The concept of God is often misunderstood, as He is the one true God who loves all people—past, present, and future. Despite this, many perceive Him as an angry person, always seeking opportunities to punish. While this misconception persists, few openly declare their resolve to avoid His punishment. Instead, through repeated sins, they accept the notion that they deserve it. This section of Psalm 78 reflects a portrayal of God as a vengeful figure, angered by the Israelites’ failure to recognize His power and presence, which led to their underestimation of His Soverign authority.
People Provoked God
When the LORD heard them, he was furious; his fire broke out against Jacob,
and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Human beings ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. – Psalms 78:21-25
God gave us Jesus to teach us patience and restraint, even when others provoke us. Jesus Himself endured trials from the Roman government but remained calm, like a lamb led to the slaughter. As the scripture reminds us, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
In this Psalm, the portrayal of an angry God seems inconsistent with His actions. The Psalmist recounts how God provided the bread of angels to His people—not because they demanded it, but because it was always part of His plan to care for them. During their journey through the wilderness, where food was scarce and time to prepare meals was nonexistent, God ensured they received the best nourishment. From the very day of their release, He instructed them to eat quickly, knowing they would have no time to linger.
Furthermore, some believe they can provoke God’s anger as they would with humans. But can anyone truly disrupt or alter God’s plans? As Job recognized, no one can provoke or thwart the Almighty’s purposes: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
While Eating, God Killed Them
He let loose the east wind from the heavens and by his power made the south wind blow. He rained meat down on them like dust, birds like sand on the seashore. He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents. They ate till they were gorged— he had given them what they craved. But before they turned from what they craved, even while the food was still in their mouths,
God’s anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel. – Psalms 78:26-31 (NIV)
The book of Exodus recounts that God provided the Israelites with quails in the evening and manna in the morning (Exodus 16:13). However, in Numbers, we read that the people craved meat, possibly desiring it in the morning as a substitute for manna. Consequently, they gathered quails both morning and evening for two consecutive days (Numbers 11:32). While they were still eating, God’s anger rose against them, and He struck down the sturdiest among them with a plague (Numbers 11:33). Does this mean our God is merciless, granting the desires of His people only to strike them down? It seems unreasonable to portray a merciful God as cruel.
The misunderstanding of God as a sender of plagues arises partly because He delivered Israel from Egypt through plagues. However, this does not imply that He treats His own children in the same way. Too often, we focus on God’s anger rather than His love, which flows from His heart to save His children. Out of love, He struck down their enemies; but if we position ourselves as enemies of God, we perceive only the stern side of His character. On the other hand, when we embrace our identity as His children, trusting in His grace, we see Him as our loving Father. The question then is: do we remain in enmity with Him or seek a healthy relationship with Him?
Jesus described the fatherly nature of God, explaining that He does not give something harmful when we ask for good things (Matthew 7:9–11). In today’s context, many ask for wealth and material blessings, which might jeopardize their eternal destiny. While God sometimes grants these requests, it is not His intention to harm us or prevent us from entering eternity. The purpose of God sending His Son was to save everyone from perishing, not to lead them astray.
God does not desire to give us things that could ruin our lives, but if we persist, He may allow it, leaving us to face the natural consequences. This does not mean He punishes us. In the wilderness, the plague was not directly sent by God but occurred as the people gorged themselves on the meat. Had they been content with the manna God faithfully provided every morning, they would not have suffered.
Today, God has given us His living Word (John 1:14 & 17:8). The real question is: are we cherishing His Word and finding fulfillment in it, or are we longing for the philosophies and false promises of this world?
Heavenly Father, remove all bitterness from our hearts and fill them with Your boundless love. Strengthen us to endure the temptations of this fallen world, so we may safeguard the salvation You have graciously given us. Guide us to exchange this salvation for the eternal life You have prepared for us. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
Reply