Bible Commentaries
Numbers 11

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 11:1, The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses’ prayer; Numbers 11:4, The people lust for flesh, and loathe manna; Numbers 11:10, Moses complains of his charge; Numbers 11:16, God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders, and to give the people flesh for a month; Numbers 11:21, Moses’ faith is staggered; Numbers 11:31, Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth-hattaavah.

Verse 1

And when: Numbers 10:33, Numbers 20:2-5, Numbers 21:5, Exodus 15:23, Exodus 15:24, Exodus 16:2, Exodus 16:3, Exodus 16:7, Exodus 16:9, Exodus 17:2, Exodus 17:3, Deuteronomy 9:22, Lamentations 3:39, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Jude 1:16

complained: or, were as it were complainers

it displeased the Lord: Heb. it was evil in the ears of the Lord, Genesis 38:10, 2 Samuel 11:27, *marg. James 5:4

and the fire: Numbers 16:35, Leviticus 10:2, Deuteronomy 32:22, 2 Kings 1:12, Job 1:16, Psalms 78:21, Psalms 106:18, Isaiah 30:33, Isaiah 33:14, Nahum 1:5, Mark 9:43-49, Hebrews 12:29

the uttermost: Deuteronomy 25:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:17 - displeased him Exodus 14:11 - Because Numbers 11:10 - the anger Numbers 11:18 - ye have wept Numbers 12:2 - And the Numbers 12:9 - General Numbers 14:1 - General Numbers 20:3 - when Numbers 22:34 - if it displease thee 1 Samuel 18:8 - displeased him 2 Kings 1:10 - let fire Job 38:35 - Canst Psalms 18:8 - went Isaiah 9:18 - wickedness Isaiah 10:17 - for a flame Ezekiel 20:36 - General Acts 7:36 - and in the wilderness Revelation 20:9 - and fire

Verse 2

cried: Numbers 21:7, Psalms 78:34, Psalms 78:35, Jeremiah 37:3, Jeremiah 42:2, Acts 8:24

prayed: Numbers 14:13-20, Genesis 18:23-33, Exodus 32:10-14, Exodus 32:31, Exodus 32:32, Exodus 34:9, Deuteronomy 9:19, Deuteronomy 9:20, Psalms 106:23, Isaiah 37:4, Jeremiah 15:1, Amos 7:2-6, James 5:16, 1 John 5:16

the fire: Numbers 16:45-48, Hebrews 7:26, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2

was quenched: Heb. sunk

Verse 3

Taberah: that is, a burning, Deuteronomy 9:22

Verse 4

the mixed: Exodus 12:38, Leviticus 24:10, Leviticus 24:11, Nehemiah 13:3

fell a lusting: Heb. lusted a lust

the children: 1 Corinthians 15:33

wept again: Heb. returned and wept

Who shall: Psalms 78:18-20, Psalms 106:14, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 10:6

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:3 - flesh Exodus 17:2 - the people Leviticus 25:20 - General Numbers 11:18 - ye have wept Numbers 33:16 - Kibrothhattaavah Deuteronomy 9:7 - from the day Deuteronomy 9:22 - Kibrothhattaavah Deuteronomy 12:20 - I will Deuteronomy 29:11 - stranger 2 Samuel 23:15 - longed 1 Chronicles 11:17 - longed Psalms 78:19 - Can God Psalms 105:40 - asked Proverbs 27:7 - full Malachi 1:12 - The table Matthew 4:3 - command 1 John 2:16 - the lust of the flesh Revelation 18:14 - thy soul

Verse 5

the fish: Exodus 16:3, Psalms 17:14, Philippians 3:19

the cucumbers: In Hebrew, kishshuim, in Arabic, kiththa, Chaldee, keta, and Syriac, kati, a species of cucumber peculiar to Egypt, smooth, of a longish cylindrical shape, and about a foot long. Prosper Alpinus says that it differs from the common sort by its size, colour, and softness; that its leaves are smaller, whiter, softer, and rounder; its fruit larger, greener, smoother, softer, sweeter, and more easy of digestion than ours. Hasselquist describes it in the same manner; and adds, that it is very little watery, but firm like a melon, sweet and cool to the taste, but not so cold as the watermelon, which is meant by the avutichim of the text.

Reciprocal: Numbers 11:18 - it was well Numbers 16:13 - out of a Numbers 20:4 - why Numbers 20:15 - vexed us 2 Samuel 23:15 - longed 1 Chronicles 11:17 - longed Isaiah 19:8 - General Jeremiah 42:14 - nor hear Jeremiah 44:18 - we have Acts 7:39 - and in

Verse 6

Numbers 21:5, 2 Samuel 13:4

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:31 - and it was Jeremiah 44:18 - we have John 6:31 - fathers

Verse 7

the manna: Exodus 16:14, Exodus 16:15, Exodus 16:31, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:24, Revelation 2:17

colour thereof as the colour of: Heb. eye of it as the eye of

bdellium: Genesis 2:12

Reciprocal: Psalms 105:40 - satisfied

Verse 8

the people: Exodus 16:16-18, John 6:27, 33-58

baked it: Exodus 16:23

taste of it: Exodus 16:31

Reciprocal: Joshua 3:5 - Sanctify 1 Samuel 16:5 - sanctify yourselves

Verse 9

Exodus 16:13, Exodus 16:14, Deuteronomy 32:2, Psalms 78:23-25, Psalms 105:40

Verse 10

weep throughout: Numbers 14:1, Numbers 14:2, Numbers 16:27, Numbers 21:5, Psalms 106:25

the anger: Numbers 11:1, Deuteronomy 32:22, Psalms 78:21, Psalms 78:59, Isaiah 5:25, Jeremiah 17:4

Moses: Numbers 12:3, Numbers 20:10-13, Psalms 106:32, Psalms 106:33, Psalms 139:21, Mark 3:5, Mark 10:14

Verse 11

Wherefore hast thou: The complaint and remonstrance of Moses in these verses serve at once to shew the deeply distressed state of his mind, and the degradation of the minds of the people. Numbers 11:15, Exodus 17:4, Deuteronomy 1:12, Jeremiah 15:10, Jeremiah 15:18, Jeremiah 20:7-9, Jeremiah 20:14-18, Malachi 3:14, 2 Corinthians 11:28

wherefore have: Job 10:2, Psalms 130:3, Psalms 143:2, Lamentations 3:22, Lamentations 3:23, Lamentations 3:39, Lamentations 3:40

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:27 - favour Exodus 32:11 - why doth Deuteronomy 1:9 - I am not Deuteronomy 1:31 - bare thee Jeremiah 45:3 - added Ezekiel 3:14 - General Hosea 11:3 - taught Acts 6:2 - we should Galatians 4:19 - of Galatians 6:2 - Bear

Verse 12

Carry them: Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11

as a nursing: Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah 49:23, Galatians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:7

the land: Genesis 13:15, Genesis 22:16, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 26:3, Genesis 50:24, Exodus 13:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:59 - nurse Deuteronomy 1:31 - bare thee Psalms 103:13 - Like Hosea 11:3 - taught 1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth Galatians 6:2 - Bear

Verse 13

Matthew 15:33, Mark 8:4, Mark 9:23

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:20 - General Psalms 78:19 - Can God Mark 6:37 - Shall Romans 4:20 - staggered

Verse 14

Exodus 18:18, Deuteronomy 1:9-12, Psalms 89:19, Isaiah 9:6, Zechariah 6:13, 2 Corinthians 2:16

Reciprocal: Exodus 5:22 - why is it Deuteronomy 1:31 - bare thee Job 6:9 - that it would Ecclesiastes 4:9 - are

Verse 15

kill me: 1 Kings 19:4, Job 3:20-22, Job 6:8-10, Job 7:15, Jonah 4:3, Jonah 4:8, Jonah 4:9, Philippians 1:20-24, James 1:4

let me not: Jeremiah 15:18, Jeremiah 20:18, Zephaniah 3:15

my wretchedness: Two of Dr. Kennicott's manuscripts read, "their wretchedness." The Jerusalem Targum has the same, and adds, by way of explanation, "who are thine own people.

Reciprocal: Genesis 27:46 - I am Genesis 30:1 - or else I die Genesis 30:27 - favour Exodus 5:22 - why is it Exodus 14:11 - wherefore Exodus 16:3 - we had Numbers 11:11 - Wherefore hast thou Numbers 14:2 - Would Numbers 20:12 - ye shall Job 3:21 - long Job 6:9 - that it would Job 10:1 - My soul Ecclesiastes 2:17 - I hated Isaiah 15:4 - his

Verse 16

seventy: Genesis 46:27, Exodus 4:29, Exodus 24:1, Exodus 24:9, Ezekiel 8:11, Luke 10:1, Luke 10:17

officers: Deuteronomy 1:15, Deuteronomy 16:18, Deuteronomy 31:28

Reciprocal: Exodus 5:6 - officers Exodus 12:21 - elders Leviticus 4:15 - the elders Numbers 11:24 - gathered Numbers 13:2 - a ruler Numbers 16:25 - General Deuteronomy 1:13 - Take 1 Kings 21:8 - the elders Psalms 58:1 - O congregation Isaiah 28:6 - for a spirit Jeremiah 19:1 - the ancients of the people Acts 6:3 - look

Verse 17

I will come: Numbers 11:25, Numbers 12:5, Genesis 11:5, Genesis 18:21, Exodus 19:11, Exodus 19:20, Exodus 34:5, John 3:13

talk with: Numbers 12:8, Genesis 17:3, Genesis 17:22, Genesis 18:20-22, Genesis 18:33

I will take: Numbers 27:18, 1 Samuel 10:6, 2 Kings 2:9, 2 Kings 2:15, Nehemiah 9:20, Isaiah 44:3, Isaiah 59:20, Isaiah 59:21, Joel 2:28, John 7:39, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, 1 Peter 1:22, Jude 1:19

they shall: Exodus 18:22, Acts 6:3, Acts 6:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 6:3 - My Exodus 33:9 - talked Numbers 1:16 - the renowned Numbers 16:25 - General Numbers 27:20 - put some Deuteronomy 1:9 - I am not Deuteronomy 1:13 - Take Deuteronomy 31:28 - Gather unto me Deuteronomy 34:9 - full of the spirit Judges 3:10 - the Spirit 1 Samuel 16:13 - the Spirit Isaiah 28:6 - for a spirit Isaiah 63:11 - where is he that put Daniel 4:8 - and in Luke 10:2 - the Lord Acts 7:34 - and am 1 Corinthians 12:28 - helps James 1:17 - good

Verse 18

Sanctify: Genesis 35:2, Exodus 19:10, Exodus 19:15, Joshua 7:13

ye have wept: Numbers 11:1, Numbers 11:4-6, Exodus 16:3-7, Judges 21:2

it was well: Numbers 11:4, Numbers 11:5, Numbers 14:2, Numbers 14:3, Acts 7:39

Reciprocal: Psalms 78:27 - He rained Proverbs 27:7 - full

Verse 19

About a year before this, the people had been thus feasted for one day - Exodus 16:13, but now such plenty was to be afforded them for a whole month, and they should use it so greedily, that at last they should entirely loathe the food for which they had so inordinately craved.

Reciprocal: Psalms 78:27 - He rained

Verse 20

whole month: Heb. month of days, Exodus 16:8, Exodus 16:13

and it: Numbers 21:5, Psalms 78:27-30, Psalms 106:15, Proverbs 27:7

despised: 1 Samuel 2:30, 2 Samuel 12:10, Malachi 1:6, Acts 13:41, 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Reciprocal: Exodus 7:18 - shall loathe Deuteronomy 12:20 - I will Psalms 10:13 - contemn Psalms 78:29 - for he gave Jeremiah 23:17 - that despise

Verse 21

Numbers 1:46, Numbers 2:32, Genesis 12:2, Exodus 12:37, Exodus 38:26

Reciprocal: Numbers 20:12 - Because ye believed 2 Kings 7:2 - if the Lord Psalms 78:20 - can he give Matthew 14:17 - General Matthew 15:33 - Whence Mark 6:37 - Shall Mark 8:4 - From Mark 10:27 - With men Luke 1:18 - for Luke 9:13 - have John 6:7 - Two

Verse 22

There is certainly a considerable measure of weakness and unbelief manifested in these complaints and questions of Moses; but his conduct appears at the same time so very simple, honest, and affectionate, that we cannot but admire it, while we wonder that he had not stronger confidence in that God, whose stupendous miracles he had so often witnessed in Egypt. 2 Kings 7:2, Matthew 15:33, Mark 6:37, Mark 8:4, Luke 1:18, Luke 1:34, John 6:6, John 6:7, John 6:9

Reciprocal: Numbers 20:10 - we fetch Numbers 20:12 - Because ye believed Zechariah 8:6 - should

Verse 23

Is the Lord's: That is, "Is the power of the Lord diminished?" That power which has been so signally displayed on your behalf, and which is as unchangeable as it is unlimited. Genesis 18:14, Psalms 78:41, Isaiah 50:2, Isaiah 59:1, Micah 2:7, Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37

thou shalt: Numbers 23:19, 2 Kings 7:2, 2 Kings 7:17-19, Jeremiah 44:28, Jeremiah 44:29, Ezekiel 12:25, Ezekiel 24:14, Matthew 24:35

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:1 - Almighty Numbers 20:10 - we fetch 1 Kings 17:6 - the ravens 2 Kings 19:26 - of small power Jeremiah 14:9 - cannot Daniel 6:20 - able Zechariah 8:6 - should

Verse 24

gathered: Numbers 11:16, Numbers 11:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 24:1 - seventy Luke 10:1 - other seventy

Verse 25

came down: Numbers 11:17, Numbers 12:5, Exodus 34:5, Exodus 40:38, Psalms 99:7, Luke 9:34, Luke 9:35

took: Numbers 11:17, 2 Kings 2:15, James 1:17

gave it: From this place, Origen and Theodoret take occasion to compare Moses to a lamp, at which seventy others were lighted, without any diminution of its lustre.

they prophesied: By prophesying here we are to understand, their performing those civil and sacred functions for which they were qualified; exhorting the people to quiet and peaceable submission, and to trust and confidence in the providence of God. 1 Samuel 10:5, 1 Samuel 10:6, 1 Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 19:20-24, Jeremiah 36:5, Jeremiah 36:6, Joel 2:28, Joel 2:29, Acts 2:17, Acts 2:18, Acts 11:28, Acts 21:9-11, 1 Corinthians 11:4, 1 Corinthians 11:5, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:32, 2 Peter 1:21

Reciprocal: Exodus 24:1 - seventy Leviticus 4:15 - the elders Numbers 16:25 - General Numbers 24:2 - the spirit Judges 11:29 - the spirit 2 Kings 2:9 - Elisha said 2 Chronicles 20:14 - came the Spirit Nehemiah 9:20 - gavest Isaiah 11:2 - the Spirit Isaiah 63:11 - where is he that put Ezekiel 2:2 - General Ezekiel 8:11 - seventy Ezekiel 11:5 - the Spirit Haggai 2:5 - so Luke 1:67 - filled Luke 2:25 - Holy Ghost John 3:34 - for God Acts 2:4 - as 1 Corinthians 12:10 - prophecy 1 Thessalonians 5:20 - General 1 Peter 4:14 - for

Verse 26

went not out: Exodus 3:11, Exodus 4:13, Exodus 4:14, 1 Samuel 10:22, 1 Samuel 20:26, Jeremiah 1:6, Jeremiah 36:5

Reciprocal: Numbers 11:24 - gathered 1 Samuel 19:20 - when they 2 Chronicles 20:14 - came the Spirit Isaiah 11:2 - the Spirit Ezekiel 2:2 - General Ezekiel 11:5 - the Spirit Mark 9:38 - Master John 3:26 - he that 1 Peter 4:14 - for Revelation 11:3 - two

Verse 27

Reciprocal: Luke 9:49 - we saw

Verse 28

Joshua: Exodus 17:9

My Lord: Mark 9:38, Mark 9:39, Luke 9:49, Luke 9:50, John 3:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 24:13 - his minister Numbers 13:8 - Oshea Numbers 27:18 - Take thee Numbers 27:20 - put some Numbers 32:27 - as my lord Joshua 1:1 - Moses' minister 1 Chronicles 7:27 - Jehoshuah 1 Corinthians 4:6 - be puffed 1 Corinthians 14:5 - would

Verse 29

Enviest: 1 Corinthians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Philippians 2:3, James 3:14, James 3:15, James 4:5, James 5:9, 1 Peter 2:1

would: Acts 26:29, 1 Corinthians 14:5, Philippians 1:15-18

that the: Matthew 9:37, Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:1 - or else I die Numbers 12:2 - hath he not Numbers 27:20 - put some 2 Kings 5:3 - Would God Isaiah 63:11 - where is he that put Luke 2:25 - Holy Ghost John 7:18 - seeketh his glory Acts 13:45 - they 1 Corinthians 4:6 - be puffed 1 Corinthians 4:8 - and I 2 Corinthians 11:1 - Would

Verse 30

Reciprocal: Numbers 16:25 - General

Verse 31

a wind: Exodus 10:13, Exodus 10:19, Exodus 15:10, Psalms 135:7

and brought: Exodus 16:13, Psalms 78:26-29, Psalms 105:40

quails: That the word selav means the quail, we have already had occasion to observe; to which we subjoin the authority of Mr. Maundrell, who visited Naplosa (the ancient Sichem), where the Samaritans live. Mr. Maundrell asked their chief priest what sort of animal he took the selav to be. He answered, they were a sort of fowls; and, by the description Mr. Maundrell perceived he meant the same kind with our quails.

a day's journey: Heb. the way of a day

and as it were two cubits: That is, as the Vulgate renders, Volabantque in aere duobus cubitis altitudine super terram, "and they flew in the air, at the height of two cubits above the ground."

Reciprocal: Psalms 106:15 - he gave Jonah 1:4 - the Lord 1 Corinthians 10:6 - lust

Verse 32

homers: Exodus 16:36, Ezekiel 45:11

Reciprocal: Psalms 78:27 - He rained

Verse 33

And while: Psalms 78:30, Psalms 78:31, Psalms 106:14, Psalms 106:15

smote: Numbers 16:49, Numbers 25:9, Deuteronomy 28:27

Reciprocal: Numbers 16:46 - there is wrath Numbers 20:3 - when Job 20:23 - he is about Psalms 99:8 - though Psalms 107:17 - because Mark 3:10 - as many Hebrews 2:2 - every

Verse 34

Kibrothhattaavah: that is, the graves of lust, Numbers 33:16, Deuteronomy 9:22, 1 Corinthians 10:6

Reciprocal: Numbers 20:3 - when Deuteronomy 12:20 - I will Psalms 78:30 - But Psalms 99:8 - though Psalms 106:14 - But Psalms 107:17 - because Ezekiel 39:11 - Hamongog 1 John 2:16 - the lust of the flesh Revelation 18:14 - thy soul

Verse 35

journeyed: Numbers 33:17

unto Hazeroth: Numbers 12:16, Deuteronomy 1:1

abode at: Heb. they were in, etc