But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
Read it in contextPsalm 106
Start reading at Psalms 106:1 (Psalms 106:1 to Psalms 106:48).
The verse belongs to Psalm 106, which is a single discourse unit recounting Israel's history of rebellion and God's mercy, beginning at the first verse of the chapter.
106:1Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
106:2Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?
106:3Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
106:4Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
106:5That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
106:6We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.
106:7Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
106:8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
106:9He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
106:10And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
106:11And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
106:12Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.
106:13They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:
106:14But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.
106:15And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
106:16They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
106:17The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
106:18And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
106:19They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
106:20Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
106:21They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;
106:22Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.
106:23Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
106:24Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:
106:25But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.
106:26Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:
106:27To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.
106:28They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.
106:29Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.
106:30Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
106:31And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
106:32They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
106:33Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
106:34They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
106:35But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
106:36And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.
106:37Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
106:38And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
106:39Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
106:40Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
106:41And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
106:42Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
106:43Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.
106:44Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
106:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
106:46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.
106:47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
106:48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Multiple writers contributed to Psalms, including David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses; some psalms have no named attribution. The traditional Hebrew headings distinguish many of these contributions. Biblical references: Acts 2:25; Acts 4:25. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Psalms 106:1–106:48): The community confesses Israel's sins before the LORD while recounting its history for hearers and asking for deliverance. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel's worshipping community, including individuals and assemblies using the psalms for prayer, praise, lament, and instruction. A particular psalm may speak directly to God, to the congregation, or to another group. Biblical references: Psalms 22:22; Psalms 78:1; Psalms 100:1. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main event described in this verse is the Israelites' sin of lusting exceedingly and tempting God in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. The broader theme of the psalm is Israel's repeated rebellion against God and God's enduring mercy despite their unfaithfulness.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the persistent sinfulness of His people, their tendency to forget His works and counsel, and the consequences of their disobedience. He also reveals His patience and the fact that He can be tempted by human actions.
What is the literary style? The literary style is Hebrew poetry, specifically a historical psalm that recounts past events of Israel's history.
When
When was it written? The book of Psalms was collected over a period from approximately 1400 to 450 B.C.
When does the event take place? The event described in this verse, the Israelites lusting and tempting God in the wilderness, took place during the forty years of wandering after their exodus from Egypt.
Where
Where did it happen? The events described in the verse happened "in the wilderness" and "in the desert" during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The book of Psalms was written in Israel. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Psalm 106 (Psalms 106:1 to Psalms 106:48).
Start reading at Psalms 106:1. The verse belongs to Psalm 106, which is a single discourse unit recounting Israel's history of rebellion and God's mercy, beginning at the first verse of the chapter.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Psalm 106 is a historical psalm that recounts Israel's history of rebellion and God's faithfulness. Verse 14 details one specific instance of their disobedience following God's mighty deliverance at the Red Sea, setting a pattern for the subsequent acts of unfaithfulness described throughout the psalm. It serves as a confession of national sin and a plea for God's continued mercy. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? This passage highlights humanity's persistent sinfulness and inability to consistently obey God, even after experiencing His miraculous deliverance and provision. The Israelites' repeated failures, despite God's mercy, underscore the need for a perfect deliverer and intercessor who can fully atone for sin and lead His people in perfect obedience. Christ fulfills this need as the one who perfectly obeyed God and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a warning against murmuring, lusting after worldly desires, and tempting God by doubting His provision or power. Believers today are called to remember God's past mercies, trust in His counsel, and resist the temptation to seek satisfaction outside of Him, learning from the failures of the Israelites to avoid similar pitfalls. It encourages a life of gratitude and faithful obedience. interpretation
David and others, including Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and MosesNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe superscriptions name their writers: David most often, and also Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Moses. The New Testament quotes psalms as David's words. Psalm 3:1Psalm 90:1Acts 2:25Acts 4:25
Early traditionJewish and Christian tradition preserves the superscriptions as ancient.
What is debatedSome scholars regard certain superscriptions as later additions. The collection was assembled over centuries.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Psalms 106
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement. A quoted heading uses the opening KJV words of that stanza; the speaker and the psalm as a whole still govern its meaning.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. These psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“They soon forgat his works; they waited not for…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their…”
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
“Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting…”
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. These psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Psalms
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Psalms is a collection of prayers and songs with multiple attributed writers and many unspecified occasions. Read each psalm as a poetic unit and distinguish a speaker's lament, petition, vow, and praise. The five-book arrangement does not make all psalms one continuous speech.
Connection to the wholeThe opening collection brings individual and communal prayer into the setting introduced by Psalms 1 and 2, ending with a doxology.
Connection to the wholeThe second collection continues varied prayers and songs and closes with royal prayer and a doxology; its individual psalms retain distinct voices and occasions.
FocusThe sanctuary, the nation, and covenant questions
Connection to the wholeThis collection gives prominent space to communal distress and worship, ending with the tension between the Davidic promise and the king's humiliation.
Connection to the wholeThese psalms include reflection on human frailty, the LORD's kingship, worship, and Israel's history, and close with a doxology.
FocusThanksgiving, pilgrimage, and concluding praise
Connection to the wholeThe final collection gathers varied songs, the songs of degrees, and concluding calls to praise. Each psalm should first be read in its own poetic movement.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.