Psalms 105:16

KJV

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover he called {H7121} for a famine {H7458} upon the land {H776}: he brake {H7665} the whole staff {H4294} of bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He called down famine on the land, broke off all their food supply,

Berean Standard Bible

He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food.

American Standard Version

And he called for a famine upon the land; He brake the whole staff of bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 105:16 profoundly declares God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, specifically illustrating His deliberate orchestration of a severe famine. This verse, embedded within a historical psalm recounting God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, reveals how divine initiation of widespread food scarcity was a precise, purposeful act within His meticulously designed plan. Far from being a random disaster, this famine served as a crucial catalyst, setting in motion events that would ultimately preserve Jacob's family and prepare the way for their growth into a great nation in Egypt, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering providential care and redemptive intent even through hardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a magnificent historical psalm, forming part of a larger collection (Psalms 105-107) that vividly narrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, from the patriarchal era through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings. Its primary purpose is to call the community to "remember his marvelous works that he hath done" ([Psalm 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember God's Wonderful Works")) and to praise Him for His steadfast love. Verses 16-22 specifically pivot to the pivotal role of Joseph within God's grand redemptive narrative. The psalm details how God intentionally "sent a man before them, even Joseph" ([Psalm 105:17](/psalms/105-17 "Psalm 105:17 - God Sent Joseph Ahead")), allowing him to be sold into slavery and imprisoned, only to ultimately elevate him to a position of immense power in Egypt. Verse 16 serves as the crucial narrative hinge, introducing the divinely ordained famine that necessitated Jacob's family's descent into Egypt, directly preceding the account of Joseph's elevation and his indispensable role as a deliverer. This establishes the famine not as a random misfortune, but as a deliberate act of divine providence, essential to the unfolding of God's plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine described in Psalm 105:16 directly corresponds to the seven-year famine meticulously detailed in the Book of Genesis, particularly in [Genesis 41:53-57](/genesis/41-53-57 "Genesis 41:53-57 - The Seven-Year Famine Across the Earth"). This was not a localized drought but a widespread, severe agricultural catastrophe affecting "all the face of the earth" ([Genesis 41:56](/genesis/41-56 "Genesis 41:56 - Famine Spreads Over All the Earth")) and, crucially, the land of Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. In the ancient Near East, natural disasters like famine were almost universally interpreted as direct acts of the gods, either as expressions of divine judgment or as integral components of a larger divine plan. The phrase "the staff of bread" (מַטֵּה־לֶחֶם, _matteh-lechem_) is a powerful idiom that underscores the absolute dependence of life on grain, which was the staple food for sustenance. Its "breaking" signifies a complete and utter cessation of the food supply, a catastrophic event that would inevitably force migration, desperate measures, and widespread suffering. This context highlights the severity of the famine and emphatically reinforces the psalmist's assertion of its divine orchestration and purpose.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 105:16 is a foundational verse for several profound theological themes woven throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, unequivocally asserting God's absolute authority and meticulous control over all circumstances, even those that bring immense hardship. The declaration "he called for a famine" leaves no room for doubt that God is not a distant observer but an active, intentional orchestrator of events according to His divine purpose, a truth echoed in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Absolute Control Over Sustenance**, vividly illustrating humanity's complete dependence on Him for every aspect of life. The "breaking" of the "staff of bread" serves as a stark reminder that true provision comes ultimately from God alone, a concept reinforced in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God"). Lastly, this verse exemplifies God's use of **Hardship for a Greater Redemptive Purpose**. It demonstrates how seemingly devastating circumstances, like a widespread famine, are often precisely the instruments God employs within His intricate redemptive plan to achieve His ultimate benevolent goals, transforming potential disaster into an instrument of preservation and blessing, much like [Joseph's profound theological insight in Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Perspective on God's Good Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This verb (H7121) signifies an authoritative summons, a deliberate command, or a purposeful invitation. In the context of "he called for a famine," it emphasizes God's active, intentional, and sovereign initiation of the disaster. It is not a passive allowance or an event outside His control, but a direct divine decree, demonstrating His absolute authority over creation, natural phenomena, and the course of human history. This word highlights God's purposeful agency.
* **famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** This noun (H7458) denotes hunger, dearth, or a period of severe food scarcity. Its inclusion here, combined with God "calling for" it, underscores the severity and widespread nature of the crisis. It refers to a literal lack of food, particularly grain, which was the staple of life in the ancient world, and sets the stage for the desperate circumstances that would follow.
* **brake (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This verb (H7665) means to burst, shatter, or utterly destroy. When applied to the "staff of bread," it conveys a complete, decisive, and devastating cessation of the food supply. It implies not merely a shortage but a profound, debilitating, and comprehensive absence of sustenance, highlighting the severity and thoroughness of God's action in withholding provision.
* **staff of bread (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh lechem'_):** This idiomatic expression (H4294 for "staff," H3899 for "bread") is rich in meaning. A "staff" (_maṭṭeh_) is an instrument of support, sustenance, or authority. Thus, the "staff of bread" represents the very foundation, support, and essential means of life provided by food, especially grain. To "break" this staff means to utterly cut off or destroy the food supply, leading to widespread and severe hunger. This powerful metaphor emphasizes the completeness of the famine God brought and humanity's utter dependence on Him for daily sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover he called for a famine upon the land":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the active, sovereign agent behind the famine. The phrase "called for" (קָרָא, _qara'_) denotes a deliberate, authoritative command, indicating that this was not a random natural occurrence but a divinely purposed event. This famine, as elaborated in the broader narrative of Psalm 105 and the Book of Genesis, refers specifically to the multi-year famine that gripped both Egypt and Canaan, serving as the divine catalyst for Jacob's family to migrate to Egypt, where they would be preserved and flourish.
* **"he brake the whole staff of bread":** This second clause vividly explains the nature and severity of the famine through a powerful metaphor. God's action of "breaking" the "staff of bread" signifies the complete and utter removal of the essential means of sustenance. The "staff of bread" represents the very foundation of life—the staple food supply, particularly grain. To "break" it implies not just scarcity but a devastating, comprehensive cessation of provision. This act underscores God's absolute control over all life and His ability to both provide and withhold life's necessities, thereby demonstrating humanity's complete and radical dependence upon Him for every breath and every meal.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 105:16 is crafted with several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most striking is **Metaphor**, evident in the phrase "he brake the whole staff of bread." The "staff of bread" is a metaphorical representation of the essential means of sustenance, the very foundation and support of life provided by food. By stating that God "broke" this staff, the psalmist vividly depicts the complete and devastating cessation of the food supply, making the abstract concept of famine tangible and profoundly impactful. Furthermore, **Anthropomorphism** is clearly present in the depiction of God "calling for" a famine and "breaking" the staff. These are human actions attributed to God, making His divine agency and direct involvement in historical events more comprehensible and relatable to the audience. This device powerfully emphasizes God's active, personal orchestration of the famine rather than it being a mere natural phenomenon. The use of "the whole staff of bread" also contains an element of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of the famine, implying that no sustenance was available, thus heightening the sense of divine control and the severity of the crisis.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 105:16 serves as a profound theological declaration about God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous providence over all creation, including the seemingly destructive forces of nature. It unequivocally rejects any deistic notion of a distant God, instead presenting a God who actively intervenes in human affairs, orchestrating events—even those that bring hardship and suffering—to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The famine, though devastating and life-threatening, was not random but a divinely appointed crisis precisely designed to compel Jacob's family to move to Egypt. There, under Joseph's providential care, they would be preserved and grow into a great nation, ultimately setting the stage for the Exodus and the establishment of Israel as God's covenant people. This demonstrates the intricate nature of God's plans, which often utilize difficult circumstances as instruments for greater good and the advancement of His covenant promises. The verse also implicitly highlights humanity's utter dependence on God for every aspect of life, especially sustenance, reminding us that true provision comes ultimately and solely from Him.

* [Genesis 45:5-8](/genesis/45-5-8 "Genesis 45:5-8 - Joseph's Understanding of God's Redemptive Purpose")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Lamentations 3:37-38](/lamentations/3-37-38 "Lamentations 3:37-38 - God's Sovereign Control Over All Events")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 105:16 offers a profoundly transformative lens through which to view life's inevitable challenges, both personal and global. In a world frequently plagued by natural disasters, economic downturns, pandemics, or deeply personal crises, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is neither absent nor passive. Instead, He remains sovereignly in control, even when circumstances appear chaotic, destructive, or utterly beyond human comprehension. Understanding that God can intentionally "call for a famine" and "break the staff of bread" for His ultimate purposes encourages a deeper, more radical trust in His overarching plan, even when we cannot immediately discern its benefits or meaning. It calls us to recognize His unseen hand in all circumstances, fostering a profound dependence on His provision, wisdom, and unfailing love. This perspective cultivates spiritual resilience, unwavering hope, and a deep sense of peace, knowing that our lives and the entire world are ultimately held securely in the hands of a wise, loving, and sovereign God who works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does embracing God's sovereignty in seemingly devastating events like famine reshape your perspective on current global crises or personal hardships you are facing?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge a purely naturalistic or random view of the world and its events, and how does that challenge impact your faith?**
* **When your "staff of bread" feels broken—whether literally due to lack or figuratively due to emotional or spiritual emptiness—how can you actively cultivate deeper trust in God's provision and wisdom?**
* **What specific insights does this verse offer about God's character, His methods for achieving His redemptive purposes, and His relationship with humanity?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply God causes evil or suffering?**

Answer: Psalm 105:16 asserts God's sovereign control over events, including those that bring hardship like famine. It's crucial to understand this within the broader biblical narrative. While God is depicted as initiating the famine, it is not for malevolent purposes or to cause suffering arbitrarily, but as an integral part of a larger redemptive plan to preserve His people and fulfill His covenant promises. The Bible distinguishes between God's ultimate sovereignty and the origin of moral evil, which stems from human sin. Here, the famine is a natural disaster, divinely orchestrated to serve a specific, good purpose—to bring Jacob's family to Egypt and preserve them from perishing. This aligns with the profound biblical truth that God can use even difficult circumstances for His glory and the ultimate good of His people, as powerfully articulated by Joseph in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Understanding of God's Redemptive Plan"), where he tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." God's actions are always consistent with His holy, righteous, and benevolent character, even when they involve hardship to achieve a greater, benevolent end.

**How does "staff of bread" relate to other biblical imagery of provision and sustenance?**

Answer: The "staff of bread" is a powerful, evocative metaphor for essential physical sustenance, emphasizing humanity's absolute dependence on God for daily provision. This imagery resonates throughout the Bible, connecting to several key themes of divine provision. In the wilderness, God miraculously provided manna, a "bread from heaven," demonstrating His direct and supernatural provision when the natural "staff of bread" was absent ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Provides Manna in the Wilderness")). More profoundly, this physical imagery foreshadows spiritual sustenance. Jesus declares Himself the "Bread of Life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), stating, "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." This elevates the concept beyond mere physical food to spiritual nourishment and eternal life found exclusively in Him. Furthermore, Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone") (quoting [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")) teaches that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Thus, the "staff of bread" ultimately points to God Himself as the ultimate source of all provision, both physical and spiritual, and to His Word as essential for true, abundant life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 105:16, with its profound declaration of God's sovereign control over famine and His strategic use of hardship for redemptive purposes, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "broke the staff of bread" in Egypt to bring about physical preservation for Israel, He allowed His beloved Son, Jesus, to experience a profound "famine"—a complete deprivation of justice, peace, and ultimately, physical life itself—culminating in His crucifixion. This suffering, though seemingly a catastrophic breaking of all hope and the ultimate deprivation, was divinely orchestrated according to God's "definite plan and foreknowledge" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreordained Plan for Christ's Crucifixion")) to bring about eternal spiritual sustenance for a humanity starving in sin. Christ is the true and eternal "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) who, by His broken body and shed blood on the cross, provides everlasting nourishment and delivers us from the spiritual famine of sin, death, and separation from God. Through His singular, perfect sacrifice, God provides not merely temporary physical sustenance but the fullness of life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life")) and promises to meet "all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision in Christ")). The famine in Egypt, orchestrated to preserve a physical lineage and foreshadow a greater salvation, ultimately points to the spiritual famine from which Christ delivers us, offering Himself as the ultimate, never-failing source of life and provision, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" and in whom "you have been given fullness" ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ")) for all eternity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 4:16

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

Genesis 41:54

And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

Isaiah 3:1

¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Acts 7:11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

2 Kings 8:1

¶ Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.