Psalms 78:30

KJV

They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat [was] yet in their mouths,

KJV (with Strong's)

They were not estranged {H2114}{H8804)} from their lust {H8378}. But while their meat {H400} was yet in their mouths {H6310},

Complete Jewish Bible

They were still fulfilling their craving, the food was still in their mouths,

Berean Standard Bible

Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths,

American Standard Version

They were not estranged from that which they desired, Their food was yet in their mouths,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 78:30 powerfully encapsulates a critical moment in Israel's wilderness journey, exposing their profound spiritual rebellion and the immediate divine judgment that followed. Despite God's miraculous and abundant provision of quail, the Israelites remained unpurified in their desires, demonstrating an insatiable craving rooted in unbelief and ingratitude. This verse vividly illustrates that outward blessings do not automatically transform an unrepentant heart, leading to swift and severe consequences for their persistent "lust" even as their physical cravings were being satisfied.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a sweeping historical "maskil," an instructive psalm designed to recount God's consistent covenant faithfulness to Israel from the Exodus through the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, starkly juxtaposed with Israel's recurring cycles of rebellion, forgetfulness, and ingratitude. The verses immediately preceding our text, [Psalms 78:26-29](/psalms/78-26-29 "Psalm 78:26-29 - God Provides Quail"), describe God's miraculous provision of quail, raining down meat "like dust" to satisfy Israel's demanding appetite. This overwhelming abundance, however, did not lead to repentance or gratitude; instead, it served to expose the deeper, unholy cravings of their hearts. Our verse, Psalms 78:30, then serves as the tragic climax, highlighting the immediate and devastating judgment that befell them precisely while the very object of their lust was still in their mouths, thus directly linking their sin to its swift consequence within the narrative flow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Psalms 78:30 directly reference the infamous incident at Kibroth-Hattaavah ("Graves of Craving"), meticulously recounted in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Quail and the Plague"). After sustained reliance on manna, the Israelites, particularly the "rabble" who had joined them from Egypt, succumbed to an intense, unholy craving for meat, expressing bitter complaints against God and Moses. This was not merely a desire for dietary variety but a profound rejection of God's miraculous provision and a nostalgic longing for the perceived comforts of Egypt, revealing a deep-seated lack of trust and spiritual discontent. In response to this blatant rebellion, God, in His wrath and judgment, sent an overwhelming abundance of quail, yet simultaneously struck down many of those who had lusted. This dramatic event signified the severe consequences of their unholy desires and persistent contempt for His divine authority and gracious care.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several profound theological and narrative themes within Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. First, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Ingratitude and Rebellion**, as Israel's insatiable desires persisted despite overwhelming divine provision, revealing a heart fixed on self-gratification rather than God's will. Second, it highlights the **Deceitfulness and Danger of Unholy Desires** (often translated as "lust" or "craving"). The physical fulfillment of their craving for meat did not satisfy their deeper spiritual emptiness but rather exposed their spiritual sickness, demonstrating that external provision can never appease a rebellious heart. This serves as a profound warning against allowing carnal appetites to dictate spiritual choices, a theme echoed in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - Lust's Progression to Sin and Death"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **Immediate Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's holiness and His swift, decisive response to blatant sin and contempt for His gracious provision, as also seen in [Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague at Kibroth-Hattaavah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Estranged (Hebrew, _zûwr'_ H2114):** From a primitive root meaning "to turn aside," "to be a foreigner," or "strange." In the phrase "not estranged from their lust," it signifies that the Israelites had not "turned aside" or "departed" from their craving. Their desires remained firmly fixed on their unholy appetites; they had not become alien or separate from their lust. This highlights their spiritual stubbornness and the unyielding grip of their sinful appetite, indicating a lack of repentance or change of heart despite God's actions.
* **Lust (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_ H8378):** This word denotes a "longing" or "desire." While it can be neutral, in this context, particularly in connection with the incident at Kibroth-Hattaavah ([Numbers 11:4](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - The Rabble's Craving")), it carries a strong negative connotation of an excessive, unlawful, or unholy craving. It signifies a desire that is out of alignment with God's will, rooted in discontent, unbelief, and a demanding spirit rather than a humble request. It implies a covetousness that transgresses divine boundaries and rejects God's sufficient provision.
* **Meat (Hebrew, _ʼôkel'_ H400):** Derived from the verb "to eat," this term simply means "food," "eating," or "victuals." Here, it specifically refers to the quail that God miraculously provided in abundance. The significance lies not in the "meat" itself, but in the context of its consumption: it was the object of their unholy craving, and its presence in their mouths at the moment of judgment underscores the direct link between their physical gratification of a sinful desire and the divine consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They were not estranged from their lust":** This clause reveals the internal, spiritual condition of the Israelites. Despite God's miraculous and overwhelming provision of quail, their hearts remained unchanged. Their "lust" (unholy craving) was not satisfied or eradicated by the physical fulfillment of their desire. This indicates that their problem was not simply a lack of meat, but a deeper spiritual issue of discontentment, ingratitude, and rebellion against God's sovereignty and provision. They remained firmly attached to their sinful desires, demonstrating an unrepentant and stubborn spirit.
* **"But while their meat [was] yet in their mouths":** This clause vividly portrays the immediacy and severity of God's judgment. The consequence for their sin was not delayed; it struck them precisely at the moment of their "gratification." This underscores God's holiness and His intolerance for such blatant rebellion and contempt for His goodness. It highlights the direct link between their sin (unholy craving and rebellion) and its swift, devastating consequence, serving as a stark warning against presuming upon God's patience and grace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 78:30 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message. **Irony** is profoundly evident: God provides the very thing they craved, yet their hearts remain unchanged, illustrating the futility of external provision to address internal spiritual rebellion. The phrase "while their meat [was] yet in their mouths" uses potent **Vivid Imagery** and **Synecdoche** (the part, "meat in mouths," representing the whole act of consumption and gratification) to underscore the shocking immediacy of the divine judgment. This creates a powerful, unforgettable scene that highlights the direct and swift consequence of their sin. There is also a clear element of **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between the physical satisfaction (meat in mouths) and the spiritual dissatisfaction and judgment that simultaneously occurred, emphasizing the spiritual bankruptcy of their desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 78:30 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human sin, divine judgment, and the inherent insufficiency of physical gratification to satisfy spiritual hunger or purify a rebellious heart. It demonstrates that the root of sin often lies not in the object desired, but in the heart's posture of discontent, ingratitude, and unbelief toward God. This incident reveals God's long-suffering patience, yet also His unwavering justice, reminding us that persistent rebellion, even in the face of abundant grace, incurs severe consequences. It highlights the biblical truth that true satisfaction and freedom from destructive desires are found only in God, not in the fleeting fulfillment of carnal appetites.

* [Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague at Kibroth-Hattaavah")
* [1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Warnings from Israel's Example")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - Lust's Progression to Sin and Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a sobering warning for all believers: God's blessings and provisions do not automatically sanctify a rebellious or ungrateful heart. We can receive much from God yet still harbor unholy desires and cravings, allowing discontentment to fester. The immediate judgment on the Israelites underscores the seriousness of a heart that remains unrepentant and self-serving, even in the midst of divine abundance. For us today, it is a call to deep introspection: Are our desires aligned with God's will, or are we still "not estranged from our lusts," seeking satisfaction in things that can never truly fulfill? We are challenged to cultivate a heart of genuine gratitude, trust, and contentment in God alone, recognizing that true life and joy are found not in the pursuit of our own cravings but in humble submission to His perfect will and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lusts" or unholy cravings might I be harboring, even while receiving God's blessings?**
* **How does my heart respond when God's provision doesn't align with my immediate desires?**
* **In what ways might I be presuming upon God's patience or taking His grace for granted?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and gratitude in God alone, rather than in external circumstances or fleeting satisfactions?**

### FAQ
**What was the nature of Israel's "lust" that led to such severe judgment?**

Answer: Israel's "lust" was not merely a neutral desire for food, but a deep-seated, rebellious craving rooted in discontentment, ingratitude, and a profound lack of trust in God's provision. Despite God miraculously providing manna daily, they complained bitterly, longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt and demanding meat. This craving was a symptom of their spiritual rebellion against God's authority and their rejection of His gracious care. It was an unholy desire that elevated their own carnal appetites above God's wisdom and goodness, as detailed in [Numbers 11:4-6](/numbers/11-4-6 "Numbers 11:4-6 - Israel's Craving for Meat"). The judgment was not for desiring food, but for the sinful, ungrateful, and rebellious spirit behind that desire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 78:30, with its stark portrayal of Israel's insatiable desires and the immediate judgment for their rebellion, powerfully highlights humanity's desperate need for a new heart and a true source of satisfaction. The Israelites craved physical meat, yet remained spiritually starved and rebellious, demonstrating that external provision cannot address internal spiritual brokenness. This contrasts sharply with Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the one who fully satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. Unlike the temporary gratification of the quail, which left the Israelites still "estranged from their lust," Christ offers eternal life and genuine contentment, promising that those who come to Him will "never hunger" and "never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of "lust"—the sinful desires of the human heart—providing forgiveness and the power to overcome the flesh through the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walking by the Spirit")). In Christ, believers are empowered to find their ultimate satisfaction in God, no longer driven by the fleeting and destructive cravings of the world, but by the abiding presence and perfect will of their Savior, who teaches us true contentment in every circumstance ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in Christ")).

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

Numbers 11:33

And while the flesh [was] yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Numbers 11:34

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

Proverbs 1:32

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Numbers 22:20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

Numbers 22:22

¶ And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants [were] with him.