“But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.”
In this verse, the Israelites, who were wandering in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt, expressed their dissatisfaction with the manna, the bread-like substance that God provided for them as food.
To understand the context of Numbers 11:6, we need to look at the preceding verses. In Numbers 11:4-5, the people of Israel complained and wept, longing for the varied foods they had in Egypt. They became tired of eating manna every day and expressed their discontentment.
The Israelites’ complaint can be seen as a lack of gratitude and a desire for something other than what God had graciously provided for them. Instead of recognizing the miraculous provision of manna as a gift from God, they focused on what they perceived as limitations.
In response to their complaints, God became angry, and Moses was troubled. Moses himself was feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading such a large number of people. In Numbers 11:10-15, Moses expresses his frustration to God, saying that he cannot bear the burden of the people alone and questioning why he was chosen to lead them.
God responds by instructing Moses to gather seventy elders from among the people, and God promises to take some of the burden from Moses and distribute it among the elders (Numbers 11:16-17). God also assures the people that they will receive meat to eat, not just manna, and they will have enough to eat for an entire month (Numbers 11:18-20).
Returning to Numbers 11:6, the Israelites are essentially saying that they are tired of eating only manna and they are longing for a more diverse and appealing diet. They describe their soul as “dried away” or “faint” because they are discontent with the provision of manna alone. They fail to recognize the sustaining power and faithfulness of God in providing for their needs.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and contentment in our lives. The Israelites’ dissatisfaction with manna highlights the tendency of human nature to focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have been given.
Furthermore, this passage demonstrates God’s response to the complaints of His people. God shows His understanding by providing the Israelites with meat to eat, even though it was not His original plan. However, He also disciplines the people for their lack of faith and gratitude.
As we reflect on Numbers 11:6, it challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes. Are we grateful for the provisions and blessings that God has bestowed upon us, or do we find ourselves constantly desiring something more? It is important for us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, recognizing and appreciating God’s faithfulness in our lives, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
