תהלים, פרק ע״ח, פסוק ל׳

In the desert, the Israelites reached the absolute peak of fulfilling their cravings by eating the quail meat provided for them. Yet, at the exact moment they experienced this intense physical pleasure, divine punishment struck. The primary approach among commentators is that the people had not distanced themselves or moved on from their intense craving. Because God had granted their wish, they remained entirely absorbed in the enjoyment of their meal [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Conversely, others explain that the meat had simply not yet become sickening to them. They were struck before they could experience the natural disgust that normally follows overeating [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, המאירי, מלבי״ם].

While they were still at the height of their excitement, disaster arrived without warning. The punishment hit them right as they were chewing, while the food was literally still between their teeth [רש״י, רד״ק, המאירי].

Adding another layer to this event, it is understood that the people were actually driven by two parallel urges at the same time. The obvious desire was their loud demand for meat, but beneath the surface lay a hidden urge for sexual immorality, which they were too ashamed to express openly. Although they satisfied their physical hunger for food, they never rejected or moved away from their improper internal desires. Because they showed no regret for these immoral thoughts, God did not give them extra time. His anger flared up immediately, bringing down the punishment while the physical food was still in their mouths [אלשיך].