Numbers 11
BSB1 Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. 2 And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. 3 So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them. 4 Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? 5 We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. 6 But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!" 7 Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. 8 The people walked around and gathered it, ground it on a handmill or crushed it in a mortar, then boiled it in a cooking pot or shaped it into cakes. It tasted like pastry baked with fine oil. 9 When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it. 10 Then Moses heard the people of family after family weeping at the entrances to their tents, and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly, and Moses was also displeased. 11 So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, so that You should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries an infant,’ to the land that You swore to give their fathers? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. 15 If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness." 16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. 18 And say to the people: Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you will eat meat, because you have cried out in the hearing of the LORD, saying: ‘Who will feed us meat? For we were better off in Egypt!’ Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat. 19 You will eat it not for one or two days, nor for five or ten or twenty days, 20 but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and makes you nauseous—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have cried out before Him, saying, ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’" 21 But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’ 22 If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?" 23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass." 24 So Moses went out and relayed to the people the words of the LORD, and he gathered seventy of the elders of the people and had them stand around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. 26 Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." 28 Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!" 29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!" 30 Then Moses returned to the camp, along with the elders of Israel. 31 Now a wind sent by the LORD came up, drove in quail from the sea, and brought them near the camp, about two cubits above the surface of the ground, for a day’s journey in every direction around the camp. 32 All that day and night, and all the next day, the people stayed up gathering the quail. No one gathered less than ten homers, and they spread them out all around the camp. 33 But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. 34 So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food. 35 From Kibroth-hattaavah the people moved on to Hazeroth, where they remained for some time.
Study Notes — Numbers 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 11
- Themes from Numbers 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Numbers chapter 11 begins with the people complaining about their hardships, which angers God and results in a fire that burns the outskirts of the camp. The people cry out to Moses, who intercedes for them, and God relents. The people then crave meat, having grown tired of manna, and God promises to give them meat for a month. However, this provision comes with a warning of God's displeasure. Moses is also given seventy elders to help him bear the burden of leading the people. The chapter concludes with God giving the people quail, but also sending a plague upon them for their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 11:4-6, Numbers 11:18-23, and Numbers 11:31-35.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers chapter 11 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, as they travel from Egypt to the Promised Land. This chapter follows the Israelites' departure from Mount Sinai and their journey to the border of Canaan, as described in Numbers 10:11-36. The chapter highlights the challenges and struggles the people face, as well as God's faithfulness and provision for them. The events in this chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the themes of God's covenant with His people and the promise of the Messiah, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Galatians 3:16.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges. We must recognize our tendency towards complaining and disobedience, and instead, choose to trust in God's faithfulness and care for us. As seen in Numbers 11:23, we must have faith that God is able to fulfill His promises and provide for our needs.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Numbers chapter 11 is about the Israelites' complaints against God and Moses, and how God provided for their needs despite their disobedience. The people were given manna, but they craved meat, and God gave them quail. However, this provision came with a warning of God's displeasure, as seen in Numbers 11:4-6 and Numbers 11:31-35. The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to be content with what He has given us.
Voices from the Church
“The people's murmuring against God and Moses is a solemn warning to us against the sin of discontent and the dangers of unbelief. As seen in Numbers 11:1-3, we must be careful not to complain against God's provision for us.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The appointment of the seventy elders is a remarkable example of God's wisdom and provision for His people, highlighting the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel. This is evident in Numbers 11:16-17 and Numbers 11:24-30.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: The People's Complaining (11:1-3) — The chapter begins with the people complaining about their hardships, which angers God and results in a fire that burns the outskirts of the camp.
- The People's Craving for Meat (11:4-6) — The people crave meat, having grown tired of manna, and God promises to give them meat for a month. However, this provision comes with a warning of God's displeasure.
- Moses' Intercession and God's Response (11:10-15) — Moses intercedes for the people, and God responds by giving him seventy elders to help him bear the burden of leading the people.
- The Quail and the Plague (11:31-35) — God gives the people quail, but also sends a plague upon them for their disobedience.
- Conclusion: The Importance of Trusting in God (11:23) — The chapter concludes with Moses' statement that God's arm is not too short, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the provision of food for His people. As seen in Numbers 11:23, God is able to fulfill His promises and provide for our needs.
- The Importance of Contentment
- The people's dissatisfaction with manna and their craving for meat highlights the importance of being content with what God has given us. This is evident in Numbers 11:4-6 and Numbers 11:31-35.
- The Role of Leadership
- The appointment of the seventy elders emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel in times of crisis. This is seen in Numbers 11:16-17 and Numbers 11:24-30.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The plague that God sends upon the people for their disobedience serves as a warning of the consequences of rebelling against God. This is evident in Numbers 11:31-35.
Lessons from Numbers 11
- The Dangers of Complaining — The people's murmuring against God and Moses serves as a warning against the sin of complaining and the dangers of unbelief.
- The Importance of Leadership — The appointment of the seventy elders emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel in times of crisis.
- The Provision of God — God's provision of manna and quail demonstrates His care and faithfulness towards His people.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The plague that God sends upon the people for their disobedience serves as a warning of the consequences of rebelling against God.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter concludes with Moses' statement that God's arm is not too short, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Themes from Numbers 11
- The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the provision of food for His people.
- The Importance of Contentment — The people's dissatisfaction with manna and their craving for meat highlights the importance of being content with what God has given us.
- The Role of Leadership — The appointment of the seventy elders emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel in times of crisis.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The plague that God sends upon the people for their disobedience serves as a warning of the consequences of rebelling against God.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter concludes with Moses' statement that God's arm is not too short, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can complain against God, and how can we avoid this sin?
- How does God's provision of manna and quail relate to our own needs and desires?
- What role does leadership play in times of crisis, and how can we support our leaders in their responsibilities?
- What are some consequences of disobeying God, and how can we avoid these consequences?
- How can we cultivate a heart of contentment and trust in God's sovereignty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: The People's Complaining (11:1-3)
| Numbers 11:1 | The people complain about their hardships, which angers God and results in a fire that burns the outskirts of the camp. |
| Numbers 11:2 | The people cry out to Moses, who intercedes for them, and God relents. |
2. The People's Craving for Meat (11:4-6)
| Numbers 11:4 | The people crave meat, having grown tired of manna. |
| Numbers 11:5 | The people remember the fish they ate in Egypt and the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic they had there. |
| Numbers 11:6 | The people are dissatisfied with manna and crave fleshly pleasures. |
3. Moses' Intercession and God's Response (11:10-15)
| Numbers 11:10 | Moses hears the people weeping and is grieved by their complaining. |
| Numbers 11:11 | Moses asks God why He has given him the burden of leading the people, and why He has not provided for them. |
| Numbers 11:12 | Moses asks God if he has conceived all these people and if he has given them birth, and if God has told him to carry them in his bosom as a nurse carries a nursing infant. |
| Numbers 11:13 | Moses asks God where he can get meat to give to all these people, since they are crying out to him for meat. |
| Numbers 11:14 | Moses tells God that the burden is too heavy for him, and that he is not able to carry all these people by himself. |
| Numbers 11:15 | Moses asks God to kill him if this is how He is going to treat him, since he has found favor in God's sight. |
4. The Appointment of the Seventy Elders (11:16-17, 24-30)
| Numbers 11:16 | God tells Moses to gather seventy of the elders of Israel, that God may take some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and put it upon them, and they may bear the burden of the people along with Moses. |
| Numbers 11:17 | God tells Moses to bring the elders to the tent of meeting, and God will come down and speak with Moses, and will take some of the Spirit that is upon him and put it upon the elders, and they will bear the burden of the people along with Moses. |
| Numbers 11:24 | Moses gathers the seventy elders and God takes some of the Spirit that was upon Moses and puts it upon the elders, and they prophesy, but they do not do it again. |
| Numbers 11:25 | The Spirit rests upon two men, Eldad and Medad, who are among those who are listed, but who have not gone out to the tent, and they prophesy in the camp. |
| Numbers 11:26 | A young man runs and tells Moses, saying, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." |
| Numbers 11:27 | Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, says, "Moses, my lord, stop them!" |
| Numbers 11:28 | Moses says, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!" |
| Numbers 11:29 | Moses and the elders return to the camp, and the Spirit rests upon the people who are in the camp, and they prophesy. |
| Numbers 11:30 | Moses and the elders return to the camp, and the people are satisfied, and the elders prophesy, but they do not do it again. |
5. The Quail and the Plague (11:31-35)
| Numbers 11:31 | Now a wind went out from the Lord and drove quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day's journey on this side and a day's journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. |
| Numbers 11:32 | The people rose all that day and all night and all the next day, and they gathered the quail. He who gathered least gathered ten homers, and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. |
| Numbers 11:33 | While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck them with a very great plague. |
| Numbers 11:34 | So the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving. |
| Numbers 11:35 | From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and they remained at Hazeroth. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the people's complaining in Numbers 11?
The people's complaining against God and Moses serves as a warning against the sin of discontent and the dangers of unbelief, as seen in Numbers 11:1-3 and Numbers 11:4-6.
Why did God provide quail for the people?
God provided quail for the people as a response to their craving for meat, but also as a warning of His displeasure with their disobedience, as seen in Numbers 11:31-35.
What is the role of leadership in times of crisis?
The appointment of the seventy elders emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel in times of crisis, as seen in Numbers 11:16-17 and Numbers 11:24-30.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 11:1 → Leviticus 10:1-2 | The fire that burns the outskirts of the camp in Numbers 11:1 is similar to the fire that consumes Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2, highlighting God's judgment on disobedience. |
| 2 | Numbers 11:4 → Psalm 78:18-20 | The people's craving for meat in Numbers 11:4 is similar to their craving for food in Psalm 78:18-20, highlighting their lack of trust in God's provision. |
| 3 | Numbers 11:10 → Exodus 18:13-27 | Moses' intercession for the people in Numbers 11:10 is similar to his intercession in Exodus 18:13-27, highlighting the importance of leadership and godly counsel. |
| 4 | Numbers 11:16 → Deuteronomy 1:9-18 | The appointment of the seventy elders in Numbers 11:16 is similar to the appointment of leaders in Deuteronomy 1:9-18, highlighting the importance of shared leadership. |
| 5 | Numbers 11:23 → Isaiah 59:1 | Moses' statement that God's arm is not too short in Numbers 11:23 is similar to Isaiah's statement in Isaiah 59:1, highlighting God's power and faithfulness. |
| 6 | Numbers 11:31 → Psalm 105:40 | The provision of quail in Numbers 11:31 is similar to the provision of bread in Psalm 105:40, highlighting God's care and faithfulness towards His people. |
| 7 | Numbers 11:33 → 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 | The plague that God sends upon the people in Numbers 11:33 is similar to the plague that God sends upon the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 10:5-6, highlighting the consequences of disobedience. |
| 8 | Numbers 11:35 → Acts 7:30-34 | The journey to Hazeroth in Numbers 11:35 is similar to the journey of the Israelites in Acts 7:30-34, highlighting God's guidance and provision for His people. |
Sermons on Numbers 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an |
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Bitter Fruit of Disobedience by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the story from Jeremiah 42, where a small remnant of people, despite promising to obey God's word, choose to go against His warning and head to Egypt for saf |
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Grumbling and Complaining - Part 2 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining among Christians, emphasizing that such attitudes reflect a lack of faith and trust in God. He draws parallels betwee |
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Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
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Hannah Effectual Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor begins by praying for the breaking of spiritual bondage and for the transformation of the past into light. He then talks about the importance of having a |
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Depression - It's Cause and Cure by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of depression and the heavy burden it places on individuals. He describes the symptoms of depression, such as constant confusion, so |
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(Exodus) Exodus 16:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the Bible. He starts by explaining that the Sabbath was given to the Israelites before it became a law, and mann |
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Giant Joshua by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a young man waiting for the director of a company for several hours. The director asks the young man some simple questions, testing |
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Cleansing Love by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by a man of God, using the example of Moses. He emphasizes that even though Moses was chosen by God and had great power, |
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(Through the Bible) Numbers 11-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the lessons that can be learned from the history of the children of Israel as recorded in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes the importance o |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 11
In Numbers chapter 11, we see the people's murmuring against God and Moses, and how God provides for their needs despite their disobedience. This chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and the dangers of discontent and unbelief. The appointment of the seventy elders emphasizes the importance of shared leadership and godly counsel in times of crisis. The provision of quail and the plague that follows serves as a warning of God's displeasure with disobedience. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us to trust in God's faithfulness and care for us, and to be content with what He has given us. The chapter also highlights the importance of leadership and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering God's people, as seen in Numbers 11:16-17 and Numbers 11:24-30. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Disobedience
The Israelites' pattern of complaining and disobeying God is evident throughout the chapter, highlighting the human heart's tendency towards sin and rebellion. This pattern is seen in Numbers 11:1-3 and Numbers 11:4-6.
God's Patience and Provision
Despite the people's disobedience, God continues to provide for them, demonstrating His patience and faithfulness. This is evident in Numbers 11:7-9 and Numbers 11:31-35.
Moses' Intercession
Moses' role as an intercessor between God and the people is crucial, as he pleads for their forgiveness and requests God's guidance. This is seen in Numbers 11:2 and Numbers 11:10-15.