Psalms 78:18
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֥ל
God
H410
אֵ֥ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
2 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:16Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.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?1 Corinthians 10:9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
Historical Context
The quail incident (Numbers 11) occurred at Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of craving') in the wilderness of Paran, approximately one year after leaving Egypt. God granted their demand but sent 'leanness into their soul' (Psalm 106:15).
Questions for Reflection
- What cravings are you demanding God satisfy instead of receiving His chosen provision?
- How does consumer culture's 'you deserve it' mentality mirror Israel's wilderness lust?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust—the Hebrew nissâ (tempted) means to test or prove, putting God on trial to see if He'll comply with fleshly demands. Numbers 11:4-34 records this incident: the 'mixed multitude' craved Egyptian cuisine, spurning manna as inadequate. Their ta'ăwâ (lust, craving) represented not hunger but discontent with God's chosen provision.
James 1:14 explains: 'Each person is tempted when dragged away and enticed by his own lust.' Israel's sin was demanding God satisfy appetites rather than trusting His menu. Jesus refused to turn stones to bread (Matthew 4:3-4) because 'man shall not live by bread alone'—the very lesson Israel failed in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3).