Psalm 106:15

Modern

So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

Traditional

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

Literal

And He gave to them their request, and He sent leanness upon their soul.

Latin

Et dedit eis petitionem ipsorum, et misit saturitatem in animas eorum.

Hebrew

English

So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

He … sent a wasting disease: See Exodus 32:35 and Numbers 11:33.

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

Numbers 11:31–34
Now a wind sent by the LORD came up, drove in quail from the sea, and brought them near the camp, about two cubits above the surface of the ground, for a day’s journey in every direction around the camp.
Isaiah 10:16
Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.
Psalm 78:29–31
So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved.
Isaiah 24:16
From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I am wasting away! I am wasting away! Woe is me.” The treacherous betray; the treacherous deal in treachery.