What is Temptation?

I had previously written a blog on 1 Corinthians 10 which I read again this morning. The question I have is why did a whole generation of Israelites die in the desert if God had promised them this:
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Especially this: "he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear"
So what is temptation? What is God's role in allowing temptation to come and yet making sure it isn't too much for us to bear?

I started with the commentary from BibleStudyTools.com. On 1 Corinthians 10:13 it has this to say:
13 - Consolation to them, under their temptation; it is none but such as is "common to man," or "such as man can bear," "adapted to man's powers of endurance". 
faithful--( Psalms 125:3 , Isaiah 27:3 Isaiah 27:8 , Revelation 3:10 ). "God is faithful" to the covenant which He made with you in calling you ( 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ). To be led into temptation is distinct from running into it, which would be "tempting God" ( 1 Corin. 10:9 , Matthew 4:7 ). 
way to escape--( Jeremiah 29:11 , 2 Peter 2:9 ). The Greek is, "the way of escape"; the appropriate way of escape in each particular temptation; not an immediate escape, but one in due time, after patience has had her perfect work ( James 1:2-4 James 1:12 ). He "makes" the way of escape simultaneously with the temptation which His providence permissively arranges for His people. 
to bear it--Greek, "to bear up under it," or "against it." Not, He will take it away (2 Corith. 12:7-9 ).

It seems to me that there are two meanings to the word "temptation". One meaning is similar to "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). This temptation is NOT from God. The second meaning is similar to "trials and tribulations" - difficult circumstances, persecution, hardship etc. God has allowed such hard times to fall on us for a purpose - sometimes to test our faith, other times to train our patience.

The first kind of temptation is "common to man". As long as we carry this sinful nature within us we will be tempted in various ways. I don't think this is what 1 Corinthians 10:13 is talking about but then it still carries a promise which we can use when we are tempted this way. And the promise is that we can be reassured that the temptation won't overwhelm us. God is faithful to His covenant people. By trusting Him we will be able to overcome it, or run away from it. The Israelites succumbed to such temptations by their willful disobedience. It's a warning to us.

The second kind of temptation may or may not happen to all people. We all have known someone who just seems to "have it all", never seems to have any bumps along life's journey. This is where you won't find "good people will always have a smooth sail". But God is there too. He is faithful and will sustain us through it, although we may suffer through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 does not promise that this kind of temptation will not come to us. In fact God allows such temptation to come to us to make us a people He wants us to become.

The way to handle both kinds of temptation is nicely described by this article from BibleInfo.com summarized here:

• Temptation does not come from God, but comes from our own sinful desires (James 1:13-15)
• You cannot have both God and your sinful desire (Matthews 6:24)
• When you are faced with temptation, run the other direction! (2 Timothy 2:22)
• Joseph is an example of someone who successfully resisted temptation (Genesis 39:6-20)
• Prayer strengthens us against temptation (Mark 14:38)
• Meet temptation with God’s Word (Matthew 4:1, 3, 4)
• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Don't be discouraged when you are faced with temptations, God is doing His work in you (James 1:2-3)
• Avoid all things that might lead to compromising situations and sin (Romans 13:13-14)
• The spiritual battle begins in the mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
• My thoughts are flooded with temptations! What can I do? (Philippians 4:8)
• It is our love for God that holds us back from sin and pushes us to do what is right (2 Corinthians 5:14)
• Come to Jesus; He knows what you are going through (Hebrews 4:15-16)
• Jesus is your strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
• Keep God's Word close to your heart (Psalm 119:11)
• Be vigilant in the last days, as the temptations and snares will only increase nearer to the end (Luke 21:34-36)
• Those who do not yield to temptation will be rewarded (James 1:12)