Numbers 11:4-15
Summary for Num 11:4-15: 11:4-15 a Israel had not relinquished the attitude that brought about the judgment at Taberah (11:1-3 b), so they readily joined the foreign rabble in craving the delicacies of Egypt, forgetting the misery of slavery there.Summary for Num 11:4-6: 11:4-6 c Oh, for some meat! The Israelites had flocks and herds (e.g., 32:1 d; Exod 12:32 e, 38 f; 17:3 g; 34:3 h), but the animals were more valuable for their dairy products and other benefits produced while alive and were only butchered for meat on a selective basis. The Hebrews would not have had enough meat to feed such a large population regularly (cp. Num 11:21-22 i).
11:6 j The Lord had earlier provided manna and quail (Exod 16 k).
Summary for Num 11:7-9: 11:7-9 l The manna has often been explained as one of various edible substances that occur naturally (but see Deut 8:3 m); even so, its quantity and duration were miraculous.
Summary for Num 11:10-15: 11:10-15 n The Israelites’ persistent whining led a frustrated Moses to register his own complaints with God. With biting sarcasm, Moses reminded God that he had not wanted this job in the first place (cp. Exod 4:10 o). Israel became such a burden that Moses wished that God would do him the favor of killing him (cp. Job 6:9 p).
• Moses’ complaint was acceptable, unlike the complaints of the people, because he was seeking the Lord rather than pining for the delights of Egypt.
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