Psalms 78:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And had rained down {H4305}{H8686)} manna {H4478} upon them to eat {H398}{H8800)}, and had given {H5414}{H8804)} them of the corn {H1715} of heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He rained down man on them as food; he gave them grain from heaven -

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And he rained down manna upon them to eat, And gave them food from heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:24 vividly portrays God's miraculous and abundant provision of manna and "corn of heaven" to the Israelites during their perilous forty-year journey through the barren wilderness. This verse stands as a powerful testament to the Lord's unwavering faithfulness, boundless care, and sovereign power to sustain His covenant people, even in the most desolate and seemingly impossible circumstances, underscoring His enduring commitment to them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical psalm, attributed to Asaph, designed as a didactic narrative to instruct future generations. It meticulously recounts Israel's journey from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest of Canaan, and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. The psalmist's primary aim is to remind the people of God's mighty acts of deliverance and provision, often juxtaposed with Israel's persistent rebellion, forgetfulness, and unfaithfulness. Verses 23-29 specifically focus on the wilderness period, immediately following a description of Israel's grumbling and testing of God (vv. 17-20) and God's subsequent judgment, yet continued provision. Verse 24, therefore, highlights a specific, profound instance of divine grace and supernatural sustenance amidst human failure, setting the stage for further descriptions of God's miraculous feeding and Israel's ongoing ingratitude, which ultimately led to their prolonged wandering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 78:24 is the forty-year wilderness wandering of the Israelites after their miraculous Exodus from Egyptian bondage. This period, spent in the desolate Sinai Peninsula, was characterized by extreme hardship and a severe lack of natural resources, particularly food and water. The provision of manna, initially described in detail in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - The Provision of Manna and Quail"), was a supernatural phenomenon, entirely distinct from any natural crop or agricultural cycle known to the Israelites. It appeared daily, except on the Sabbath, and could not be stored beyond a single day without spoiling, thereby enforcing a profound and daily dependence on God for their very survival. Culturally, this daily miracle profoundly challenged the Israelites' worldview, which was accustomed to predictable agricultural seasons. It served as a tangible, daily lesson that their sustenance came not from their own labor or the land, but directly from the hand of God, a critical theological truth powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone"), which states that humankind does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. **Divine Provision** is central, illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His intimate concern for the physical needs of His people. The imagery of "raining down" emphasizes the effortless abundance and supernatural nature of this supply, coming directly from heaven. This leads to the theme of **Miraculous Sustenance**, where manna serves as a tangible sign of God's power to transcend natural limitations and provide in impossible circumstances. It was designed not merely to fill bellies but to cultivate **Daily Dependence** and trust in God's word and timing, as seen in the instructions for its collection in [Exodus 16:4-5](/exodus/16-4-5 "Exodus 16:4-5 - Daily Gathering of Manna"). Finally, despite Israel's persistent complaints and lack of faith, the ongoing provision of manna highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, demonstrating His enduring love and patience even in the face of human rebellion and forgetfulness, a recurring motif throughout the wilderness narrative (e.g., [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manna (Hebrew, _mân_):** From H4478, derived from the Hebrew interrogative _mān hū’_, meaning "What is it?" (as seen in [Exodus 16:15](/exodus/16-15 "Exodus 16:15 - The Israelites' Question")), this term refers to the miraculous, bread-like substance provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness. It was a unique, supernatural food source, unlike any natural grain, emphasizing its divine origin and the Israelites' complete dependence on God for their daily sustenance.
* **Corn (Hebrew, _dâgân_):** From H1715, meaning "increase" or "grain." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the manna, not literal corn or grain as we understand it. Its application here elevates the manna's status, indicating it was a divine gift, a staple food provided directly from God, rather than an earthly crop.
* **Heaven (Hebrew, _shâmayim_):** From H8064, referring to the sky or heavens. When paired with "corn," it emphasizes the celestial origin of the manna, underscoring that it was a supernatural provision directly from God's abode, highlighting its extraordinary and divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And had rained down manna upon them to eat":** This clause emphasizes the divine action and the miraculous nature of the provision. The verb "rained down" (from H4305, _mâṭar_) suggests a sudden, abundant, and effortless supply directly from the heavens, highlighting God's immense power and generosity. The phrase "upon them" signifies the direct, personal, and inclusive nature of this provision for the entire community of Israel. The purpose "to eat" underscores its essential function as physical sustenance, directly addressing their profound hunger in the desolate wilderness.
* **"and had given them of the corn of heaven":** This second clause serves as a poetic parallel, reiterating and amplifying the message of the first. The verb "given" (from H5414, _nâthan_) reinforces that this was a divine gift, freely bestowed by God, not something earned or produced by human effort. "The corn of heaven" poetically describes the manna, emphasizing its celestial origin and superior, divine quality, further distinguishing it from any earthly food source and reinforcing that it came directly from God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:24 employs several literary devices to enhance its message and underscore the divine nature of the provision. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two clauses, where "rained down manna" is beautifully paralleled by "given them of the corn of heaven." This poetic technique reinforces the central idea of God's abundant provision while adding richness, emphasis, and a sense of completeness to the description. The phrase "corn of heaven" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the manna to a superior, divinely sourced grain, thereby elevating its status beyond mere physical sustenance to a truly supernatural gift. The description of God "raining down" the manna can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the sheer abundance and miraculous nature of the supply, far beyond what could be expected naturally in such a barren environment. Underlying these devices is the pervasive theme of **Divine Action**, as God is consistently presented as the active subject—the one who initiates, provides, and sustains—thereby highlighting His omnipotence, benevolence, and unwavering faithfulness to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine provision of manna, as celebrated in Psalms 78:24, is a foundational theological truth about God's character as a faithful, benevolent, and omnipotent Provider. It demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over creation, His ability to sustain life in impossible conditions, and His meticulous, intimate care for His covenant people. This act of sustenance was not merely about physical nourishment; it was a profound lesson in daily dependence, teaching Israel to trust God's word and timing rather than their own resources or anxieties. The "bread from heaven" foreshadows a greater spiritual provision, pointing to God's ultimate plan to satisfy humanity's deepest hunger. It serves as a historical anchor for faith, reminding believers that the God who provided miraculously in the past remains the same faithful Provider today, capable of meeting every need.

* [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - The Lord Promises Manna")
* [Nehemiah 9:15](/nehemiah/9-15 "Nehemiah 9:15 - God's Provision of Bread from Heaven")
* [John 6:31](/john/6-31 "John 6:31 - Jesus References Manna as Bread from Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 78:24 stands as an enduring testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they are undeserving or rebellious. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful encouragement to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as the Israelites had to gather manna daily, we are called to live in daily dependence on God's provision, recognizing that true sustenance and flourishing come from Him alone. In our own "wilderness" seasons, whether financial hardship, emotional distress, spiritual dryness, or relational challenges, this passage reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances or the apparent impossibility of our situations. He is capable of providing in ways we cannot imagine, often supernaturally, always faithfully. Reflecting on God's past acts of provision, like the manna, strengthens our faith to believe that He will continue to meet our needs, inviting us to release anxiety and embrace a posture of confident reliance on His boundless grace and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of manna challenge my tendency to rely on my own resources and ingenuity rather than God's daily provision?**
* **In what specific "wilderness" areas of my life am I currently struggling to trust God for daily sustenance, guidance, or peace?**
* **What does it mean for me to "eat" the "corn of heaven" in a spiritual sense today, beyond merely physical nourishment?**
* **How can remembering God's past faithfulness, as powerfully demonstrated by the manna, strengthen my faith for present and future challenges?**

### FAQ
**Was "corn of heaven" literal corn or grain as we know it today?**

Answer: No, "corn of heaven" was not literal corn or grain in the modern sense. It is a poetic and metaphorical description of the manna, which was a unique, bread-like substance miraculously provided by God. The Hebrew word _dāgān_ (H1715) typically refers to grain, but here it is used to emphasize the manna's function as a staple food and its divine origin. The Israelites themselves initially didn't know what it was, asking "What is it?" (_mān hū'_) as recorded in [Exodus 16:15](/exodus/16-15 "Exodus 16:15 - The Origin of the Name Manna"), which is where the name "manna" comes from. The phrase "corn of heaven" simply highlights that this food came directly from God's abode, not from earthly fields, underscoring its supernatural nature.

**How long did God provide manna for the Israelites in the wilderness?**

Answer: God provided manna for the Israelites for the entire forty years they wandered in the wilderness. This daily provision ceased only when they entered the Promised Land and were able to eat the produce of the land of Canaan. [Joshua 5:12](/joshua/5-12 "Joshua 5:12 - Manna Ceases at Gilgal") explicitly states, "And the manna ceased on the day after they ate of the produce of the land; and the people of Israel no longer had manna, but ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year." This long duration underscores God's sustained faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to sustaining His people throughout their entire journey, from their escape from Egypt until their settlement in the land He promised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness, so vividly described in Psalms 78:24, serves as a profound type and shadow pointing directly to Jesus Christ, the true "Bread of Life." Just as the manna descended from heaven to sustain Israel physically in a barren land, Jesus, the Son of God, descended from heaven to offer eternal spiritual sustenance to a spiritually famished humanity. In [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus the Bread of Life"), Jesus directly contrasts Himself with the manna, declaring, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). While the manna sustained physical life for a season and those who ate it eventually died, Jesus offers a bread that gives eternal life, ensuring that those who partake of Him by faith will live forever ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). His body, broken for us on the cross, is the ultimate "corn of heaven," providing spiritual nourishment, reconciliation with God, and the promise of everlasting life, a truth remembered and celebrated in the Lord's Supper ([1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - Jesus' Words at the Last Supper")). Thus, Psalms 78:24 ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the divine provision who satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger and sustains us unto everlasting life.

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

Exodus 16:4

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Psalms 105:40

[The people] asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

Exodus 16:14

And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness [there lay] a small round thing, [as] small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Nehemiah 9:20

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Nehemiah 9:15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

Psalms 68:9

Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.