Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Were - Greek, 'came to pass (as).'
Our examples - literally, types: prefigurations of what will befall us, if we with all our privileges walk carelessly. There is continuity and unity in God's plan of dealing with the Church in all ages.
Lust - the common fountain of the four offences, and therefore put first (James 1:14-15: cf. Psalms 106:14). A particular lust was that after flesh, when they pined for the fish, leeks, etc., of Egypt, which they had left (Numbers 11:4-5; Numbers 11:33-34). These are not "evil things" in themselves, but they became so to the Israelites when they lusted after what God withheld, and were discontented with what God provided.