Numbers 11:19 - You will not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days,

Generated Verse: Numbers 11:19

What does "Numbers 11:19" mean?


The verse Numbers 11:19, "You will not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days," is part of God's response to the Israelites' complaining about wanting meat in the wilderness. They were tired of manna and longed for the food they remembered from Egypt. This verse emphasizes the overabundance and excessive amount of meat God was promising to provide them.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

Context: The Israelites had been miraculously provided with manna, but they were discontented and craved meat. They idealized their past in Egypt, conveniently forgetting the harsh slavery they endured.
God's Response: God, through Moses, is angered by their complaining. He declares He will give them so much meat that they will be sick of it.
"You will not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days": This is a rhetorical device called an ascending scale. By listing increasing numbers of days, the verse emphasizes the sheer quantity and duration of the meat that will be provided. It's not just a few days of satisfying their craving; it's an overwhelming amount that will last for a long time.

In essence, the verse is saying:

"You think you want meat? You'll get so much meat, you'll be eating it for far longer than you can imagine. You'll be completely fed up with it."
The verse serves as both a promise of abundance and a warning of the consequences of their ungratefulness and lack of faith.

The Irony: The irony is that the Israelites asked for something that seemed good, but their motives were wrong (discontent and nostalgia for a flawed past). God, in his anger and a bit of a sardonic way, grants their request in such a way that it becomes a punishment. They will get what they asked for, but in a way that is far from what they truly desired. It emphasizes the dangers of ungratefulness and the importance of trusting in God's provision.

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