“And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and records the events that occurred during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 11, the Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness and were growing discontented with their situation.
The “mixt multitude”: The “mixt multitude” refers to a diverse group of people who joined the Israelites as they left Egypt. This group may have included non-Israelites who decided to leave Egypt with the Israelites. Their presence added to the challenges faced by the Israelites during their journey.
“Fell a lusting”: The phrase “fell a lusting” indicates that the mixt multitude, along with some of the Israelites, developed a strong desire or craving for something specific. In this context, they desired meat.
Israelites’ discontent: The Israelites had previously experienced God’s provision in the wilderness, such as the manna (a heavenly bread-like substance) that God provided for their daily sustenance. However, they began to complain and express their dissatisfaction, desiring a wider variety of food, specifically meat.
Weeping and longing: The Israelites, influenced by the mixt multitude, started weeping again and expressed their longing for meat. They questioned who would provide them with the desired food, seemingly forgetting God’s previous provisions and His presence with them.
Lessons and Application:
- Gratitude and Contentment: The Israelites’ discontentment serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and contentment in our lives. Despite experiencing God’s miraculous provision, they failed to appreciate His faithfulness and began to desire more.
- Trusting in God’s Provision: The Israelites’ longing for meat also highlights the need to trust in God’s provision and timing. They questioned whether God could provide for their desires, forgetting His power and ability to meet their needs.
- The Danger of Mixed Influences: The presence of the mixt multitude influenced the Israelites’ desires and attitudes. This serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of surrounding ourselves with negative or worldly influences that can lead us away from God.
- God’s Faithfulness: Although the Israelites’ complaints and desires displeased God, He still provided for them. Later in the chapter, God sends quails to satisfy their craving for meat, demonstrating His faithfulness even in the midst of their discontentment.
In conclusion, Numbers 11:4 highlights the Israelites’ discontentment and their longing for meat while journeying through the wilderness. It serves as a reminder for us to cultivate gratitude, trust in God’s provision, guard against negative influences, and remember God’s faithfulness even when we face challenges or unmet desires.
