Psalms 106:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 106:15
15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Chapter Context
Psalms 106 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, judgment. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 106:15
15 And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 10:16