Psalms 78:23

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Psalms 78:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens.

King James Version KJV

Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

American Standard Version ASV

Yet he commanded the skies above, And opened the doors of heaven;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he gave orders to the clouds on high, and the doors of heaven were open;

Free Bible Version FBV

Even so he commanded the skies above and the doors of heaven to open,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet he had comanded the clouds aboue, and had opened the doores of heauen,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And He commandeth clouds from above, Yea, doors of the heavens He hath opened.

World English Bible WEB

Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

Translation for Translators T4T

But God spoke to the sky above them; he commanded it to open like a door,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 78:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְצַ֣ו שְׁחָקִ֣ים מִ/מָּ֑עַל וְ/דַלְתֵ֖י שָׁמַ֣יִם פָּתָֽח

וַ/יְצַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁחָקִ֣ים shachaq H7834 cloud N-mp

מִ/מָּ֑עַל maʻal H4605 above Prep | Adv

וְ/דַלְתֵ֖י deleth H1817 door Conj | N-fd

שָׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven N-mp

פָּתָֽח pâthach H6605 to open V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:23

וַ/יְצַ֣ו tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

שְׁחָקִ֣ים shachaq H7834 "cloud" N-mp

This noun refers to a cloud or a thin vapor in the sky, as in Psalm 36:5 where God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds. It can also mean the firmament or heaven, like in Genesis 1:20 where birds fly across the sky. The word appears about 20 times in the Bible.

Definition: 1) dust, cloud 1a) fine dust 1b) (thin) cloud

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 68:35; Psalms 18:12.

מִ/מָּ֑עַל maʻal H4605 "above" Prep | Adv

Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.

Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.

וְ/דַלְתֵ֖י deleth H1817 "door" Conj | N-fd

A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.

Definition: door (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.

שָׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

פָּתָֽח pâthach H6605 "to open" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.

Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.

Study Notes — Psalms 78:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 78:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:23
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:23
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:23
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:23
Sermons on Psalms 78:23

Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables

21Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel, 22because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation.

23Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens.

24He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. 25Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 7:11	In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.
2	Malachi 3:10	Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.
3	Psalms 33:9	For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.
4	2 Kings 7:19	And the officer had answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” So Elisha had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!”
5	2 Kings 7:2	But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”
6	Isaiah 5:6	I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.”

Psalms 78:23 Summary

This verse, Psalms 78:23, shows us that even when God's people don't deserve it, He still chooses to provide for them in amazing ways. He has the power to command the clouds and open the doors of heaven to give us what we need, just like He did for the Israelites in the wilderness (as seen in Exodus 16:4). This reminds us that God is a gracious and loving Father who wants to take care of us, as seen in Matthew 7:11. We can trust in His goodness and provision, even when we don't understand what's happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'command the clouds above' in Psalms 78:23?

This phrase indicates God's sovereign control over the natural world, as seen in Psalm 148:8, where it says that the winds and clouds obey His voice.

How does this verse relate to the Israelites' lack of faith mentioned in the previous verse?

Despite the Israelites' unbelief, as mentioned in Psalms 78:22, God still chose to provide for them, demonstrating His grace and mercy, as seen in Romans 5:8, where it says God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners.

What are the 'doors of the heavens' that God opened in this verse?

The 'doors of the heavens' is a metaphorical expression for the way God provides for His people, as seen in Malachi 3:10, where it says He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing if we obey Him.

How does this verse show God's character?

This verse showcases God's character as a provider and a gracious God, who gives good gifts to His children, as seen in Matthew 7:11, where it says that if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to deepen my trust in Him?
How do I respond when God provides for me in unexpected ways, and what can I learn from the Israelites' response in this passage?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be prone to doubt God's provision, and how can I cultivate a heart of faith and trust in His goodness?
What are some 'doors of heaven' that I am waiting for God to open in my life, and how can I trust in His timing and provision?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:23

Though he had commanded the clouds from above,.... Which were round about him, his chariots, and the dust of his feet; and which were at his command to go here and there, and carry and let down

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:23

Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:23

Which he compares to a granary or store-house, where God keeps the key, and either shuts or opens the doors it, either gives or withholds provisions, as he sees fit.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:23

Psalms 78:23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,Ver. 23. Though he had commanded the clouds] Though he had served them as never prince was served in his greatest state, yet all served not turn. And opened the doors of heaven] Rupturas nubium, raining down upon them plenty of manna; so that it was not hunger, but humour, that set them a lusting.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:23

23. Yet he commanded the skies above, And opened the doors of heaven;

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:23

Though he had commanded the clouds from above - Though he had showed that he had absolute control over the clouds, and had only to command them and they would furnish rain in abundance. Compare the notes at Isaiah 5:6.

Sermons on Psalms 78:23

	Sermon	Description
	The Great Welsh Revival by Bob Doom	In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Psalm 78 and the importance of passing down God's laws and teachings to future generations. He laments the fact that society has n
	The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne
	The Wickedness of Noah's Day by Carl McIntire	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Noah and the ark as a symbol of God's plan for deliverance. He emphasizes the desperate state of the human heart and the need f
	Are Earthquakes Natural Disasters or the Result of Judgment for Sin? by Jack Hayford	Jack Hayford preaches on the three assignments every believer has: to show forth good works (Matthew 5:16), shine forth a clear witness (1 Peter 3:15), and sustain a life of effect
	2 Peter 3:5 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the willful ignorance of those who profess Christianity yet choose to disregard the foundational truths of creation and divine judgment. He explains that the h
	Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward	In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp
	Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward	In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The