“Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the Israelites had been complaining about their diet in the wilderness, expressing their longing for the food they had in Egypt. God responds to their complaints by promising to provide them with meat.
God’s response to the complaints: In the preceding verses, Moses expresses his concern about the people’s complaints, questioning how God will provide meat for such a large population. In response, God assures Moses that He will provide meat for the Israelites, not just for one or two days but for an extended period.
God’s provision and testing: In Numbers 11:19, God specifies that the Israelites will not have meat for just a short time but for a prolonged period, extending to ten or even twenty days. This statement serves as a test of the people’s faith and patience. God wanted to see if they would trust in Him and be satisfied with His provision.
Lessons for us:
- Trusting God’s provision: The Israelites’ complaints reveal a lack of trust in God’s ability to provide for their needs. As believers, we can learn from their example and remember that God is faithful and able to meet our needs in His perfect timing.
- Patience and contentment: Waiting for God’s provision can sometimes test our patience. The Israelites had to wait for an extended period, and during that time, they were expected to remain content with what God provided. This reminds us to cultivate patience and contentment, trusting that God knows what is best for us.
- God’s faithfulness: Despite the Israelites’ complaints, God still promised to provide for them. This demonstrates His faithfulness even when we grumble or doubt. We can take comfort in knowing that God remains faithful to His promises, even when we falter.
Application: In our own lives, we may face seasons of waiting or periods of discontentment. However, Numbers 11:19 reminds us to trust in God’s provision, exercise patience, and cultivate contentment. We can rely on His faithfulness and remember that He knows our needs and will provide for us in His perfect way and timing.
Remember to study the surrounding verses and consult commentaries or study resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.
