Psalm 78:19–40 | Liturgical Calendar

19

They tested God in their hearts *

and demanded food for their craving.

20

They spoke against God, saying, *

“Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

21

Indeed, he smote the stony rock, so that water gushed out, and the streams overflowed; *

but can he give bread also, or provide meat for his people?”

22

When the Lord heard this, he was full of wrath; *

so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and there flared up fierce anger against Israel,

23

Because they did not believe in God, *

and did not put their trust in his help.

24

So he commanded the clouds above *

and opened the doors of heaven.

25

He rained down manna upon them to eat *

and gave them food from heaven.

26

So mortals ate the bread of angels; *

for he sent them food enough.

27

He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, *

and through his power he brought in the south wind.

28

He rained meat upon them as thick as dust *

and feathered fowl like the sand of the sea.

29

He let it fall among their tents, *

even round about their habitations.

30

So they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they desired; *

they did not deny themselves their cravings,

31

But while the food was yet in their mouths, the heavy wrath of God came upon them, and slew the mightiest of them, *

and struck down the young men of Israel.

32

But for all this they sinned yet more, *

and did not believe his wondrous works.

33

Therefore he brought their days to an end as a breath *

and their years in trouble.

34

When he slew them, they sought him, *

and returned, and inquired after God.

35

And they remembered that God was their rock, *

and the Most High God was their redeemer.

36

Nevertheless, they flattered him with their mouth *

and spoke deceitfully to him with their tongue.

37

For their heart was not fixed on him, *

neither did they continue steadfast in his covenant.

38

But he was so merciful that he forgave their iniquities *

and did not destroy them.

39

Indeed, many times he turned his wrath away *

and would not permit his displeasure to arise.

40

For he considered that they were but flesh, *

that they were even as the wind that passes away and comes not again.