Numbers 11:10 - Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent; and Yahweh’s anger burned greatly; and Moses was displeased.

Generated Verse: Numbers 11:10

What does "Numbers 11:10" mean?


This verse from Numbers 11:10 describes a scene of profound discontent and its impact on Moses and God. Let's break down each part:

"Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent..." This paints a picture of widespread lamenting and despair. The phrase "throughout their families" suggests that the weeping wasn't just isolated incidents, but a collective expression of unhappiness that permeated entire family units. The fact that they were "at the door of his tent" indicates a public display of their misery, as well as perhaps a symbolic call for help or intervention. It implies they're not hiding their discontent; they want it to be known. They want Moses to see and hear their sadness.

"...and Yahweh's anger burned greatly..." This signifies that God was deeply angered by the people's weeping and complaining. God had provided for them, rescued them from slavery, and was leading them towards the Promised Land. Their discontent was seen as a rejection of His provision and leadership, a lack of faith in His promises, and ingratitude for His blessings. The verb "burned" conveys an intense, fierce anger.

"...and Moses was displeased." Moses was also unhappy with the situation. This displeasure could stem from a variety of reasons:

Empathy: He likely felt compassion for his people's suffering, even if he understood their complaints were unfounded. He's carrying the burden of leading a difficult group.
Frustration: He might have been frustrated by their constant complaints and lack of trust in God. He's been trying to guide them and they continue to resist.
Responsibility: As their leader, he felt responsible for their well-being and spiritual state. Their unhappiness reflected on his leadership.
Fear: He might have been afraid of God's anger and the potential consequences for the people.

In Summary:

The verse depicts a crisis of faith and leadership. The Israelites, despite having been freed from slavery and provided for in the wilderness, were unhappy and expressing their discontent openly. This angered God because it showed a lack of faith and gratitude. Moses, caught in the middle, was displeased, both by the people's behavior and by God's reaction. This verse sets the stage for the events that follow, where the Israelites demand meat, God provides quail, and the consequences of their lack of faith are revealed.

It's important to remember the context of the book of Numbers. The Israelites are on a journey of testing and training in the wilderness. Their murmuring and complaints are often seen as tests of their faith and obedience, and their failures in these tests have serious consequences. This verse highlights a particularly significant failure, with both God and Moses expressing their displeasure.

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