Psalms 106:14
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
Original Language Analysis
תַ֭אֲוָה
exceedingly
H8378
תַ֭אֲוָה
exceedingly
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
2 of 6
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 6
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?1 Corinthians 10:6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.Numbers 11:4And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
Historical Context
Numbers 11 records the 'mixed multitude' craving meat and fish from Egypt, despising the manna God provided. Their lust spread to Israelites who 'wept again' for meat. God gave them quail in abundance, but while the meat was still in their mouths, His anger fell and many died (Numbers 11:33-34). The place was named Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of lust/craving'). This demonstrated that getting what we lust for can become judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does discontentment with God's provision constitute rebellion against Him?
- What is the difference between legitimate needs and sinful, inordinate cravings?
- In what ways do believers today 'test God' by demanding more than His provision?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes Israel's lustful craving in the wilderness. 'Lusted exceedingly' translates the Hebrew construction avah taavah (אָוָה תַּאֲוָה), an intensive form meaning they lusted with strong lust—emphasizing the intensity and sinfulness of their desire. 'In the wilderness' notes the location of their rebellion, a place where they should have been especially dependent on God. 'Tempted God in the desert' (nasah, נָסָה) means they tested or tried God, demanding proof of His care and challenging His provision. This refers to demanding meat (Numbers 11:4-34), not being content with manna. Lust—inordinate desire that demands satisfaction—is identified as testing God, showing that discontentment with God's provision is actually rebellion against God Himself.