Psalms 78:18

18. Tempted God “They wished to put God to the proof, with a view to renounce him altogether, in case he should not give them what they wanted.” Hengstenberg. And this was at their first permanent halting-place after leaving Sinai. So soon (after three days’ march, Numbers 10:33) were effaced the awful impressions at the giving of the law!

Asking meat for their lust The complaint began with the “mixed multitude” which had followed them out of Egypt. Numbers 11:4. The manna sufficed for temperate and healthful desert life, but meat was demanded as a luxury. The history says “they lusted a lust,” that is, they lusted inordinately. Blind appetite, in man or brute, is unreasoning, impatient, and rebellious.