“And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament and recounts the events that occurred during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 11, the people of Israel are complaining about their diet in the wilderness and expressing their desire for meat.
Moses’ Dilemma: In verse 21, Moses is speaking to the Lord, addressing the challenge of providing meat for such a large multitude. He acknowledges that the Israelites consist of approximately 600,000 men, besides women and children. Moses is aware that the task of supplying sufficient meat for the entire community is an enormous undertaking.
God’s Response: If we read further in Numbers 11, we see that God responds to Moses’ concern by promising to provide meat for the people. In verses 22-23, God says, “Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?” God assures Moses that He will provide meat for the Israelites in a miraculous way.
Testing Moses’ Faith: The incident described in Numbers 11 serves as a test of Moses’ faith and leadership. The people’s complaints and Moses’ request for help in providing meat reveal the challenging nature of leading such a vast community in the wilderness. God uses this situation to demonstrate His power and provision.
God’s Miraculous Provision: As the narrative unfolds, God sends quail from the sea to surround the Israelite camp. The quail cover the ground, and the people gather them abundantly. However, their craving for meat ultimately leads to consequences, as God sends a plague upon the people due to their greed and lack of gratitude (Numbers 11:31-35).
Lessons from Numbers 11:21:
- God’s Provision: The passage reminds us that God is able to provide for our needs, even in seemingly impossible situations. When faced with challenges, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and His ability to meet our needs according to His wisdom.
- Faith and Leadership: Moses’ response in seeking God’s help highlights the importance of relying on God’s guidance and provision in times of leadership. Leaders can bring their concerns and challenges before God, trusting Him to provide the wisdom and resources necessary to fulfill their roles effectively.
- Gratitude and Contentment: The story of the Israelites’ craving for meat also serves as a cautionary tale about discontentment and the dangers of ungratefulness. We are reminded to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and trust in God’s provision, rather than allowing our desires to lead us astray.
In summary, Numbers 11:21 captures Moses’ recognition of the challenge of providing meat for the vast multitude of Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God’s ability to provide in miraculous ways, the importance of faith in leadership, and the need for gratitude and contentment in our lives.
