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DRINK FROM THE GREAT DEPTHS
Psalms 78:15 (King James Version)
15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
¨ This Psalm is to be regarded as an historical parable (v. 2)
¨ Psalms 78:2 (King James Version)
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
¨ as such it is full of deep spiritual significance that we might "set our hope in God, and not forget His works" (v. 7).
¨ Psalms 78:7 (King James Version)
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
I. The Place of Need.
"In the wilderness."
A. The wilderness, like this present world, is the place of trial and testimony
B. Many fail here, saying,
¨ Psalms 78:19 (King James Version)
19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
C. In the wilderness the Israelites were dependent on God for everything,
1. so while in this world we must live by faith upon the Son of God.
II. The Blessing Mentioned.
¨ "Drink."
A. Water is here typical of the blessings of the Gospel
B. It is something real to meet a real need—thirst.
C. It is something that must be appropriated, "drink,"
1. refreshing and satisfying the receiver.
D. Such is the Gospel of Christ to all who believe.
III. The Means Used
"He clave the rock."
¨ Psalms 78:15 (King James Version)
15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
A. Moses smote the rock,
B. This precious soul-saving treasure was hidden in the bosom of the rock until it was smitten and opened by the grace of God
¨ Isaiah 53:5 (King James Version)
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
IV. The Source of the Blessing
¨ "Out of the great depth."
A. Truly, the well is deep.
1. This is not surface water;
2. it was entirely beyond the reach of man till He clave the rock.
3. The water of life that has come to us come out of the great depths.
¨ Revelation 13:8 (King James Version)
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
B. This stream gushing out from the heart of God is as broad as the world, and as deep as human need for time and eternity.
¨ John 4:10 (King James Version)
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.