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This passage describes the conduct of the rebellious and lustful Israelites in the wilderness, and sets forth three things - God's chastisement of their sin; their superficial repentance; God's pitiful compassion.

I. GOD'S CHASTISEMENT OF SIN. (Vers. 33, 34.) "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."

1. Their sin was sensual indifference to the wonders of God's redemption. (Ver. 32.) "They believed not his wondrous works" - in connection with their redemption from the miseries of Egypt. The same sin now in reference to the work of Christ.

2. The punishment was trouble and death. (Vers. 33, 34.) Sin always leads to trouble, and sometimes to death.

3. By granting them their sinful desires. (Ver. 29.)

II. SUPERFICIAL REPENTANCE. (Vers. 34-37.)

1. It was inspired by fear. (Ver. 34.) Fear - terror - never produces genuine repentance.

2. They made insincere promises of amendment. (Ver. 36.) "They flattered God with their mouth, and lied unto him with their tongues." It was no true repentance.

3. They were still unchanged in heart. (Ver. 37.) And no repentance is true and lasting which does not make the heart right towards God.

III. GOD'S PITIFUL COMPASSION. (Vers. 38, 39.)

1. God's punishment of sin is a moderated punishment. (Ver. 38.) "And did not stir up all his wrath." No punishment goes beyond the desert, and he makes it as light as it can be.

2. God pities as well as condemns our weakness and misery. (Ver. 39.) "He knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust."

3. God's forbearance is exercised with a view to our redemption. (Ver. 38.) "Many a time turned he his anger away." "Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - S.

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KJV: For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

WEB: For all this they still sinned, and didn't believe in his wondrous works.