King James Version
What Does Psalms 78:29 Mean?
“So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;”
Psalms 78:29 · KJV
Context
27
He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: feathered: Heb. fowl of wing
28
And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.
29
So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
30
They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,
31
The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. smote: Heb. made to bow Chosen: or, young men
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire—the Hebrew śāba' (well filled) means satiated to excess, stuffed beyond satisfaction. God gave them ta'ăwātām (their desire), the same word for 'lust' in v. 18. This verse captures the tragedy of getting exactly what you want when what you want is poisonous.
Proverbs 23:2 warns: 'Put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.' Jesus taught that life doesn't consist in abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Paul calls the stomach 'their god' for those who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:19). Israel's filled bellies revealed empty souls—they ate themselves to death, proving Augustine's maxim: 'Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.'
Proverbs 23:2 warns: 'Put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.' Jesus taught that life doesn't consist in abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Paul calls the stomach 'their god' for those who mind earthly things (Philippians 3:19). Israel's filled bellies revealed empty souls—they ate themselves to death, proving Augustine's maxim: 'Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The phrase 'their own desire' indicts Israel's self-determination. God gave them precisely what they demanded, without editing or improvement. This divine 'yes' to fleshly appetite resulted in mass graves, proving that God sometimes judges by granting requests.
Reflection Questions
- What desires are you pursuing that, if fully satisfied, might destroy you?
- How does consumer culture's promise of satisfaction through consumption mirror Israel's fatal craving?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsמְאֹ֑ד3 of 6
“and were well”
H3966properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְ֝תַֽאֲוָתָ֗ם4 of 6
“them their own desire”
H8378a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 78:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 78:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge