Psalms 106:15
And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
And he gave
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן
And he gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
After Israel's complaint, God sent quail so abundantly that it piled up 'two cubits high' around the camp (Numbers 11:31). The people gathered greedily for two days. But 'while the flesh was yet between their teeth,' God struck them with plague and many died (Numbers 11:33). Their graves at Kibroth-hattaavah testified that lust kills. Paul references this event as a warning to Christians (1 Corinthians 10:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does receiving what we sinfully desire sometimes constitute divine judgment?
- What is 'leanness of soul' and how does it differ from physical or material poverty?
- In what areas might you be choosing satisfaction of desires over spiritual health?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes God's response to Israel's lustful demand for meat. 'He gave them their request' shows God granted what they craved—quail in abundance (Numbers 11:31-32). 'But sent leanness into their soul' uses razon (רָזוֹן), meaning leanness, wasting, or emaciation. While their bellies were filled, their souls were starved. This teaches a sobering principle: God sometimes grants sinful desires as judgment, allowing people to experience the emptiness of what they crave. Getting what we want apart from God's will brings spiritual death, not satisfaction. This verse warns against demanding our desires and illustrates that true judgment sometimes means receiving what we sinfully crave.