Numbers 11:20 - but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils, and it is loathsome to you; because you have rejected Yahweh who is among you, and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”’”

Generated Verse: Numbers 11:20

What does "Numbers 11:20" mean?


This verse from Numbers 11:20 is part of a larger narrative where the Israelites are complaining to Moses about being tired of eating manna and craving meat. God, angered by their lack of faith and ingratitude, promises to give them so much meat that they will be sick of it. Let's break down the meaning:

"but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils, and it is loathsome to you;": This is a graphic and hyperbolic image. God is promising to give them so much quail (the meat they requested) that they will be utterly disgusted by it. "Comes out at your nostrils" emphasizes the sheer abundance and excess. The meat will be so plentiful that it will become nauseating.

"because you have rejected Yahweh who is among you,": This highlights the core of the problem. The Israelites' craving for meat and their complaining are not just about food. It's about their rejection of God's provision and leadership. God was present among them, providing for them in the wilderness, but they were focused on their perceived lack.

"and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”’": This refers to their constant longing for Egypt, even though they were slaves there. They romanticize the past and forget the suffering they endured. They blame God for bringing them out of slavery, demonstrating a profound lack of trust and faith. This is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative, highlighting the Israelites' tendency to doubt God's plan.

In summary, the verse means:

God will answer their request for meat, but not in a way that brings them satisfaction. Instead, he will give them so much that it becomes repulsive, a punishment for their lack of faith, their rejection of God's provision, and their longing for the perceived comforts of slavery in Egypt. The verse emphasizes the consequences of ingratitude, doubt, and rejecting God's presence and guidance. The idea is that true sustenance is not just about physical food, but about trusting in God's provision and plan.

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is not a vending machine. He doesn't simply grant our wishes to make us happy. He wants us to trust him, to be content with what he provides, and to remember his faithfulness, even when things are difficult.