Numbers 11:4
Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the "mixed multitude" — outsiders who had joined Israel — were the instigators of the craving for meat. This group, less committed to God's covenant, easily swayed the Israelites, revealing how quickly even those chosen by God can be led astray by discontent.
Following their escape from Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites have been sustained by manna, a divine provision. However, a "mixed multitude" – non-Israelites who joined them – and the Israelites themselves begin to grumble, longing for the familiar foods of Egypt. This discontent escalates into weeping and demands for meat, despite the hardships and dangers of their desert journey.
Have you ever noticed how discontent can spread like wildfire in a group? This verse points to a specific group that fanned the flames of dissatisfaction in the Israelite camp.
The text highlights a 'mixed multitude' who were not originally Israelites but joined them as they left Egypt. These individuals, described as 'collected' or 'gathered' people, seemingly lacked the deep faith and commitment of those born into the covenant.
It wasn't just about missing Egypt's food; their hearts were craving something deeper, and it manifested in a dangerous way.
The desire for meat was more than a simple dietary preference; it was a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem.
Understand the original words
ereb · Hebrew Noun (Collective)
A collective term referring to a "mixed multitude" of non-Israelites who accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt. They often served as a source of influence for worldly desires and discontent within the community.
ta'awah · Hebrew Noun
An intense, immoderate desire for something, often used in a negative context to describe lusting after things contrary to God's will or provision. It represents a heart turned away from contentment in God.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The people chosen by God through the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are set apart as a holy nation to reflect God's character to the world.
This incident highlights a recurring theme in the Israelites' wilderness journey: their struggle with discontent and longing for the familiar comforts of Egypt, even in the face of God's miraculous provision and guidance. The presence of the 'mixed multitude' shows how easily dissatisfaction can spread, influencing even God's chosen people.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, the Israelites, along with a 'mixed multitude' of non-Israelites, leave Egypt. This exodus marks the beginning of their wilderness journey.
c. 1446 BC
Murmuring at the Red Sea and Marah
Shortly after crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites begin to murmur due to lack of water and its bitterness, prompting God's intervention to sweeten the waters at Marah.
c. 1446 BC
Manna and Quail Provision
The Israelites, again complaining about lack of food, are provided with manna (a bread-like substance) and later quail, but grumbling continues.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
The Mixed Multitude's Craving
A group of non-Israelites who left Egypt with them, and later the Israelites themselves, express a strong desire for meat, lamenting their current diet and longing for the foods of Egypt.
jfbNumbers 11:4: "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"
- the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting—These consisted of Egyptians. [See on [73]Ex 12:38.] To dream of banquets and plenty of animal food in the desert becomes a disease of the imagination; and to this excitement of the appetite no people are more liable than the natives of Egypt. But the Israelites participated in t…
clarkeNumbers 11:4: "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"
The mixed multitude - האספסף hasaphsuph, the collected or gathered people. Such as came out of Egypt with the Israelites; and are mentioned Exodus 12:38 . This mongrel people, who had comparatively little of the knowledge of God, feeling the difficulties and fatigues of the journey, were the first to complain; and then we find the chil…
The verse highlights that the "mixed multitude" — outsiders who had joined Israel — were the instigators of the craving for meat. This group, less committed to God's covenant, easily swayed the Israelites, revealing how quickly even those chosen by God can be led astray by discontent.
Following their escape from Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites have been sustained by manna, a divine provision. However, a "mixed multitude" – non-Israelites who joined them – and the Israelites themselves begin to grumble, longing for the familiar foods of Egypt. This discontent escalates into weeping and demands for meat, despite the hardships and dangers of their desert journey.
"Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!" — The verse highlights that the "mixed multitude" — outsiders who had joined Israel — were the instigators of the craving for meat. This group, less committed to God's covenant, easily swayed the Israe…
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c. 1445 BC
Divine Punishment for Lusting
In response to the persistent craving for meat and continued grumbling, God sends a wind that brings a vast number of quail, but this is followed by a severe plague that kills many of the people who indulged their desires.
c. 1445 BC
Burial of the Greedy
The place where the Israelites buried those who greedily craved meat is named Kibroth-hattaavah (graves of craving) as a memorial to their sin.
