Psalms 78:25
Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Psalms 78:25
Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "bread of the mighty ones" here doesn't just describe the manna's exquisite quality, but highlights that even the most common Israelite tasted food as if they were royalty, experiencing a level of sustenance usually reserved for the elite. This divine provision, fitting for beings like angels, underscores God's desire to elevate His people beyond their circumstances.
This psalm recounts Israel's history to teach the current generation about God's faithfulness and their ancestors' repeated unfaithfulness, particularly during their wilderness journey. After detailing God's miraculous provision of water and food, the text highlights Israel's grumbling and lack of trust despite these abundant blessings, even calling the divine provision "worthless." This verse praises the manna God sent, describing it as "bread of the mighty" or "angels' food" because of its heavenly origin and extraordinary quality, contrasting it with Israel's continued dissatisfaction.
The Bible calls the manna provided in the desert 'bread of the mighty.' What does that really mean for us?
The Israelites, wandering in the harsh desert, received manna from heaven. The psalmist describes this food as 'bread of the mighty' (lechem abbirim in Hebrew). This phrase is rich with meaning.
Divine Provision
This 'bread of the mighty' signifies food so excellent and sustaining that it could be considered fit for the mightiest beings, even angels. It wasn't ordinary food; it was a direct, miraculous provision from God.
Royal Fare for All
Another interpretation of 'bread of the mighty' suggests it was food fit for kings and nobles – the most delicate and choice fare. What’s remarkable is that everyone ate this royal food, from the greatest to the least. God didn't reserve the best for a select few; His provision was abundant for all His people.
More Than Just Sustenance
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 78:25 is available in the Sola app.
This heavenly bread also served as a powerful symbol. The New Testament writers saw in the manna a picture of Jesus Christ, the true bread from heaven who gives eternal life. It reminds us that God's provision is not just for our physical needs but also for our deepest spiritual hunger.
Even with heavenly food raining down, the Israelites complained. How does this contrast reveal God's character?
Psalm 78 is a song of instruction, recounting Israel's history to teach future generations. A recurring theme is God’s incredible faithfulness met by Israel’s persistent grumbling and disobedience.
God's Abundant Gift
In our verse, God sends 'food in abundance.' This isn't just a meal; it's a constant, generous supply. The manna appeared daily, and when they craved meat, God also sent quail in overwhelming quantities. His provision was more than enough.
The People's Ungrateful Response
Despite this lavish care, the people often 'loathed' the manna, calling it 'this worthless food' (Numbers 11:6). They longed for the flavors of Egypt, forgetting the bondage they had escaped. Their hearts were not satisfied with God's good gifts; they focused on what they lacked or desired instead.
God's Patient Heart
What's striking is God's response to their grumbling. He doesn't abandon them. He continues to provide, and in His patience, He sometimes grants their desires, even when they are expressed in sinful ways, showing a deep, though often tested, love. This psalm reminds us that God's love and provision often exist alongside our human failings.
Understand the original words
lechem abbirim · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A poetic designation for manna. It emphasizes the supernatural, heavenly origin of the sustenance God provided to His people.
This verse recalls the miraculous provision of manna during the Israelites' 40-year wilderness journey. The term 'bread of the mighty' or 'angels' food' highlights its divine origin and extraordinary quality, emphasizing God's faithfulness even when His people grumbled and longed for the food of Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after 400 years of slavery, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1446-1406 BC— this verse
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
Following the Exodus, the Israelites journey through the Sinai desert. During this time, God provides manna and quails as sustenance.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, giving them the Ten Commandments and other laws to guide their lives.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites enter and begin to conquer the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.
c. 1070 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul is anointed king, followed by David, establishing a unified Israelite kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
This passage directly parallels the manna provided in the wilderness, described as 'bread from heaven,' highlighting God's miraculous provision.
Numbers 11:31-32This passage speaks of God sending quails in abundance, fulfilling the 'meat in abundance' aspect of Psalm 78:25 and showing another instance of God's provision, albeit one that led to judgment due to Israel's lust.
John 6:31-35Jesus directly references the manna as 'bread from heaven' and declares Himself to be the true bread of life, connecting the physical sustenance of the past to spiritual nourishment in Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:3-4Paul explicitly calls the manna 'spiritual meat' and the water from the rock 'spiritual drink,' linking these Old Testament provisions to the spiritual realities found in Christ.
This apocryphal text explicitly calls manna 'angels' food,' echoing the language of Psalm 78:25 and reinforcing the idea of its divine and extraordinary nature.
clarkePsalms 78:25: "Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full."
Man did eat angels' food - לחם אבירים אכל איש lechem abbirim achal ish, "Man did eat the bread of the mighty ones;" or, each person ate, etc. They ate such bread as could only be expected at the tables of the rich and great, the best, the most delicate food. How little did this gross people know of the sublime excellence of that which they called light bread, and which they said their soul loathed; Numbers 21:5 ! It was a…
expositorsPsalms 78:1-72: "Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth."
Psalm 78:1-72 THIS psalm is closely related to Psalm 105:1-45 ; Psalm 106:1-48 ; Psalm 107:1-43 . Like them, it treats the history of Israel, and especially the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, for purposes of edification, rebuke, and encouragement. The past is held up as a mirror to the present generation. It has been one long succession of miracles of mercy met by equally continu…
The phrase "bread of the mighty ones" here doesn't just describe the manna's exquisite quality, but highlights that even the most common Israelite tasted food as if they were royalty, experiencing a level of sustenance usually reserved for the elite. This divine provision, fitting for beings like angels, underscores God's desire to elevate His people beyond their circumstances.
This psalm recounts Israel's history to teach the current generation about God's faithfulness and their ancestors' repeated unfaithfulness, particularly during their wilderness journey. After detailing God's miraculous provision of water and food, the text highlights Israel's grumbling and lack of trust despite these abundant blessings, even calling the divine provision "worthless." This verse praises the manna God sent, describing it as "bread of the mighty" or "angels' food" because of its heavenly origin and extraordinary quality, contrasting it with Israel's continued dissatisfaction.
This psalm recounts Israel's history to teach the current generation about God's faithfulness and their ancestors' repeated unfaithfulness, particularly during their wilderness journey. After detailing God's miraculous provision of water and food, the text highlights Israel's grumbling and lack of trust despite these abundant blessings, even calling the divine provision "worthless." This verse praises the manna God sent, describing it as "bread of the mighty" or "angels' food" because of its heavenly origin and extraordinary quality, contrasting it with Israel's continued dissatisfaction.
"Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance." — The phrase "bread of the mighty ones" here doesn't just describe the manna's exquisite quality, but highlights that even the most common Israelite tasted food as if they were royalty, experiencing a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.