Psalm 106:14-15
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It’s not just that they craved meat, but that their lust was for Egypt’s food specifically, betraying a deep discontent with God’s miraculous provision. This craving was so profound it led them to test God, questioning if He who had just delivered them could truly sustain them in the very place they were utterly dependent on Him.
But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Right after God rescued Israel from Egypt and guided them through the Red Sea, the people quickly forgot His powerful acts. Instead of trusting Him, they became consumed by discontent, craving the familiar comforts of Egypt and demanding satisfaction from God in the harsh desert, testing His patience and provision.
Ever felt that burning desire for something you just can't live without? The Israelites in the wilderness did, and it led them down a dangerous path.
The verse uses the phrase 'wanton craving.' This isn't just a simple wish for variety; it's a lustful desire, an excessive longing for things they shouldn't have.
More Than Just Hunger
The Israelites didn't just grumble; they actively questioned God's commitment to them. What does it look like to 'put God to the test'?
When the people 'put God to the test in the desert,' they were doing more than just expressing dissatisfaction. They were essentially challenging His very presence and ability to care for them.
The Heart of Temptation
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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.
razon · Hebrew Noun
A state of physical or spiritual depletion and decline. Often used in Scripture to describe the consequences of divine judgment or the toll of sin upon the body or soul.
This verse recalls a specific, recurring pattern of rebellion during Israel's wilderness journey: a deep dissatisfaction with God's provision, leading them to 'test' Him by demanding more than He offered, even longing for the very slavery they had escaped.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Following centuries of slavery, the Israelites are miraculously led out of Egypt by Moses, beginning their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1445-1405 BC— this verse
Wandering in the Wilderness
The Israelites spend 40 years in the desert, a period marked by God's provision (manna, water from a rock) but also by their frequent rebellion and discontent.
c. 1445 BC
The Lusting for Meat at Kibroth-hattaavah
The Israelites complained bitterly about the lack of variety in their diet, longing for the flesh pots of Egypt, and God sent quail in response, but also judgment for their lust and discontent.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Sent into Canaan
Near the end of their wilderness journey, the Israelites send spies into the Promised Land, but their fear and unbelief lead to a further 40 years of wandering.
This passage directly describes the Israelites lusting after the food they ate in Egypt, showing the 'wanton craving' mentioned in Psalms for specific, forbidden desires.
1 Corinthians 10:6The apostle Paul explicitly connects this Israelite 'lusting' to a warning for Christians, highlighting the spiritual danger of craving evil things, just as the psalm recounts.
Deuteronomy 8:3This verse, spoken by Moses, emphasizes God's provision of manna as a test and a demonstration that humans live by God's word, contrasting with the Israelites' craving for more in Psalms 106:14.
Psalm 78:18This parallel psalm also recounts the Israelites 'testing God in their heart,' demonstrating a consistent pattern of discontent and distrust in God's provision during their desert journey.
Exodus 17:7This passage describes the Israelites testing the Lord by asking 'Is the Lord among us or not?' which is the very essence of 'tempting God in the desert' as recorded in the psalm.
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…
It’s not just that they craved meat, but that their lust was for Egypt’s food specifically, betraying a deep discontent with God’s miraculous provision. This craving was so profound it led them to test God, questioning if He who had just delivered them could truly sustain them in the very place they were utterly dependent on Him.
Right after God rescued Israel from Egypt and guided them through the Red Sea, the people quickly forgot His powerful acts. Instead of trusting Him, they became consumed by discontent, craving the familiar comforts of Egypt and demanding satisfaction from God in the harsh desert, testing His patience and provision.
Right after God rescued Israel from Egypt and guided them through the Red Sea, the people quickly forgot His powerful acts. Instead of trusting Him, they became consumed by discontent, craving the familiar comforts of Egypt and demanding satisfaction from God in the harsh desert, testing His patience and provision.
"But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the test in the desert; he gave them what they asked, but sent a wasting disease among them." — It’s not just that they craved meat, but that their lust was for Egypt’s food specifically, betraying a deep discontent with God’s miraculous provision. This craving was so profound it led them to te…
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Last reviewed October 2026
