting of the Red Sea, the manna, and water from the rock—to underscore His divine power and unwavering commitment to His covenant people, in contrast to their continuous grumbling and testing of Him. Historically, it refers specifically to events at Horeb/Rephidim (Exod 17:1-7) and later at Kadesh (Num 20:1-13), where God miraculously provided water from a rock in the arid wilderness.

Psalm 78 15 Word analysis

• He split: Hebrew בָּקַע (bāqaʿ). This verb denotes a powerful, decisive tearing or cleaving action. It implies a violent separation, highlighting God's immense strength and authority over physical creation. This is not a gentle seepage but a forceful breakthrough, demonstrating a radical transformation of the rock's nature for the sake of His people.
• rocks: Hebrew צוּרִים (tsūrīm). Plural of tsur, meaning "rock" or "boulder." Often used metaphorically for strength or a stronghold, but here literal, emphasizing the hard, seemingly impenetrable nature of the obstacle God overcame.
• in the wilderness: Hebrew מִדְבָּר (midbār). A desolate, dry, and dangerous place. The setting amplifies the miracle; water in such a place is not natural, making God's provision undeniable and magnificent. The wilderness also represents a place of dependence and divine testing.
• and gave them drink: Hebrew וַיַּשְׁקְ (wayyašq), a causative form (Hiphil) of the verb "to drink." God is the active agent who ensures they were hydrated. This underscores His benevolent and direct action in sustaining life.
• as if from the great deep: Hebrew תְּהוֹמוֹת רַבָּה (təhōmōt rabbāh). "Great deep" (təhōm) typically refers to the primeval ocean or abyss (Gen 1:2), often associated with chaos or immense, unmeasurable depths. "Rabbah" (great, vast) emphasizes its scale. The phrase implies an inexhaustible, almost primordial volume of water, far exceeding any natural spring in the desert. It connects God's power in sustaining Israel to His cosmic power demonstrated in creation, illustrating His infinite capacity to provide. This abundance contrasts sharply with the parched land and the limited expectations of the people.

Psalm 78 15 Bonus section

The imagery of God "splitting" or "cleaving" is significant, recurring in the Bible not only for water but also for making ways through solid barriers (e.g., Exod 14:16 for the Red Sea). This highlights God's sovereignty over natural elements, bending them to His will for His people's salvation. The specific phrasing "as if from the great deep" might also carry a subtle polemical undertone against pagan deities, particularly those associated with storm, rain, or fertility, such as Baal. While human idols required sacrifices and offerings to grant water, the true God provides supernaturally and abundantly from His own infinite power, without constraint. This miracle underscores Israel's utter dependence on God in the wilderness and the extraordinary measures He undertook to keep them alive and on their journey to the Promised Land.

Psalm 78 15 Commentary

Psalm 78:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth about God's nature and relationship with His people. It goes beyond merely stating a historical event; it celebrates God's immense power, unparalleled provision, and unyielding faithfulness, particularly when faced with His people's dire need in impossible circumstances. The imagery of splitting "rocks" speaks to overcoming impenetrable barriers through divine omnipotence. The flow of water, "as if from the great deep," signifies not just minimal survival but an overflowing, abundant supply, reminiscent of the inexhaustible founts of creation itself. This demonstrates that God's resources are limitless, and He is able to draw from His very nature to sustain those He loves. The miracle points to God as the sole Giver of life, able to bring forth refreshment and life where only desolation exists, foreshadowing Christ, who Himself became the living water (John 4:10; 1 Cor 10:4).