Psalms 105:41

He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places [like] a river.

He opened {H6605} the rock {H6697}, and the waters {H4325} gushed out {H2100}; they ran {H1980} in the dry places {H6723} like a river {H5104}.

He split a rock, and water gushed out, flowing as a river over the dry ground,

He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

He opened the rock, and waters gushed out; They ran in the dry places like a river.

Commentary

Psalm 105:41 vividly recounts one of the most remarkable miracles in Israel's history: God's provision of water in the wilderness. This verse is part of a longer psalm that serves as a historical hymn, celebrating God's covenant faithfulness and mighty acts on behalf of His chosen people, from Abraham through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings.

Context

Psalm 105 is a psalm of thanksgiving, instructing Israel to remember and declare the wondrous works of the Lord. It systematically recounts God's faithfulness, starting from His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12), through Joseph's story, the oppression in Egypt, and the grand narrative of the Exodus. Verse 41 specifically refers to the miraculous event where God provided water for the thirsty Israelites during their wilderness journey, particularly at Rephidim and later at Kadesh. This act of provision is a cornerstone of the Exodus narrative, demonstrating God's direct intervention to sustain His people in impossible conditions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people's most basic needs, even in the harshest environments. He is the ultimate source of sustenance.
  • Miraculous Power: "He opened the rock" highlights God's omnipotence and His ability to perform extraordinary acts that defy natural laws. It was a direct display of His sovereign control over creation.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: This act of provision was not arbitrary but part of God fulfilling His promises to bring Israel into the promised land, sustaining them every step of the way. It underscores His reliability and unchanging character.
  • Sustenance in the Wilderness: The image of water gushing out and running "like a river" in dry places emphasizes the abundance and continuous nature of God's provision, adequate for millions of people and their livestock.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rock" here is צוּר (tsur), which often denotes a strong, immovable foundation or refuge. The phrase "gushed out" (נָזְלוּ - nazlu) implies a powerful, flowing abundance, not just a trickle. The description "dry places" (צָהִיּוֹת - tsahiyyot) refers to desolate, parched lands, emphasizing the desperate need and the overwhelming nature of God's answer. The comparison "like a river" (כְּנָהָר - k'nahar) further reinforces the scale and continuous flow of the water, a stark contrast to the barren desert.

Related Scriptures

This miraculous event is foundational and referenced throughout Scripture:

  • Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11 provide the detailed accounts of Moses striking the rock.
  • Psalm 78:15-16 also beautifully recounts this miracle, emphasizing the depth and abundance of the water.
  • The Apostle Paul later reflects on this event in 1 Corinthians 10:4, identifying the "spiritual Rock that followed them" as Christ, highlighting the enduring spiritual significance of God's provision.

Practical Application

Psalm 105:41 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that God is still a provider. In our own "dry places"—situations of scarcity, desperation, or spiritual barrenness—we can trust in His ability to meet our needs in miraculous and unexpected ways. He is our unfailing source of sustenance, both physical and spiritual. This verse encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness, share His mighty deeds, and rely on His continued provision, knowing that He is faithful to His covenant promises to His people.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 20:11

    And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

  • Exodus 17:6

    Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

  • Isaiah 48:21

    And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:4

    And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

  • Psalms 78:15

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

  • Psalms 78:16

    He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

  • Psalms 114:8

    Which turned the rock [into] a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.