Psalm 78 24

Psalm 78:24 kjv

And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.

Psalm 78:24 nkjv

Had rained down manna on them to eat, And given them of the bread of heaven.

Psalm 78:24 niv

he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.

Psalm 78:24 esv

and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven.

Psalm 78:24 nlt

He rained down manna for them to eat;
he gave them bread from heaven.

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 24 Meaning

Psalm 78:24 vividly recounts God's miraculous provision of manna to the Israelites in the wilderness. This verse describes the manna as "corn of heaven," emphasizing its divine origin and nature as sustenance directly provided by God, underscoring His power and care for His people during their forty years of wandering. It portrays a direct, supernatural intervention to meet their fundamental need for food, highlighting God as the supreme and immediate provider.

Psalm 78 24 Context

Psalm 78 is a Maskil (a contemplative or instructive psalm) by Asaph. It is a historical psalm, recounting God's dealings with Israel from the Exodus to the Davidic covenant. The overall theme is God's enduring faithfulness despite Israel's persistent disobedience and rebellion. Verses 9-72 serve as a historical lesson for future generations (v. 6), admonishing them not to be like their forefathers. Psalm 78:24 falls within a section (vv. 12-31) detailing God's miraculous provision during the wilderness wandering, contrasting it sharply with the people's grumbling, testing God, and insatiable lust for food beyond manna. The preceding verses recount the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, establishing God's mighty acts. The historical context for the original audience would involve a reminder of the foundational events of their national identity and the ever-present tension between divine grace and human unfaithfulness, serving as a warning and an encouragement to trust God fully. It challenges the human tendency to forget divine blessings and fall into idolatry or self-reliance, thereby asserting Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty and benevolence against any competing human or pagan notion of sustenance.

Psalm 78 24 Word analysis

• And had rained down:

  • Hebrew: wayyamṭēr (וַיַּמְטֵר). This is a Hiphil imperfect (or Qal waw-consecutive perfect) of the root maṭar (מָטָר), meaning "to rain" or "to cause to rain." The Hiphil conjugation signifies a causative action, meaning God caused it to rain down. It emphasizes divine agency; it wasn't a natural meteorological event but a direct, deliberate act of God's will and power.
  • Significance: Highlights the miraculous, supernatural nature of the provision. God actively intervened from above. This counters any idea of a self-sustaining world or dependence on nature gods for rainfall and harvest.

• manna:

  • Hebrew: mān (מָן). Derived from mān hu' ("What is it?"), the Israelites' initial bewildered reaction (Exod 16:15). It was a fine, flaky substance that appeared on the ground each morning.
  • Significance: Its mysterious origin and appearance daily reinforced their absolute dependence on God. It was unlike any natural food source known, marking it as solely from Yahweh. It also taught them obedience through daily collection limits and Sabbath observance.

• upon them:

  • Refers directly to the Israelites in the wilderness.
  • Significance: It shows God's specific care for His chosen people, meeting their immediate physical need. It was for their sustenance.

• to eat:

  • Direct purpose of the provision. It met their basic human hunger.
  • Significance: Underscores God's concern for fundamental human needs, even for a rebellious people. It was a tangible, essential blessing.

• and had given them:

  • Hebrew: wayyitḗn lāmōw (וַיִּתֵּן לָמוֹ). Repetition of divine action, emphasizing God as the Giver.
  • Significance: Reaffirms God's intentionality and generosity. This provision was a gift, not earned or produced by human effort.

• of the corn of heaven:

  • Hebrew: məḏeḡan šāmayim (מִדְּגַן שָׁמָיִם). Deḡan (דְּגָן) means "grain" or "corn" (in the ancient sense, referring to any cultivated cereal). Šāmayim (שָׁמַיִם) means "heaven" or "sky."
  • Significance: This is a poetic and elevated description of manna. Calling it "corn" likens it to a staple, vital crop, but specifying its origin as "heaven" sets it apart from earthly agriculture. It underscores its divine, non-earthly source and quality, elevating it above ordinary food. This phrase can be seen as a polemic against the agricultural gods of Canaan or Egyptian fertility deities, as Yahweh Himself provides the true "grain" directly from His abode, without human labor or dependence on seasonal rains, thus asserting His unique omnipotence as provider. This also links manna with the idea of divine bread or nourishment.

Psalm 78 24 Bonus section

The quality of the manna is further elaborated in Ps 78:25, which calls it "angels' food," or "bread of the mighty ones" (depending on translation of ’abbirim). This adds another layer of supernatural and divine endorsement to the manna's nature. It wasn't just physical sustenance; it was of a quality fit for heavenly beings. The manna served not only as food but also as a pedagogical tool. Its daily appearance and the command not to gather more than needed for the day (except before the Sabbath) were designed to teach the Israelites complete dependence on God for their "daily bread" and to trust in His faithful provision for tomorrow, as well as obedience to His commands.

Psalm 78 24 Commentary

Psalm 78:24 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness experience, encapsulating God's active, benevolent, and miraculous provision of manna. By stating that God "rained down manna" and gave them "corn of heaven," the psalmist elevates the historical event beyond mere sustenance to an act of divine wonder. This description not only highlights the supernatural origin of the food but also underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The phrase "corn of heaven" implies a sacred, divine quality to the manna, emphasizing that it was a unique gift from God's own domain. This act of provision serves as a foundational example of God's faithful care, even when faced with Israel's complaining and lack of faith, preparing the way for understanding deeper spiritual provision, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the true Bread of Life. The lesson embedded here is timeless: God is the ultimate Provider for both our physical and spiritual needs, deserving of our trust and obedience.