In Psalm 106 David gives us a history lesson, with some prophecy at the end. In totality, it is a history of ‘people’s tendency to wander, then rebel, yet met by God’s mercy’. The scripture tells us in Romans 2.4b— “…not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” David’s lesson is specifically a history of Israel’s wandering. This singular thematic story line is the most quoted throughout the scripture. This singular event is the most quoted event in all of scripture. Psalm 106 verses 12-33 provide the most detailed description of how this happened. Notice as we begin, the Romans 2.4 passage is proven in this history synopsis, especially the first part (a): “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering…”
I want to focus your attention on 12-15. Why this context? Verse 16 says “also” indicating it is the next thing. And, verse 12 starts with “then” indicating an effect from verses 10-11, which is the red sea victory.
Here we find 8 steps in wandering:
- Believed His words. Only after sight, no faith (John 20.29). It took the Red Sea miracle to convince them.
- Sang His praise. Exodus 15 is the song in reference. It is also known as Moses’ song which He repeated in Deuteronomy 31. We will hear it once more in Heaven according to Revelation 15.1-3.
- Forgot His works. The Hebrew says ‘soon’. It actually took 3 days after the Red Sea before they were already upset that they weren’t already in the promised land. Can anyone say ‘spoiled’?!
- Did not wait for His counsel. Did not wait for His timing, provisions, or even heed the counsel already given by HIs man Moses.
- Lusted exceedingly. They wanted the fish and flesh of Egypt. Lust is any inordinate desire you have, that you feel should be your’s, or you’re missing out on in some way. (1 Corinthians 10.6)
- Tempted God. Tempted means they ‘provoked’ God. They did so while in a tough spot. Arrogantly unaware of their circumstance.
- God gave them what they wanted. Also recorded in Psalm 78.37. It is from Numbers 11 when God gave them bird rather than the manna from Heaven that they already complained about.
- They wasted away spiritually. (leanness) They choked on their desire, nothing left.
My focus is the end, in verse 15— “And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”
“Leanness” can easily be made to mean something it’s not. This is why some versions even chose to add a word of choice into the verse, changing its meaning. They are supplanting their interpretation to the verse and making it what they think it means, rather than what it actually says.
The word is (raw-zone’) literally meaning: ‘scantness’ or ‘wasting’. This is its absolute meaning. So it is not about the disease God inflicted on them in Numbers 11, but the reason of it. A disease of the soul is what it says. Wasting of their souls, not a plague to their bodies. It is much much worse. Once you finally get what you want, especially by complaining about what has already been graciously provided, you tend to withdraw. Once you get what you inordinately desired (lust after) then you tend to lack gratitude, not only of the supply, but the supplier Himself!
In Luke 8.7,14 Jesus gave a parable stating: “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.”; “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”
No fruit to perfection. No souls. Nothing of any real consequence for Heaven. Nothing supernatural, just easily explained human power and intellect. Jesus clearly said here that the riches and cares of this life are a direct death blow to God doing anything of any depth in us. “Thorns” Jesus called it. It inflicts pain that no one wants, but everyone deserves for attempting to have it. It’s like reaching your hand into a patch of berries because you really like the taste and your eyes have just got the better of you… you reach and… briars immediately cut you. You got what you wanted, but you got more than that, what you didn’t want and didn’t account for.
Yes, there is a cost to following Christ, Jesus said there would be. There is an even greater cost to following the way and ways of this world, a cost that odes immeasurable damage to your soul. I’m not talking about drugs, unmarital sex, and alcohol; I’m talking about something as simple as: not seeking Jesus more than you seek life. Just living the average everyday normal existence that everyone is right now, can waste away your soul, and you won’t see it coming.
I have 2 questions: 1) Where are you on the 8 steps of wandering? 2) In the sumptuous life we are in… Is there a leanness to your soul, or a deepening desire for exponential closeness with God, either way?
Deepening is the key. Is God calling you into depths that require trust in Him that you’ve never experienced before? The rejecting of this call, not only can, it will cause leanness.