Psalm 106:14

Modern

They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert.

Traditional

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

Literal

…and they craved with desire in the wilderness, and they tested God in the desert.

Latin

Et concupierunt concupiscentiam in deserto, et tentaverunt Deum in inaquoso.

Hebrew

English

They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert.

The Israelite community in exile confessed the Lord’s goodness and justice and their own past sins. From their humble state in exile, they asked for redemption and restoration. They hoped to be gathered back from all the places the Lord had scattered them in his anger.
The psalm ends with a memory of the Lord’s past mercy and hope for renewed mercy (Psalm 106:44–48). Israel failed, but the Lord remains constant.
Verses 1, 47–48 (along with Psalms 96; 105:1–15) are included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:1–43.

Theme notes and profiles

1 Corinthians 10:9
We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.
1 Corinthians 10:6
These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did.
Exodus 17:2
So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?”
Numbers 11:4
Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?
Hebrews 3:8–10
…do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness,
Psalm 78:30
Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths,
Psalm 95:8–9
…do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness,
Deuteronomy 9:22
You continued to provoke the LORD at Taberah, at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah.
Numbers 11:33–34
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.
Psalm 78:40–41
How often they disobeyed Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert!
Numbers 14:22
…not one of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness—yet have tested Me and disobeyed Me these ten times—
Psalm 78:18–20
They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God