Psalms 78:15

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 78:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He clave rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He clave rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths.
Psalms 78:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 78

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15He clave rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea, etc.] In the same sea which was parted for the Israelites, and through which they passed safely as on dry land; into which Pharaoh and his army entering in pursuit of them in their chariots, the Lord “shook”f1816 him and them out of them, as the word signifies; and causing the waters to return and cover them; they were drowned in them, (<021428>Exodus 14:28-31). This was an emblem of the destruction of Satan, and of his principalities and powers, by Christ, who thereby has saved his spiritual Israel out of their hands; and of the casting of the sins of God’s people into the depths of the sea, never to be seen more, or to appear any more…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He clave the rocks in the wilderness - There were two occasions on which the rock was smitten for water; one Exodus 17:6 at Mount Horeb, shortly after they came out of Egypt; and the other Numbers 20:11, when they had nearly ceased their wanderings in the wilderness. Hence, the plural term (rocks) is used here. And gave them drink as out of the great depths - As if he had formed a lake or an ocean, furnishing an inexhaustible supply. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wilderness - In Rephidim, and again in Kadesh. Psalms 78:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 105:41, Psa 114:8; Exo 17:6; Num 20:11; Isa 41:18, Isa 43:20; Joh 7:37, Joh 7:38; Co1 10:4; Rev 22:1, Rev 22:17 Psalms 78:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification