Psalms 105:16

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 105:16 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all aspects of creation, including natural disasters like famine. This verse is part of a longer historical psalm that recounts God's faithfulness and providential care for the nation of Israel, from the time of Abraham through their sojourn in Egypt and the wilderness journey.

Context of Psalm 105:16

Psalm 105 celebrates God's mighty deeds and covenant promises to His people. Verses 16-22 specifically focus on the pivotal role of Joseph in God's plan. The "famine upon the land" mentioned here refers to the severe, multi-year famine that affected the entire region, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. God actively "called for" this famine, demonstrating His direct involvement in human history. This event was not a random occurrence but a divinely orchestrated crisis designed to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, where they would be preserved and grow into a great nation, setting the stage for the Exodus.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Providence: The phrase "he called for a famine" unequivocally asserts God's absolute authority and control over all circumstances, even those that bring hardship. It underscores that God is not a distant observer but an active participant who orchestrates events according to His divine purpose. This famine was part of His intricate plan to preserve the lineage of His chosen people, a testament to His overarching providence and foreknowledge.
  • God's Control Over Sustenance: The vivid metaphor "he brake the whole staff of bread" signifies the complete removal of the essential means of life and provision. The "staff of bread" represents the very staple food that sustains life. By breaking it, God demonstrated His power to withhold or provide sustenance, reminding humanity of its absolute dependence on Him for every need.
  • Preparation for a Greater Purpose: Although devastating, this divinely sent famine served a crucial role in God's redemptive plan. It compelled Jacob's family to move to Egypt, where Joseph had been sent ahead (as highlighted in Psalm 105:17) to prepare for their arrival and ensure their survival. This illustrates how God often uses difficult circumstances, like famine, to achieve His ultimate benevolent purposes, turning potential disaster into an instrument of preservation and blessing, much like Joseph's understanding in Genesis 50:20.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "staff of bread" is ืžึทื˜ึผึตื”ึพืœึถื—ึถื (matteh-lechem). This is a strong idiomatic expression found in various Old Testament contexts (e.g., Leviticus 26:26, Ezekiel 4:16, 5:16). A "staff" (matteh) is something that supports or sustains. Thus, the "staff of bread" represents the very foundation or support of life through food, especially grain. To "break" this staff means to utterly cut off or destroy the food supply, leading to widespread and severe hunger, emphasizing the completeness of the famine God brought.

Practical Application

Psalm 105:16 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It assures us that God is actively involved in the world, even in the midst of global crises or personal hardships. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He has a purpose even for seemingly negative events. This verse calls us to recognize God's hand in all circumstances, fostering a deeper faith and reliance on His provision and wisdom, and reminding us that He can work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 4:16 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ยถ 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 (5 votes)

    [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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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.