Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryNumbers 11

The people complained. Literally, they “were as murmurers of evil.” That is, evil in the sense of misfortune, unhappiness. The wilderness probably appeared to them to be a deathtrap. Badly frightened by their own imagination, they began to predict all kinds of evils that would befall them there. Uttermost parts. The mixed multitudes (see on v. 4) were on the fringes of the camp, for the arrangement by tribes (ch. 2) left them no other place.

Moses prayed. Moses was a great man of prayer, ever ready to intercede for others (see chs. 12:13; 14:13–19; 16:22).

Taberah. This place is mentioned but once more (Deut. 9:22). The site has never been identified. The name comes from a verb meaning “to burn,” “to consume,” “to exterminate.”

The mixt multitude. From the Heb. ha’saphsuph, a repeating form from the verb ’asaph, “to collect.” The word “riff-raff” has been suggested as an appropriate modern translation. For the identity of these people see on Ex. 12:38 (see also Deut. 29:11; Joshua 8:35). Fell a lusting. Literally, “had a great craving” (see Ps. 106:14; 78:29). Israel also wept. This became almost a habit with the Israelites in moments of petulant displeasure (Num. 14:1; Deut. 1:45; 34:8; Judges 2:4; 20:23, 26; 21:2). Flesh to eat. When the Israelites came out of Egypt they were rich in cattle (Ex. 12:32, 38; 17:3; 34:3; Num. 32:1). But presumably not all the Israelites had large flocks

and herds, and evidently the number they had was not sufficient to provide for a regular flesh diet for all, even if that had been the best thing for them.

Ellen G. White

We remember. Compare Ex. 16:3. The fish. Common and very cheap in Egypt (Ex. 7:21; Isa. 19:8). Cucumbers. Refreshing in the hot climates (Isa. 1:8). Such things were, of course, not available in the wilderness. Melons. Watermelons, a favorite article of food in hot, dry countries. The fish and vegetables mentioned in this verse were the food of the poorer classes in Egypt even as they are today.

Our soul is dried away. For the lack of fruit and vegetables that had a large water content, and are particularly refreshing in a hot, dry climate. Manna. The Hebrew reads: “There is nothing at all for our eyes to fall upon except this manna.” Jesus used the manna as a symbol of the spiritual food that is given to us freely from heaven (John 6:30-35, 41–58). The Christian overcomer is promised “the hidden manna” (Rev. 2:17).

Coriander seed. Round in shape, light in color (Ex. 16:14), as readily seen as is the bdellium gum (Gen. 2:12) in the light of the desert sun.

As the taste. That is, it tasted fresh and appetizing as food newly baked or fried in good oil. It also tasted like wafers made with honey (Ex. 16:31).

When the dew fell. The manna fell upon the earth fresh and cool with the fallen dew (see Ps. 78:23–25).

Every man. The man of the East makes it a habit to inform the world at large of his grief and mourning. In this instance there is every appearance of a prearranged plan for concerted action, each family crying out aloud, and at the door of their tent.

Afflicted thy servant. Moses refers to his appointment as leader of the people, who now exaggerated their trials and so quickly forgot their blessings (see Ex. 33:1–3).

As a nursing father. Moses speaks of Jehovah as the Begetter of the children of Israel (Deut. 32:18), His problem children (Hosea 11:1–3), Compare this verse with other expressions of divine care and solicitude (Deut. 1:31; Isa. 40:11; 46:3; Hosea 11:3, 4).

Whence. Compare this with the experience of the disciples recorded in Matt. 15:33; Mark 8:4.

I am not able. In reality Moses was as unreasonable as the people, for God never left Moses alone nor expected him to supply the camp with food.

Kill me. The meaning is “Kill me and be done with it” (see Ex. 32:32; 1 Kings 19:4).

Seventy men. These elders (see Ex. 24:1, 9) were leading men of various families (Ex. 12:21; cf. 1 Sam. 4:3; 8:4; 2 Sam. 17:15). Officers. This is the word used of the Israelite foremen who worked under the Egyptian overseers (Ex. 5:15). The original meaning of the word is “arranger,” “organizer,” “secretary.”

Of the spirit. Compare this with the transfer of “the spirit of Elijah” (2 Kings 2:15) to Elisha. Here the gifts and activities of the Holy Spirit are referred to in their energizing of the spirit of man to carry through the plans of God. 18 Sanctify yourselves. A word used with reference to ceremonial cleanliness through ablutions and abstentions (see ch. 19:10, 14) and as a preparation for sacrifice (Gen. 35:2). The same word is translated “prepare,” as if for slaughter, in Jer. 12:3. Some

Jewish commentators would give that meaning to it here. In reality the word of itself is neutral, and may mean to prepare for either good or evil.

Despised. The original word has the sense of “to reject” (Jer. 6:19; 7:29; 8:9; Hosea 4:6).

Waxed short. See Isa. 50:2; 59:1.

In a cloud. The same word means “a cloud mass.” It is used of such varying circumstances as seen in Gen. 9:13; Ex. 13:21, 22;24:18; Eze. 8:11; 30:3; Joel 2:2; Zeph. 1:15.

That were written. That is, listed among the 70, but not as yet joined to them.

Spirit. As God’s agent (Gen. 1:2; Judges 3:10; Isa. 11:2; Joel 2:28).

A wind. Compare the use of the wind by God in Gen. 8:1; Ex. 10:13, 19; 14:21. Brought quails. The verb translated “brought” means “to cut off,” “to sever,” “to separate.” The idea apparently is that Jehovah used the wind to separate the flock from their resting place on the seashore, and bring them to camp. Two cubits. About 31/2 ft. This was an easy height at which to catch the birds.

Ten homers. Equal to approximately 62 bu. Spread. Presumably to dry and cure them.

Plague. Throughout the book of Numbers various plagues are the result of disobedience and rebellion (see chs. 16:47; 25:9).

Kibroth-hattaavah. This place cannot be accurately identified. The meaning is “the graves of their lusting.”