Bible Commentaries
Numbers 11

Verses 1-35

Here we enter upon the second section in the Book of Numbers, in which is revealed the failure of man. The first evidence was discontent, resulting unquestionably from the hardship of life.

This was immediately rebuked by the burning of the fire of the Lord. Moses became an intercessor and the fire abated.

The next incident was more pronounced rebellion. The occasion was the mixed multitude. The explanation of the presence of these people is found in Exodus 12:38. These people hankered after things left behind in Egypt and the people of God were infected by this discontent. Moses, in perplexity, poured out his complaint into the listening ear of Jehovah. The answer of Jehovah to Moses was to appoint elders to assist him in oversight and their equipment by the Spirit. To the people He gave quails. An added comment by a psalmist on this story long after was:

And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their souls.

Here a principle emerges which is of perpetual application and importance. It is that there are times when God grants an unwarranted request in order that men may learn through experience the folly of their desires.