Numbers 11:4 - The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?
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What does "Numbers 11:4" mean?
Numbers 11:4 describes a pivotal moment of discontent and rebellion amongst the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"The mixed multitude that was among them": This refers to a group of non-Israelites who had joined the Israelites when they left Egypt. Exodus 12:38 mentions that "a mixed multitude went up also with them." These people likely joined the Israelites for various reasons, such as seeking freedom or opportunity. They didn't share the same covenant relationship with God that the Israelites did, and their faith was likely less grounded.
"Lusted exceedingly": This indicates a strong, uncontrolled craving or desire. In this context, it primarily refers to a craving for a different diet, specifically meat. This wasn't just a casual desire; it was a deep-seated longing that drove them to complain and focus on their perceived lack.
"And the children of Israel also wept again": This means that even the Israelites themselves, God's chosen people, joined in the complaining and weeping. They were supposed to trust God's provision, but they succumbed to the influence of the "mixed multitude" and their own desires. "Wept again" implies this wasn't an isolated incident; they had complained before.
"and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?": This is the crux of their complaint. They were tired of the manna that God had been miraculously providing. They yearned for the variety and perceived abundance of food they remembered from Egypt. This question reveals their lack of faith in God's ability and willingness to provide for them. It's important to note that God had provided for them abundantly. This demonstrated a lack of appreciation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The negative influence of outsiders (the mixed multitude): Their discontent spread to the Israelites.
The power of craving and discontentment: The Israelites' desire for something different led them to forget God's blessings and provision.
A lack of faith and gratitude: They questioned God's ability and willingness to care for them, despite His miraculous provision of manna.
A nostalgia for the past: They idealized their life in Egypt, conveniently forgetting the hardship and slavery they had endured there.
This verse sets the stage for God's response to their complaining, which is a significant part of the narrative in Numbers 11. God does provide meat, but in a way that demonstrates the consequences of their lack of faith and their prioritizing physical gratification over spiritual trust. This story serves as a warning against discontentment, ingratitude, and the dangers of being influenced by those who lack faith.
Numbers 11:4 - The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?
What does "Numbers 11:4" mean?
Numbers 11:4 describes a pivotal moment of discontent and rebellion amongst the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"The mixed multitude that was among them": This refers to a group of non-Israelites who had joined the Israelites when they left Egypt. Exodus 12:38 mentions that "a mixed multitude went up also with them." These people likely joined the Israelites for various reasons, such as seeking freedom or opportunity. They didn't share the same covenant relationship with God that the Israelites did, and their faith was likely less grounded.
"Lusted exceedingly": This indicates a strong, uncontrolled craving or desire. In this context, it primarily refers to a craving for a different diet, specifically meat. This wasn't just a casual desire; it was a deep-seated longing that drove them to complain and focus on their perceived lack.
"And the children of Israel also wept again": This means that even the Israelites themselves, God's chosen people, joined in the complaining and weeping. They were supposed to trust God's provision, but they succumbed to the influence of the "mixed multitude" and their own desires. "Wept again" implies this wasn't an isolated incident; they had complained before.
"and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?": This is the crux of their complaint. They were tired of the manna that God had been miraculously providing. They yearned for the variety and perceived abundance of food they remembered from Egypt. This question reveals their lack of faith in God's ability and willingness to provide for them. It's important to note that God had provided for them abundantly. This demonstrated a lack of appreciation.
In essence, the verse highlights:
The negative influence of outsiders (the mixed multitude): Their discontent spread to the Israelites.
The power of craving and discontentment: The Israelites' desire for something different led them to forget God's blessings and provision.
A lack of faith and gratitude: They questioned God's ability and willingness to care for them, despite His miraculous provision of manna.
A nostalgia for the past: They idealized their life in Egypt, conveniently forgetting the hardship and slavery they had endured there.
This verse sets the stage for God's response to their complaining, which is a significant part of the narrative in Numbers 11. God does provide meat, but in a way that demonstrates the consequences of their lack of faith and their prioritizing physical gratification over spiritual trust. This story serves as a warning against discontentment, ingratitude, and the dangers of being influenced by those who lack faith.