There was this discernible recurring cycle in the history of the children of Israel. They repeatedly oscillated from rebellion to retribution, then to repentance, to reconciliation with God, and then to righteousness and back to rebel lion after they must have regained some comfort. Their relationship with God was unidirectional - they always wanted to receive from God without any corresponding faith, loyalty and devotion to Him.

As revealed in today's text, God did several wonders amidst the children of Israel that should have made them believe that He could do all things. But rather than praising God, they kept asking for more and tempting Him until they provoked Him to anger. This narrative concerning the children of Israel is an evidence that what God does in man is far more important than what He does for him. What God does for man, such as the provision of food, clothing, shelter, etc., are mere transient physical blessings which are not bad in themselves. But what He does in man such as the circumcision of the heart and crucifixion of the flesh are spiritual and rewardable blessings with great eternal benefits. If they had been circumcised in the heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), they would have been more patient, contented and grateful to God for His blessings and would have escaped His judgment.

This account of the Israelites was repeated by Apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 10:1-12, and there are several lessons to draw from this. First, physical blessings do not necessarily mean that a person is spiritual. Second, no matter what  God does for a man, if nothing is done to change his sinful nature, that man will always rebel against Him. Third, spiritual blessings are more valuable than physical blessings. Therefore, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).