Psalms 106:15

KJV

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he gave {H5414} them their request {H7596}; but sent {H7971} leanness {H7332} into their soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gave them what they wanted but sent meagerness into their souls.

Berean Standard Bible

So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

American Standard Version

And he gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:15 serves as a profound and sobering commentary on the paradoxical nature of divine provision, revealing that God, in His sovereign wisdom, may grant requests that stem from human discontent or rebellion, yet simultaneously allow for spiritual depletion. This verse captures the critical truth that the satisfaction of carnal cravings or the attainment of material desires, when pursued outside of God's perfect will and a right relationship with Him, can lead to an inner emptiness, a "leanness of soul," underscoring the vital distinction between what we want and what truly nourishes our spiritual being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a confessional and historical psalm, forming a pivotal part of Book Four of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106). It stands as a comprehensive recounting of Israel's persistent history of rebellion and God's unwavering faithfulness, despite their repeated provocations. This psalm, often paired with Psalm 105 which focuses on God's covenant faithfulness, systematically narrates Israel's past, contrasting divine provision with human ingratitude. Verse 15 is specifically situated within a litany of Israel's wilderness wanderings, recalling their insatiable craving for meat, an incident vividly detailed in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Quail and the Plague"). The psalm meticulously lists Israel's failures, from the Red Sea to the golden calf, and then to the wilderness complaints, illustrating a tragic pattern of divine grace met with human spiritual insatiability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical backdrop for Psalms 106:15 is the infamous incident at Kibroth-hattaavah ("graves of craving"), meticulously recorded in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Israel's Craving for Meat"). Following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and God's miraculous provision of manna, the Israelites, particularly a "rabble" among them, began to complain bitterly. They longed for the varied diet they had enjoyed in Egypt, despising the divinely provided manna as "worthless food" ([Numbers 21:5](/numbers/21-5 "Numbers 21:5 - Israel Complains Again")). Their craving for meat was not born of genuine need but of deep discontent, a rebellious spirit, and a lust for what God had not provided in His wisdom. In response to their persistent demands, God sent an immense flock of quails, enough to gorge the people. However, while the meat was still in their mouths, a severe plague struck them, demonstrating God's profound displeasure and the deadly consequences of their unholy desires. This event powerfully underscores the danger of demanding from God out of a spirit of rebellion rather than humbly seeking His will.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 106:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the danger of ungodly desire**, illustrating that God may, in His sovereignty, grant requests that are not aligned with His perfect will, especially when those desires stem from discontent, covetousness, or outright rebellion. The Israelites' craving for meat, as described in [Numbers 11:4](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - The Rabble's Craving"), was a lust that ultimately proved destructive. Secondly, the verse introduces the profound theme of **spiritual emptiness amidst material abundance**. The "leanness into their soul" signifies that even when physical or material desires are met, true satisfaction and spiritual nourishment may be profoundly absent. This creates a stark contrast between outward prosperity and inner decay, emphasizing that genuine fulfillment is spiritual, not merely physical, and cannot be found in the things of this world. Lastly, it underscores the theme of **divine discipline and consequences**. God's response was not merely a blessing but a form of judgment, demonstrating that His discipline can be internal, affecting the vitality of the soul, even as physical needs are seemingly met. This serves as a profound warning that God's "yes" can sometimes carry a hidden cost when our hearts are not rightly aligned with Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Request (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêlâh'_):** This noun, derived from the verb _sha'al_ (to ask, to inquire, to beg), refers to a petition or a demand. In this context, it carries a negative connotation, implying a demand born of selfish desire, discontent, and a lack of trust in God's provision, rather than humble supplication. It highlights that God heard and answered their specific, carnal craving, not necessarily their true spiritual need.
* **Leanness (Hebrew, _râzôwn'_):** This crucial word denotes thinness, emaciation, or a wasting away. It implies a lack of vitality, strength, or substance. Here, it is used metaphorically to describe a profound spiritual condition, contrasting sharply with the physical abundance (quails) that the Israelites received. Despite being physically satiated, their souls became famished, indicating a deep spiritual deficit and a loss of inner well-being.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** In Hebrew thought, _nephesh_ is a comprehensive term encompassing the whole person, the inner being, the seat of life, emotions, desires, and personality. It is not merely a spiritual component but the very essence of one's existence and vitality. Thus, "leanness into their soul" signifies a wasting away of their entire inner life—their joy, peace, contentment, and spiritual vitality—indicating a profound and holistic spiritual decline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he gave them their request":** This clause powerfully highlights God's sovereign power and His willingness, at times, to grant even those desires that are not in alignment with His perfect will. In the context of [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Quail and the Plague"), God provided the quails in overwhelming abundance, demonstrating His capacity to fulfill their craving. However, this granting of the request was not an endorsement of their desire but rather an act that allowed them to experience the consequences of their rebellious hearts, revealing the inherent emptiness and futility of their carnal cravings when pursued apart from God.
* **"but sent leanness into their soul":** This second clause presents a stark and profound contrast to the first. While their physical craving was satisfied, their inner being suffered a significant spiritual detriment. The "leanness" signifies a spiritual emaciation, a lack of true nourishment, joy, and vitality that only God can provide. It implies that the "food" they received, though physically abundant, failed to satisfy the deeper longings of their spirit and ultimately led to a profound spiritual decline, demonstrating that true life and satisfaction come only from God and His will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast** are central, setting the granting of a physical request ("he gave them their request") against the imposition of spiritual "leanness" ("but sent leanness into their soul"). This creates a powerful paradox, highlighting the irony that receiving what one craves can lead to an internal deficit. The phrase "sent leanness into their soul" functions as a striking **Metaphor**, where physical emaciation is used to describe a spiritual state of barrenness, emptiness, and lack of vitality. This metaphor is particularly effective because it directly contrasts with the physical abundance of meat the Israelites received. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in God granting their request, as the very thing they lusted for became the means of their spiritual undoing and physical judgment. This serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that God's "yes" can sometimes be a form of judgment, allowing individuals to experience the futility and destructive nature of their misguided desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:15 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty, human desire, and true spiritual nourishment. It reveals that God, in His wisdom and sometimes in His judgment, may permit us to have what we insist upon, even if it is not ultimately good for us. This act highlights not a lack of power or care on God's part, but a demonstration of the inherent emptiness of desires rooted in rebellion, discontent, or a lack of trust in His perfect provision. The "leanness of soul" speaks to the truth that ultimate satisfaction and spiritual vitality are found not in the fulfillment of carnal appetites or worldly ambitions, but solely in a vibrant, obedient relationship with the Lord. It warns against the idolatry of desire, where our cravings become paramount, eclipsing our dependence on God for true life and well-being.

* [Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague at Kibroth-hattaavah")
* [Proverbs 16:25](/proverbs/16-25 "Proverbs 16:25 - The Way That Seems Right")
* [James 4:3](/james/4-3 "James 4:3 - Asking with Wrong Motives")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 106:15 serves as a timeless mirror for self-reflection, urging us to deeply examine the source and nature of our own desires and prayers. It challenges the common misconception that a granted request is always a sign of divine approval or blessing. Instead, it prompts us to consider whether our cravings are born of genuine need, faith, and alignment with God's will, or if they stem from discontent, covetousness, or a worldly spirit. The verse powerfully reminds us that true satisfaction and spiritual richness are not found in material abundance or the fulfillment of earthly ambitions, but in a deep, abiding relationship with God and obedience to His Word. We are called to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He knows what truly nourishes our souls, rather than chasing after fleeting satisfactions that can leave us spiritually famished. It underscores the critical importance of discerning God's will and submitting our desires to His perfect wisdom, lest we gain the world but lose our soul's vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What desires in my life might be rooted in discontent or a lack of trust in God's provision, rather than genuine need or His will?**
* **How do I distinguish between God's gracious provision and a granted request that might, paradoxically, lead to spiritual "leanness"?**
* **Where do I primarily seek my deepest satisfaction and nourishment—in external fulfillments and worldly pursuits, or in my relationship with God and His Word?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual "leanness" despite outward prosperity or the fulfillment of certain desires?**

### FAQ

**Does God always grant requests that lead to "leanness"?**

Answer: No, God does not always grant requests that lead to spiritual "leanness." Often, in His grace and wisdom, He withholds desires that would be harmful to us, as a loving Father protects His children. However, Psalms 106:15 illustrates that there are times when God, in His sovereignty, may allow us to experience the consequences of our ungodly or rebellious desires. This can serve as a form of discipline, a teaching moment, or even a judgment, allowing us to see the emptiness and destructive nature of seeking satisfaction outside of Him. It highlights the importance of discerning God's will and submitting our desires to His perfect plan, rather than demanding our own way.

**What does "leanness into their soul" mean practically for us today?**

Answer: Practically, "leanness into their soul" signifies a state of spiritual barrenness, emptiness, or a lack of true vitality, joy, peace, and contentment, even when material or worldly desires are met. For us today, it means that pursuing and attaining things like wealth, status, pleasure, or even relationships, if they are sought outside of God's will or become idols in our hearts, can leave our inner being feeling famished and unfulfilled. It's a profound warning that true spiritual nourishment comes only from God, and anything else, no matter how appealing, will ultimately fail to satisfy the deepest longings of our [soul](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1 - My Soul Thirsts for God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "leanness into their soul" experienced by the Israelites in the wilderness, despite their physical satiety, powerfully foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual hunger that only Christ can satisfy. The temporary and ultimately unsatisfying "meat" of the quail points to the inadequacy of all earthly provisions and desires to truly nourish the human spirit. In stark contrast, Jesus declared Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), stating, "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." He offers living water that springs up to [eternal life](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water"), satisfying the soul in a way that no worldly provision ever could. The "leanness" of the Old Covenant experience, where external obedience and temporary provisions often failed to bring inner transformation, finds its glorious fulfillment in Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we receive not just physical sustenance but spiritual abundance, a richness of grace, peace, and true life that fills the soul to overflowing. He is the one who truly nourishes us, reminding us that [man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone"), and ultimately, by the very life of Christ Himself, who is the Living Word.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Numbers 11:31

¶ And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let [them] fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits [high] upon the face of the earth.

Numbers 11:34

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

Psalms 78:29

So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;

Psalms 78:31

The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.

Isaiah 24:16

¶ From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, [even] glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.