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Psalms 78:30

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 78 is a historical psalm, recounting the long history of God's faithfulness to Israel and their repeated rebellion and disobedience, from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings and beyond. This specific verse, Psalm 78:30, immediately follows a description of God miraculously providing the Israelites with an abundance of quail in the wilderness, fulfilling their craving for meat (Psalm 78:26-29). Despite this overwhelming provision, their hearts remained ungrateful and rebellious, leading to swift divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Unsatisfied Desire and Lust: Even after God provided meat in abundance, the Israelites were "not estranged from their lust." This highlights a spiritual truth: fulfilling a physical craving does not necessarily satisfy or remove a deeper, unholy desire of the heart. Their craving (ta'avah) was rooted in a lack of trust and contentment in God.
  • Immediate Consequence of Sin: The phrase "while their meat was yet in their mouths" vividly portrays the immediacy of God's judgment. Their sin—which was not merely desiring meat, but lusting for it with a complaining, ungrateful spirit against God—brought swift and direct consequences. This refers to the plague God sent among them as described in Numbers 11:33.
  • Ingratitude and Rebellion: The verse underscores Israel's persistent ingratitude despite God's miraculous provision. Their hearts were still fixed on their own desires rather than on God's will and goodness, revealing a deep-seated rebellion.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV word "lust" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word ta'avah (תַּאֲוָה). While it can mean a neutral "desire" or "appetite," in contexts of rebellion against God, it often carries the negative connotation of an excessive, unlawful, or unholy craving. The phrase "not estranged from their lust" means they were still firmly attached to their sinful desires; they had not turned away from them.

Reflection & Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning: God's provision does not automatically purify a rebellious heart. We can receive blessings from God yet still harbor unholy desires and cravings (James 1:15). The immediate judgment on the Israelites highlights the seriousness of a heart that remains ungrateful and unrepentant, even in the midst of abundance. For believers today, it is a reminder to examine our hearts, ensuring our desires are aligned with God's will and that we find true satisfaction in Him alone, rather than in the fleeting fulfillment of our own cravings. We are called to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust, rather than one of complaint and self-seeking desire, as exemplified by the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 11:33 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 1:32 (1 votes)

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

  • Luke 16:19 (1 votes)

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

  • Luke 16:23 (1 votes)

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

  • Numbers 22:20 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    ¶ 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.