They were not estranged from their lust.
Dissatisfaction with plenty
God gave them plenty, and they ate “and were filled.” He gave them what they sought, flesh; feathered birds came in abundance. Notwithstanding, they were not satisfied, “were not estranged from their lust”; they had still a craving for something more. Here is dissatisfaction with plenty.
I. This is a very prevalent experience. Men in plenty are everywhere in dissatisfaction. Where there is
(1) Plenty of food,
(2) Plenty of money,
(3) Plenty of books,
(4) Plenty of popularity,
(5) Plenty of amusements, men cry everywhere, “Who will show us any good?”
II. This is a very suggestive experience. It implies--
1. Something bad that is existing. Conflicting passions, compunctive consciences, moral forebodings within, prevent the possibility of satisfaction.
2. Something good that is lacking. What is the deep hunger of the soul? God. (Homilist.)
But while their meat was yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them.
Kibroth Hattaavah
Fleshly lust not only “wars against” but kills men.
I. Slays physically. An inordinate gratification of animal appetites saps the constitution and brings the body to a premature grave.
II. Slays intellectually. It slays the elasticity, the freedom, the vigour of the intellect. How often, in the case of the gourmand and the voluptuary, does the brain run into fat, and the whole intellect into greasy mud.
III. Slays morally. It slays--
1. Purity of love.
2. Tenderness of conscience.
3. Force of moral purpose. (Homilist.)