But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm emphasizes the shocking location of their rebellion: "in the wilderness" and "in the desert." This highlights their ungratefulness, as it was precisely in this place of utter dependence that they chose to test the God who was miraculously sustaining them. It wasn't just a craving; it was a lust that turned them away from the One providing for them.
But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm is recounting Israel's history of disobedience, focusing on their time in the wilderness after being rescued from Egypt. Even after God provided for them miraculously, they quickly forgot His power and provision, craving the food they ate in Egypt and testing God's faithfulness in the harsh desert environment. This immediate prelude sets the stage for understanding their deep ingratitude and lack of trust.
Ever felt a craving that wasn't just about satisfying a need, but something more intense? The Israelites in the wilderness experienced this, and it led them astray.
The verse describes the Israelites as having a "wanton craving." This wasn't just a simple desire for food; it was an excessive, unrestrained lust.
The Nature of Their Lust:
Imagine being in a place with no resources, completely dependent on someone else. What happens when you start to doubt their ability or willingness to provide?
The Israelites didn't just crave; they "put God to the test." This is a serious charge, implying a deliberate challenge to God's character and power.
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What 'Testing God' Means:
Understand the original words
ta'avah · Hebrew Noun
A strong, often sinful desire or intense appetite for something outside of God’s provided boundaries. It denotes a lack of contentment and a turning toward worldly gratification.
nasah · Hebrew Verb
To challenge or provoke God to prove His presence, power, or goodness. This is an act of unbelief, doubting God's faithfulness despite evidence of His previous intervention.
This verse points to a specific moment of profound spiritual rebellion during the Exodus, highlighting how quickly gratitude can turn to discontent when faced with hardship, even after experiencing God's direct intervention.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are miraculously freed from slavery in Egypt by God's mighty hand, led by Moses. This marks the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1445-1405 BC— this verse
Wilderness Wanderings
Following their liberation, the Israelites spend 40 years wandering in the desert. During this time, they face numerous challenges and are entirely dependent on God for sustenance.
c. 1445 BC
The Great Craving
The Israelites, weary of the manna God provided, begin to intensely crave the familiar foods of Egypt, particularly meat and fish. This dissatisfaction leads them to complain and question God's provision.
c. 1445 BC
Testing God's Presence
In their discontent, the people directly challenge God, essentially asking if He is truly with them and capable of meeting their needs in the harsh desert environment.
c. 1405 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
After forty years of wandering, the generation that rebelled in the wilderness perishes, and the new generation enters the land God promised to their ancestors.
This passage directly describes the Israelites 'craving' for meat in the wilderness, which is the specific historical event referenced in Psalm 106:14. It highlights the transition from discontent to a sinful longing for things they had left behind in Egypt.
1 Corinthians 10:6Paul explicitly connects the Israelites' craving and tempting God in the wilderness to their later experience, using it as a cautionary example for believers. This shows how their sin in the desert was seen as a pattern of spiritual failure.
Psalm 78:18This earlier psalm also recounts the Israelites' testing of God in the wilderness, specifically mentioning their 'lusting after' water and food. It emphasizes their distrust of God's ability to provide for them despite His past miracles.
Exodus 17:7This passage describes the incident at Massah and Meribah, where the Israelites 'contended' with Moses and 'tested' the Lord, questioning His presence among them. This is a foundational event illustrating the temptation of God in a place of need, directly preceding their later cravings.
wesleyPsalms 106:14: "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."
106:14 Lusted - For flesh.
gillPsalms 106:14: "But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,.... Or, "lusted a lust" (p) as in Numbers 11:4 to which story there related this refers; they were not content with the manna they had every day, though very nourishing and of a sweet taste; they lusted after the fish and flesh of Egypt, and other things they ate there; so that this was not a natural lust, or craving after food and drink, to satisfy nature, which w…
The psalm emphasizes the shocking location of their rebellion: "in the wilderness" and "in the desert." This highlights their ungratefulness, as it was precisely in this place of utter dependence that they chose to test the God who was miraculously sustaining them. It wasn't just a craving; it was a lust that turned them away from the One providing for them.
The psalm is recounting Israel's history of disobedience, focusing on their time in the wilderness after being rescued from Egypt. Even after God provided for them miraculously, they quickly forgot His power and provision, craving the food they ate in Egypt and testing God's faithfulness in the harsh desert environment. This immediate prelude sets the stage for understanding their deep ingratitude and lack of trust.
The psalm is recounting Israel's history of disobedience, focusing on their time in the wilderness after being rescued from Egypt. Even after God provided for them miraculously, they quickly forgot His power and provision, craving the food they ate in Egypt and testing God's faithfulness in the harsh desert environment. This immediate prelude sets the stage for understanding their deep ingratitude and lack of trust.
"But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert;" — The psalm emphasizes the shocking location of their rebellion: "in the wilderness" and "in the desert." This highlights their ungratefulness, as it was precisely in this place of utter dependence t…
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Last reviewed October 2026