Psalms 78:27

KJV

He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:

KJV (with Strong's)

He rained {H4305}{H8686)} flesh {H7607} also upon them as dust {H6083}, and feathered {H3671} fowls {H5775} like as the sand {H2344} of the sea {H3220}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and rained down meat on them like dust, birds flying thick as the sand on the seashore.

Berean Standard Bible

He rained meat on them like dust, and winged birds like the sand of the sea.

American Standard Version

He rained flesh also upon them as the dust, And winged birds as the sand of the seas:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:27 vividly recounts a miraculous act of divine provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings, describing how God supernaturally "rained flesh" and "feathered fowls" upon His people in overwhelming abundance. This historical detail, part of Asaph's didactic psalm, serves to illustrate God's immense power and faithfulness to a rebellious and ungrateful generation, emphasizing His capacity to provide beyond all human expectation, even in the most desolate circumstances, while also subtly hinting at the consequences of covetousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a *maskil*, or didactic psalm, attributed to Asaph, functioning as a comprehensive historical recounting of God's dealings with Israel from the Exodus through the Davidic monarchy. Its primary purpose is to instruct future generations about God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's recurrent pattern of rebellion and forgetfulness, urging them not to emulate their forefathers' transgressions. Verses 23-29 specifically detail God's miraculous provision of food in the wilderness, immediately following the account of the manna from heaven. This section highlights God's response to the Israelites' grumbling and craving for meat, setting the stage for both His abundant grace and the subsequent judgment that fell upon them due to their covetousness, as further elaborated in the broader narrative of the psalm and other biblical books.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The verse refers to the historical events of the Exodus, specifically the Israelites' journey through the vast and desolate Sinai wilderness after their liberation from Egyptian bondage. During this period, the barren desert offered no natural means of sustaining such a large population, leading to frequent complaints about their diet and a longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt. God's miraculous provision of quail—the "flesh" and "feathered fowls" mentioned—is recorded in [Exodus 16:13](/exodus/16-13 "Exodus 16:13 - Quail and Manna Provided") and more extensively in [Numbers 11:31-33](/numbers/11-31-33 "Numbers 11:31-33 - The Quail and Plague at Kibroth-hattaavah"). This divine intervention demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His intimate, though often challenged, care for His people, even when their hearts were far from Him and their demands bordered on rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 78:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Provision and Abundance**, showcasing God's limitless capacity to supply the needs of His people in impossible situations, not merely adequately but superabundantly. Secondly, it highlights **Miraculous Intervention**, emphasizing that this was a supernatural act, a direct display of God's power over nature, rather than a natural phenomenon. The description of "raining" flesh signifies a divine, intentional downpour. Thirdly, while demonstrating God's immense **Patience and Grace** in responding to His people's complaints, the broader context of the quail incident (especially in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Quail and Plague")) also subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Rebellion and Covetousness**. God provided what they demanded, but their greed led to a severe plague, serving as a solemn warning against testing God or craving earthly desires above Him, a theme echoed in [1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Warnings from Israel's History").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rained (Hebrew, _māṭar'_):** This verb (H4305) signifies a direct, deliberate act of causing rain or a downpour. In this context, it emphasizes the supernatural nature of the event, indicating that God actively caused the "flesh" (quail) to descend from the sky, rather than it being a natural occurrence or a mere coincidence. It highlights divine agency and control over creation, underscoring that this was an intentional act of provision.
* **Dust (Hebrew, _‘āpār'_):** Used here as a comparative term (H6083), "dust" signifies an immeasurable, countless quantity. It evokes the image of fine particles covering the ground, emphasizing the sheer volume and density of the "flesh" that was provided. This hyperbolic imagery underscores the overwhelming abundance of God's provision, making it clear that the supply was far beyond what could be naturally expected or consumed.
* **Sand of the sea (Hebrew, _chôwl_ H2344, _yâm_ H3220):** Parallel to "dust," "sand of the sea" is another powerful biblical metaphor for an innumerable multitude or an immense, uncountable quantity. Its use here reinforces the boundless nature of the quail provision, suggesting a supply so vast it defied human comprehension or measurement, covering the landscape as extensively as grains of sand on a seashore. This dual imagery of "dust" and "sand" powerfully conveys the miraculous scale of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He rained flesh also upon them as dust":** This clause identifies God ("He") as the active agent of the miracle. The verb "rained" immediately signals a supernatural event, a direct divine intervention, indicating that the provision was not a natural phenomenon but a deliberate act from heaven. "Flesh" (H7607) refers specifically to the quail that God provided. The phrase "as dust" (H6083) is a vivid simile, conveying the extraordinary, almost incomprehensible quantity of quail that descended upon the Israelite camp, covering the ground densely and extensively.
* **"and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea":** This parallel clause reiterates and amplifies the previous statement. "Feathered fowls" (H3671, H5775) explicitly identifies the "flesh" as birds, specifically quail, reinforcing the nature of the provision. The simile "like as the sand of the sea" (H2344, H3220) further emphasizes the unimaginable abundance, reinforcing the hyperbolic description of the provision. Together, these clauses paint a picture of God's boundless power and His willingness to provide for His people in a way that far exceeded their natural expectations or even their ability to consume.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine abundance. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrases "as dust" and "like as the sand of the sea." These are deliberate exaggerations not meant to be taken literally, but rather to impress upon the reader the colossal, overwhelming quantity of quail provided. This serves to magnify God's power and the miraculous nature of His provision. Closely related is **Simile**, where the "flesh" is directly compared to "dust" and "feathered fowls" to "sand of the sea" using the comparative words "as" and "like as." These comparisons draw on common, vast natural elements to illustrate an otherwise unimaginable scale. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first clause ("He rained flesh also upon them as dust"). This repetition amplifies the message of immense abundance and divine intervention, creating a sense of awe and wonder at God's capabilities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:27 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they are undeserving. It demonstrates that God is not limited by human circumstances or natural laws; He can provide in ways that defy logic and exceed all expectation. This miraculous provision of quail, alongside the manna, illustrates God's sustaining grace in the wilderness, a period designed to teach Israel dependence upon Him. Yet, the broader narrative reminds us that while God provides, His provision is not always an unqualified blessing if received with a covetous heart or a spirit of rebellion, foreshadowing the principle that God sometimes gives people what they want to expose the sin in their hearts and teach them a deeper lesson about true satisfaction.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Not by Bread Alone")
* [Matthew 6:26](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26 - God Feeds the Birds")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Psalms 78:27 invites us to reflect on the boundless nature of God's provision in our own lives. Just as He supernaturally sustained Israel in the desolate wilderness, He remains our faithful provider today, capable of meeting our needs in ways we cannot imagine. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His limitless resources, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or desperate circumstances. It reminds us to remember God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal journeys, as a foundation for present and future reliance. However, the broader context also serves as a poignant warning: while God is gracious, our posture before Him matters. We are called to seek His kingdom and righteousness first, trusting Him for what we need, rather than demanding blessings out of a spirit of covetousness or ingratitude, which can lead to unintended consequences. Our focus should be on delighting in Him, knowing that He will provide good things to those who walk uprightly and that true contentment is found in His presence, not in the abundance of possessions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "wilderness" or a sense of lack, and how might God be inviting you to trust His provision?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of provision, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your faith for present needs and future uncertainties?**
* **Are there any desires in your heart that you might be pursuing with a covetous spirit, rather than trusting God's timing and will for your life?**
* **How can the overwhelming abundance of God's provision in this verse encourage you to be more generous with what you have been given to others?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "flesh" and "feathered fowls" are mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "flesh" and "feathered fowls" refer specifically to quails. The biblical accounts in [Exodus 16:13](/exodus/16-13 "Exodus 16:13 - Quail Provided") and [Numbers 11:31-33](/numbers/11-31-33 "Numbers 11:31-33 - The Quail Incident") describe how God sent vast quantities of quails that flew low enough for the Israelites to gather, covering the ground around their camp. This miraculous provision was in response to their persistent grumbling and craving for meat during their journey through the wilderness, demonstrating God's power to meet even their sinful desires.

**Was God's provision of quail solely a blessing for the Israelites?**

Answer: While the provision of quail was undeniably a demonstration of God's power and His ability to meet His people's needs, the broader biblical narrative reveals it was not solely an unqualified blessing. In [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Quail and Plague"), the Israelites' craving for meat is explicitly linked to a spirit of covetousness and a lack of faith, as they complained against God and Moses. God provided the quail in overwhelming abundance, but as they were still eating it, a severe plague broke out among them because of their greed and rebellion ([Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague at Kibroth-hattaavah")). Thus, it served as both a provision and a judgment, highlighting God's patience but also His justice in dealing with sin and ungrateful hearts.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: Psalms 78:27 profoundly reveals several aspects of God's character. It showcases His **omnipotence** and **sovereignty** over creation, as He supernaturally alters natural patterns to provide for His people. It demonstrates His **faithfulness** to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. Furthermore, it highlights His immense **patience** and **compassion**, as He responds to the complaints of His grumbling people, providing for their physical hunger. However, when viewed in its full context, it also subtly points to His **justice** and **holiness**, as the provision, given in response to sinful craving, ultimately led to judgment for their rebellion and lack of trust, teaching a crucial lesson about the dangers of demanding God's blessings outside of His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 78:27 describes a miraculous physical provision, its deeper spiritual fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate and eternal provision of God for His people. Just as God "rained flesh" to sustain Israel in the physical wilderness, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be the spiritual "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who takes away the sin of the world. The temporary, physical sustenance of quail foreshadows the lasting, spiritual sustenance found in Christ's body and blood, given for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus' Flesh for the Life of the World")). Moreover, the abundance of the quail, like "dust" and "sand of the sea," points to the immeasurable riches of God's grace and mercy poured out through Christ, far exceeding any earthly need or human comprehension ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption Through His Blood")). In Him, we find not just temporary relief from hunger, but eternal life and spiritual satisfaction that never runs out, as He promises living water that quenches all thirst ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). He is the true and everlasting provision for every human longing, satisfying the soul in a way no physical food ever could.

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 16:12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God.

Exodus 16:13

¶ And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

Numbers 11:18

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for [it was] well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

Numbers 11:19

Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;

Numbers 11:32

And the people stood up all that day, and all [that] night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread [them] all abroad for themselves round about the camp.