Psalms 106:14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

But lusted {H183} exceedingly {H8378} in the wilderness {H4057}, and tempted {H5254} God {H410} in the desert {H3452}.

In the desert they gave way to insatiable greed; in the wastelands they put God to the test.

They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert.

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert.

Commentary

Psalm 106:14 is part of a historical psalm recounting the failures of Israel after the Exodus, highlighting their disobedience despite God's faithfulness. This particular verse points to a specific instance of rebellion during their forty years in the wilderness.

Context

Psalm 106 serves as a confession of Israel's national sin throughout their history, contrasting their repeated rebellion with God's enduring mercy. Following the triumphant account of the Exodus in Psalm 105, Psalm 106 focuses on the wilderness generation's lack of faith and their tendency to forget God's works. Verse 14 specifically refers to the incident where the Israelites craved meat, despite God's provision of manna, revealing a deep dissatisfaction and lack of trust.

Key Themes

  • Discontentment and Lust: The verse describes an intense, sinful craving ("lusted exceedingly") that went beyond simple hunger, becoming an excessive desire for something other than what God had provided.
  • Tempting God: By demanding meat and complaining against God's provision and leadership, they were essentially testing God, challenging His ability or willingness to care for them in the desert.
  • Wilderness Rebellion: This is one of many instances where the Israelites failed to trust God during their journey from Egypt to the promised land, demonstrating a pattern of unbelief and disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lusted exceedingly" comes from the Hebrew word ta'avah (ืชึทึผืึฒื•ึธื”), which means 'desire' or 'lust'. When used with an intensifier as here, it denotes a strong, often improper craving or longing. "Tempted God" is from the Hebrew word nasah (ื ึธืกึธื”), meaning 'to test' or 'to try'. In this context, it's not a test of faith seeking understanding, but a challenging or provoking of God, stemming from doubt and impatience.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly references the events described in Numbers chapter 11, where the mixed multitude and the Israelites grew weary of manna and demanded meat, leading to God sending quail but also a plague due to their excessive craving and complaint. The New Testament also references this generation's failure as a warning against tempting Christ and giving in to lusts, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:6-10.

Practical Application

Psalms 106:14 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of discontentment and unchecked desires. When we are not satisfied with God's provision and instead crave things outside of His will, we are essentially questioning His goodness and ability to care for us. This can lead us to "tempt" God by acting in ways that presume upon His grace or challenge His authority. The wilderness experience teaches us the importance of trusting God in all circumstances, even when things are difficult, and being content with what He provides.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 10:9

    Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:6

    ยถ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

  • Numbers 11:4

    ยถ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

  • Exodus 17:2

    Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

  • Hebrews 3:8

    Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

  • Hebrews 3:10

    Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways.

  • Deuteronomy 9:22

    And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.
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