Psalms 81:16

KJV

He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

He should have fed {H398}{H8686)} them also with the finest {H2459} of the wheat {H2406}: and with honey {H1706} out of the rock {H6697} should I have satisfied {H7646}{H8686)} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

They would be fed with the finest wheat, and I would satisfy you with honey from the rocks."

Berean Standard Bible

But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

American Standard Version

He would feed them also with the finest of the wheat; And with honey out of the rock would I satisfy thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 81:16 serves as a profound divine lament, expressing God's heartfelt sorrow over the abundant blessings Israel forfeited due to their disobedience. It vividly contrasts God's ideal desire to provide His people with the choicest sustenance—symbolized by the "finest of the wheat" and miraculous "honey out of the rock"—with their actual experience of missed opportunities, stemming from their stubborn refusal to heed His voice. The verse powerfully underscores God's boundless generosity and His longing to satisfy His people fully, while simultaneously highlighting the tragic consequences of human rebellion against divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 81 is an Asaphite psalm, likely composed for a major Israelite festival, perhaps Passover or the Feast of Booths, given its themes of national deliverance and covenant renewal. It commences with an exuberant call to worship and praise God for His mighty acts, particularly the Exodus from Egypt, as seen in [Psalms 81:1-5](/psalms/81-1-5 "Psalms 81:1-5 - Call to Worship and God's Decree"). The psalm then transitions into a direct address from God Himself, recalling His faithfulness during the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, and reminding Israel of His commands and His earnest desire for their obedience, beginning in [Psalms 81:6](/psalms/81-6 "Psalms 81:6 - God's Voice to Israel"). Critically, God laments Israel's stubbornness and refusal to listen to His voice, which led to their being given over to their own devices, as stated in [Psalms 81:11-12](/psalms/81-11-12 "Psalms 81:11-12 - Israel's Disobedience and God's Lament"). Verse 16 serves as the poignant climax of God's conditional statement, expressing what He *would have done* for His people had they only hearkened to Him, thereby emphasizing the profound blessings they forfeited. This lament powerfully frames the entire psalm, moving from communal worship to a divine plea for obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop for this psalm is the foundational narrative of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. The imagery of "finest of the wheat" resonates deeply within an agrarian society, where wheat was the staple crop, symbolizing prosperity and the basic necessities of life. "Finest" implies the highest quality, reflecting God's desire for premium provision. The phrase "honey out of the rock" evokes the miraculous acts of God in the barren wilderness, such as bringing forth water from a seemingly impossible source like a rock, as recorded in [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"). While wild honey could indeed be found in rocky crevices, its inclusion here, especially in the context of divine provision in the wilderness, carries a strong connotation of supernatural, unexpected sweetness and sustenance. The entire lament is framed within the context of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings and curses were contingent upon Israel's obedience or disobedience to God's commands, as vividly outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the Psalter and broader Scripture. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Lament and Conditional Blessing**, revealing God's deep sorrow over Israel's stubbornness and the tangible blessings they forfeited as a result. This underscores that while God's love is steadfast, the experience of His full covenant blessings is often contingent upon human faithfulness. Secondly, the verse powerfully showcases **God's Abundant Provision**. Even in His lament, God's character as a generous and benevolent provider is emphasized; He desires to give His people the best, not merely enough, but overflowing abundance. This theme is consistent with God's nature as the one who gives "every good and perfect gift," as stated in [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God the Giver of Good Gifts"). Finally, the verse clearly illustrates **The Cost of Disobedience**. It serves as a stark reminder that human rebellion has tangible, often tragic, consequences, leading to a forfeiture of divine favor and the abundant life God intends. This theme is central to the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah's warnings against Israel's rebellion](/isaiah/1-4 "Isaiah 1:4 - Rebellious Children") and their subsequent suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fed (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat" (literally or figuratively), "to consume," or "to feed." In this context, it signifies God's active role as the provider of sustenance. The conditional nature of the verb ("should have fed") underscores God's unfulfilled desire to nourish His people fully, lamenting their refusal to partake of His provision.
* **Finest (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be fat," this term refers to the richest, choicest, or most excellent part. When applied to agricultural produce or sacrifices, it denotes supreme quality and abundance. It signifies the premium, overflowing provision God desired to bestow upon His people, far beyond mere sufficiency. The use of "fat" in this context is similar to its use in sacrificial laws, where the fat was considered the Lord's portion, representing the best and most valuable part, as seen in [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Lord's Portion of the Fat").
* **Honey (Hebrew, _dᵉbash'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be gummy," this word refers to honey (from its stickiness) and by analogy, syrup. It signifies sweetness, delight, and abundance. It is often associated with the imagery of the Promised Land, described as a "land flowing with milk and honey," as in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"). Its unexpected source "out of the rock" amplifies the miraculous and delightful nature of God's provision, suggesting sweetness derived from seemingly impossible or barren circumstances.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sate," "to fill to satisfaction" (literally or figuratively). This word conveys the idea of being completely full, having enough, or being content. God's desire was not just to provide, but to fully satisfy His people, bringing them a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment that only divine provision can offer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat":** This opening clause expresses God's ideal intention and His profound desire for His people. The "He" refers to God, the divine Provider. The conditional "should have fed" (KJV) or "I would feed" (ESV) implies a past unfulfilled condition, a lament over what could have been. God's plan was to provide Israel with the absolute best sustenance, symbolized by the "finest of the wheat," indicating complete physical and spiritual nourishment, prosperity, and a life of abundance. This reflects His generous character and unwavering covenant promises.
* **"and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee."** This parallel clause reinforces the theme of miraculous and delightful provision, emphasizing God's personal desire to bring profound satisfaction. "Honey out of the rock" is a vivid and striking image of sweetness and abundance drawn from an impossible or barren source, echoing God's supernatural acts in the wilderness (e.g., providing water from a rock). The "I" emphasizes God's personal desire to bring profound satisfaction, not just provision, to His people. The conditional "should I have satisfied" again underscores the deep lament over the spiritual and physical satisfaction that was tragically missed due to their disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Imagery** and **Metaphor** to convey God's intended blessings. "Finest of the wheat" serves as a vivid metaphor for abundant, high-quality provision and prosperity, representing a life of flourishing and optimal well-being. "Honey out of the rock" is an equally striking image, functioning as a **Metaphor** for miraculous, unexpected sweetness and sustenance derived from an unlikely, even barren, source. This phrase also carries elements of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of God's power to provide beyond natural limitations. The overall structure of the verse, particularly the repeated conditional "should have fed" and "should I have satisfied," creates a profound sense of **Divine Lament**, expressing God's sorrow and regret over the blessings forfeited by His people's stubborn disobedience. This conditional statement is a form of **Counterfactual**, presenting an alternative, more desirable reality that did not materialize due to human failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of God's covenant relationship with His people. It reveals His boundless desire to bless and provide abundantly, not merely to sustain, but to satisfy with the very best. However, it simultaneously highlights the critical role of human responsiveness and obedience. The "should have" is a divine lament, a heartbroken expression of missed opportunity due to Israel's stubbornness. It underscores the theological truth that while God's character is unchangingly good and generous, the experience of His full blessings is often contingent upon our willingness to walk in His ways and heed His voice. This principle of conditional blessing, rooted in covenant faithfulness, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the unfolding of God's purposes. It is a poignant reminder that God's desire for our flourishing is intimately tied to our willingness to trust and obey Him.
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Isaiah 48:18](/isaiah/48-18 "Isaiah 48:18 - If Only You Had Listened")
* [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 81:16 serves as both an invitation and a solemn warning for contemporary believers. It invites us to recognize the immeasurable generosity of God, who desires to provide us with the "finest of the wheat"—spiritual nourishment, deep satisfaction, and abundant life in Christ—and "honey out of the rock"—unexpected joys, miraculous breakthroughs, and sweet comfort even in the most barren seasons of life. His heart is always to give us the very best. Yet, it also gently warns us against the spiritual stubbornness that characterized ancient Israel. When we choose our own way, ignore God's voice, or cling to self-reliance, we risk forfeiting the fullness of the blessings He longs to pour out. True satisfaction and flourishing come not from striving in our own strength, but from humble obedience and trusting surrender to His loving guidance. This verse calls us to examine our hearts: are we truly listening to God's voice, or are we, like Israel, missing out on the abundant life He offers because of our own hardened hearts and unwillingness to walk in His ways?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "finest of the wheat" or "honey out of the rock" might God be longing to provide in your life that you might be missing due to disobedience or stubbornness?**
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling with spiritual stubbornness or a reluctance to fully obey God's voice?**
* **How does understanding God's lament in this verse deepen your appreciation for His patience and persistent love, even when His people fail Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "finest of the wheat" symbolize?**

Answer: "Finest of the wheat" (Hebrew: *chelev chiṭṭâh*, literally "fat of the wheat") symbolizes the highest quality, most abundant, and richest provision. In an agricultural society, wheat was a staple, so "finest" implies not just basic sustenance but luxurious, overflowing nourishment. Theologically, it represents God's desire to provide His people with the absolute best in every aspect of life—physical, spiritual, and emotional—leading to prosperity and deep satisfaction. This reflects God's character as a generous and benevolent provider, as seen in the [blessings promised to Israel for obedience](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience").

**How can honey come "out of the rock"?**

Answer: While wild honey could literally be found in crevices and caves within rocky landscapes, the phrase "honey out of the rock" carries a deeper, miraculous connotation, especially in the context of the wilderness wanderings. It signifies God's supernatural ability to bring forth sweetness, delight, and sustenance from the most unlikely, barren, or seemingly impossible circumstances. It echoes other miraculous provisions in the wilderness, such as [water flowing from a rock](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"), emphasizing that God's power to satisfy is not limited by natural means. It symbolizes unexpected blessings and divine favor in challenging situations.

**Why does God say "should have fed" and "should I have satisfied"?**

Answer: The conditional phrasing "should have fed" and "should I have satisfied" expresses God's deep lament and regret over Israel's missed blessings. It highlights a counterfactual reality—what *would have been* if they had listened and obeyed Him. As stated in [Psalms 81:11](/psalms/81-11 "Psalms 81:11 - Israel's Stubbornness"), "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me." This conditional language underscores the tragic consequence of their disobedience: they forfeited the abundant, satisfying life God intended for them. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God's desire to bless is constant, our experience of those blessings is often contingent upon our faithfulness and responsiveness to His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 81:16, with its poignant lament over Israel's missed blessings due to their disobedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reversal in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "finest of the wheat" and "honey out of the rock" that Israel forfeited are supremely offered to humanity through Christ, not on the basis of our fleeting and imperfect obedience, but on His perfect, once-for-all obedience. Jesus declared Himself the "[bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" who came down from heaven, offering Himself as the spiritual sustenance that truly nourishes and gives eternal life to all who believe, surpassing any physical provision. He is the true and ultimate "finest of the wheat," providing an abundance that Israel could only dream of. Furthermore, the miraculous provision from "out of the rock" foreshadows Christ Himself, who was "[struck for our transgressions](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Us")" and from whom flows the Spirit, the source of all spiritual sweetness and profound satisfaction, even in the barrenness of a fallen world. In Christ, the conditional "should have" is replaced by the unconditional "has given" and "will give," for He has secured for us access to every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, freely given by grace, as affirmed in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"). He is the one who truly satisfies the deepest longings of the soul, providing an abundance that Israel could only dream of, because He perfectly fulfilled the obedience that Israel failed to render.

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

Deuteronomy 32:13

He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

Deuteronomy 32:14

Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

Psalms 147:14

He maketh peace [in] thy borders, [and] filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.

1 Samuel 14:25

And all [they of] the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.

1 Samuel 14:26

And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.

Joel 2:24

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Judges 14:18

And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.