“And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.”
Context: Numbers 11 records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In this particular chapter, the people of Israel are grumbling and complaining about their hardships in the wilderness, expressing their dissatisfaction with the manna that God had provided as their sustenance. The chapter begins with the people lamenting their lack of meat and longing for the food they had in Egypt.
Key Themes:
- Grumbling and Discontentment: The Israelites’ complaints in the wilderness reveal their dissatisfaction with the provision of God. Despite the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the provision of manna, they expressed a desire for the meat they had in Egypt. Their grumbling and discontentment are important themes throughout the book of Numbers.
- God’s Wrath and Judgment: In response to the people’s complaints, God’s anger is kindled against them. The verse states that the Lord smote the people with a very great plague. This demonstrates the seriousness of their murmuring and reveals the consequences of their rebellion against God’s provision and leadership.
- Lessons on Faith and Trust: Numbers 11 provides lessons on faith and trust in God. The people’s complaints stemmed from their lack of faith and trust in God’s ability to provide for them. Their longing for the familiar and comfortable life in Egypt demonstrated a lack of trust in God’s plan and His ability to sustain them.
- Divine Discipline and Consequences: The Lord’s response to the people’s complaints serves as an example of divine discipline. God’s judgment and discipline were intended to teach the Israelites a lesson and correct their behavior. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God’s guidance.
Application:
- Gratitude and Contentment: We can learn from the Israelites’ example and cultivate an attitude of gratitude and contentment in our own lives. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we should appreciate the blessings God has provided and trust in His faithfulness to meet our needs.
- Trusting in God’s Provision: Like the Israelites, we may face challenges and difficulties in life. In those moments, we should remember to trust in God’s provision and rely on His guidance. He has a perfect plan for our lives, and He will provide for us in His own timing and way.
- Guarding Our Hearts: The story in Numbers 11 reminds us to guard our hearts against grumbling and discontentment. Complaining and murmuring can lead us away from God’s will and open the door to His discipline. Instead, we should choose to have a thankful and trusting heart, even in difficult circumstances.
- Learning from God’s Discipline: When we experience discipline or correction from God, it is an opportunity for growth and transformation. We should humbly examine our hearts, repent of any wrongdoing, and seek to align ourselves with God’s will. God’s discipline is an expression of His love and desire for our spiritual development.
