Numbers 11:18 - “Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, and you will eat meat; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore Yahweh will give you meat, and you will eat.
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What does "Numbers 11:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 11:18, is part of a longer narrative in which the Israelites, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, are complaining to Moses about their diet of manna. They are longing for the meat and other foods they had in Egypt, seemingly forgetting the brutal conditions of their enslavement. Let's break down the meaning of this specific verse:
"Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow..." This is an instruction from God, delivered through Moses. "Sanctify yourselves" means to purify themselves, both physically and spiritually. This might involve washing, abstaining from certain activities, and focusing on their relationship with God. The act of sanctification highlights that the coming provision of meat is not just a casual event, but a sacred occasion. It suggests that they should approach it with reverence and awareness of God's power.
"...and you will eat meat; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.”..." This explains the reason for the meat. God has heard their complaints and is responding to their cries. The phrase "wept in the ears of Yahweh" emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of their dissatisfaction, though it's also tinged with ingratitude, considering God's provision of manna and liberation from Egypt. The specific complaint, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt," reveals the core of their issue: they desire the familiar comforts of their former life, even overlooking the suffering they endured as slaves. This also shows a lack of trust in God's ability to provide for them in the wilderness.
"...Therefore Yahweh will give you meat, and you will eat." This is God's promise. Because of their complaints, God will provide them with meat. The repetition of "and you will eat" is significant. It's not just a taste; they will have a sufficient supply of meat. However, the way God provides the meat in the subsequent verses (through a massive flock of quail) and the consequences of their gluttony (a plague) suggest that this provision is also a form of judgment.
In summary, the verse signifies:
God hears the complaints of His people: Even when those complaints are ungrateful and reflect a lack of faith.
God responds to those complaints: Though sometimes the response is not what they expect, and can be a form of judgment.
The Israelites' lack of faith and gratitude: They focus on the comforts of their past, even the ones associated with slavery, rather than trusting in God's provision for the future.
God's power to provide: He can provide even in the wilderness, but this provision comes with a warning.
Theologically, the verse illustrates:
God's grace and patience: He provides despite their complaining.
The dangers of discontentment and nostalgia: The Israelites' longing for the past blinds them to the blessings of the present and the promises of the future.
The importance of faith and trust: Relying on God rather than on past comforts or immediate gratification is crucial for spiritual growth.
The passage ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of grumbling, the importance of gratitude, and the necessity of trusting in God's provision, even when it doesn't look like what we expect.
Numbers 11:18 - “Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, and you will eat meat; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore Yahweh will give you meat, and you will eat.
What does "Numbers 11:18" mean?
This verse, Numbers 11:18, is part of a longer narrative in which the Israelites, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, are complaining to Moses about their diet of manna. They are longing for the meat and other foods they had in Egypt, seemingly forgetting the brutal conditions of their enslavement. Let's break down the meaning of this specific verse:
"Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow..." This is an instruction from God, delivered through Moses. "Sanctify yourselves" means to purify themselves, both physically and spiritually. This might involve washing, abstaining from certain activities, and focusing on their relationship with God. The act of sanctification highlights that the coming provision of meat is not just a casual event, but a sacred occasion. It suggests that they should approach it with reverence and awareness of God's power.
"...and you will eat meat; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.”..." This explains the reason for the meat. God has heard their complaints and is responding to their cries. The phrase "wept in the ears of Yahweh" emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of their dissatisfaction, though it's also tinged with ingratitude, considering God's provision of manna and liberation from Egypt. The specific complaint, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt," reveals the core of their issue: they desire the familiar comforts of their former life, even overlooking the suffering they endured as slaves. This also shows a lack of trust in God's ability to provide for them in the wilderness.
"...Therefore Yahweh will give you meat, and you will eat." This is God's promise. Because of their complaints, God will provide them with meat. The repetition of "and you will eat" is significant. It's not just a taste; they will have a sufficient supply of meat. However, the way God provides the meat in the subsequent verses (through a massive flock of quail) and the consequences of their gluttony (a plague) suggest that this provision is also a form of judgment.
In summary, the verse signifies:
God hears the complaints of His people: Even when those complaints are ungrateful and reflect a lack of faith.
God responds to those complaints: Though sometimes the response is not what they expect, and can be a form of judgment.
The Israelites' lack of faith and gratitude: They focus on the comforts of their past, even the ones associated with slavery, rather than trusting in God's provision for the future.
God's power to provide: He can provide even in the wilderness, but this provision comes with a warning.
Theologically, the verse illustrates:
God's grace and patience: He provides despite their complaining.
The dangers of discontentment and nostalgia: The Israelites' longing for the past blinds them to the blessings of the present and the promises of the future.
The importance of faith and trust: Relying on God rather than on past comforts or immediate gratification is crucial for spiritual growth.
The passage ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of grumbling, the importance of gratitude, and the necessity of trusting in God's provision, even when it doesn't look like what we expect.