Psalms 78:20

“And Og the king of Bashan, etc.] A country large and fruitful, and the king of it of a gigantic stature, (see <19D511>Psalm 135:11); for his mercy [endureth] for ever; for this mighty king came out against Israel, and threatened their destruction, and it was of the Lord’s mercies they were not consumed by him. And it may be observed, whenever tyrannical princes and oppressors are cut off, it is in mercy to the inhabitants of the earth, and especially to the people of God.”

“Behold, he smote the rock ... - See the notes at Psalms 78:15. The smiting of the rock the first time occurred “before” the complaining about the food. The fact that the rock had been smitten could not be doubted. They had thus had abundant evidence that God was able to do that, and to furnish “water” for them in the desert. It was unreasonable, therefore, to doubt whether he could provide “food” for them - for this in itself was no more difficult than to furnish water. Yet they are represented as affirming that this was far more difficult, and that, although it was admitted that God had provided “water,” yet that to provide “food” was wholly beyond his power. Their special sin, therefore,…”

“he smote: Exo 17:6, Exo 17:7; Num 20:11 can he give: Psa 78:41; Gen 18:12-14; Num 11:21-23 Psalms 78:21”