1 Corinthians 10:6-7
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It's easy to skim over this, but Paul isn't just saying "don't do what they did." He's pointing out that the Old Testament stories were designed to be cautionary tales, meant to shape our desires before we even have the chance to act on them. So, the real takeaway is about the ongoing work of retraining our hearts, not just avoiding outward mistakes.
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reminding the Corinthian church of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, recounting their repeated failures to trust and obey God, which led to their downfall. These events aren't just ancient history; they serve as stark warnings about the dangers of craving sinful pleasures and falling into idolatry, which the Corinthians were unfortunately tempted by. This sets the stage for him to urge them to learn from these past mistakes and live lives pleasing to God.
Ever feel like you're repeating the same old mistakes? The Bible talks about history not just as a record, but as a real-time training manual.
Paul pulls from Israel's exodus from Egypt to make a crucial point: their story isn't just ancient history. It's a template, a warning, and a guide for us today.
Examples, Not Just Events
These weren't random occurrences; they were 'examples' (Greek: typos). Think of it like a blueprint or a mold. God allowed these events to unfold so we could see the patterns of sin and God's response, and then apply those lessons to our own lives.
The Danger of Complacency
The specific danger Paul highlights is desiring evil. This isn't just about overt acts of rebellion, but about the heart's inner cravings and dissatisfaction, which can lead us down dangerous paths.
What we want can be more dangerous than what we do. Paul points to a deep-seated issue that plagued the Israelites and still trips us up today.
The core problem wasn't just their actions, but their desires. The Israelites, even after witnessing God's power, 'desired evil.' What does this mean for us?
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Craving What Isn't God's Best
'Desiring evil' speaks to longing for things that are contrary to God's will – instant gratification, forbidden comforts, or rebellion against God's provision. It’s the inner voice whispering, 'I want what I want, even if it goes against God.'
A Warning for the Church
Paul warns believers in Corinth, and by extension us, that this internal battle is real. Allowing unhealthy desires to fester can lead to actions that displease God and harm our walk with Him. We must guard our hearts and minds.
Understand the original words
typos · Greek Noun
The pattern or model provided by past events, especially historical judgments or blessings, intended to serve as a warning or lesson for subsequent generations.
epithymetas · Greek Noun
The inner longing, craving, or impulse, often used in a negative sense to describe the corrupt human inclination toward forbidden things.
eidōlolatrai · Greek Noun
A person who worships idols; one who gives religious devotion to anything other than the one true God, effectively replacing the Creator with a created thing.
Paul uses the dramatic, yet often rebellious, journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land as a stark warning. Their experiences weren't just history; they were cautionary tales of how easily desire for 'evil'—comfort, familiar ways, or perceived grievances—can lead God's people astray, even after experiencing His deliverance.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, a foundational event of their faith.
c. 1446-1445 BC— this verse
Wandering in the Wilderness
After the Exodus, the Israelites journey towards the Promised Land, facing numerous challenges and demonstrating a pattern of disobedience and grumbling.
c. 1445 BC
Rebellion at the Waters of Meribah
The Israelites complain about lack of water, and Moses and Aaron strike a rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, leading to a divine rebuke.
c. 1445 BC
Idolatry with the Golden Calf
While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites fashion and worship a golden calf, a severe act of unfaithfulness and idolatry.
c. 1445 BC
Spies Sent to Canaan
Spies are sent into the Promised Land, and their fearful, negative report fuels further rebellion and disbelief among the people.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites finally cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership.
This passage shows the Israelites' craving for meat, which led to grumbling and discontent, mirroring the 'desire for evil' mentioned in 1 Corinthians. It highlights the negative consequences of wanting what God hasn't provided or of rejecting His current provision.
The Israelites' desire to return to Egypt after hearing about the giants in the promised land demonstrates a deep-seated dissatisfaction and a 'desire for evil' that ultimately prevented them from entering the land. This passage serves as a stark warning about the perils of discontent and rebellion.
This psalm directly reflects on the Israelites' lusting in the wilderness, linking their 'desire' to God sending 'leanness into their souls.' It emphasizes the spiritual emptiness that follows when we chase after forbidden desires.
Hebrews 3:7-11The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 95 to warn believers against hardening their hearts and testing God, just as their ancestors did in the wilderness. This passage reinforces the idea that the Old Testament examples are meant to instruct us to avoid repeating their sins.
It's easy to skim over this, but Paul isn't just saying "don't do what they did." He's pointing out that the Old Testament stories were designed to be cautionary tales, meant to shape our desires before we even have the chance to act on them. So, the real takeaway is about the ongoing work of retraining our hearts, not just avoiding outward mistakes.
Paul is reminding the Corinthian church of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, recounting their repeated failures to trust and obey God, which led to their downfall. These events aren't just ancient history; they serve as stark warnings about the dangers of craving sinful pleasures and falling into idolatry, which the Corinthians were unfortunately tempted by. This sets the stage for him to urge them to learn from these past mistakes and live lives pleasing to God.
Paul is reminding the Corinthian church of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, recounting their repeated failures to trust and obey God, which led to their downfall. These events aren't just ancient history; they serve as stark warnings about the dangers of craving sinful pleasures and falling into idolatry, which the Corinthians were unfortunately tempted by. This sets the stage for him to urge them to learn from these past mistakes and live lives pleasing to God.
"Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.”" — It's easy to skim over this, but Paul isn't just saying "don't do what they did." He's pointing out that the Old Testament stories were designed to be cautionary tales, meant to shape our desires *…
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Last reviewed October 2026
