Numbers 11:15

Translations

Modern

If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

Traditional

And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Literal

And if You treat me like this, kill me, please, right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and do not let me see my wretchedness.”

Latin

Sin aliter tibi videtur, obsecro ut interficias me, et inveniam gratiam in oculis tuis, ne tantis afficiar malis.

Original

Hebrew

English

If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

Notes

Numbers 11:10–15

The Israelites' constant complaining frustrated Moses, leading him to express his own complaints to God. With extreme sarcasm, Moses reminded God that he had not wanted this responsibility (compare Exodus 4:10). Israel became such a burden that Moses wished God would do him the favor of ending his life (compare Job 6:9).
Moses' complaint was acceptable, unlike the people's complaints, because he sought the Lord instead of longing for Egypt's pleasures.

Numbers 11:4–15

Israel had not given up the attitude that led to judgment at Taberah (11:1–3). At Taberah, the people complained, and the Lord sent fire among them.

Soon after, they joined the foreign rabble (a mixed group of non-Israelites who had left Egypt with them) in craving the foods of Egypt. They longed for the fish, vegetables, and other foods they had known there.

In doing this, they forgot the suffering and slavery they had experienced in Egypt. They remembered the food but ignored the hardship.

Numbers 11:1–35

This is one of many occasions in the wilderness when Israel was disobedient to the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Bread from Heaven Spirit Empowerment

Related verses

Jonah 4:3
And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
Jonah 4:8–9
As the sun was rising, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint and wished to die, saying, “It is better for me to die than to live.”
Jeremiah 20:18
Why did I come out of the womb to see only trouble and sorrow, and to end my days in shame?
1 Kings 19:4
…while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”
Philippians 1:20–24
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”
Zephaniah 3:15
The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.
James 1:4
Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Job 6:8–10
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope:
Jeremiah 15:18
Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.
Job 7:15
…so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body.
Job 3:20–22
Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul,

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Manna Numbers, Book of

Topics

Death: Desired by Moses Despondency: when the People Craved for Meat Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Kibrothhattaavah: Flesh Promised Manna: The Israelites: Punished for Despising Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of Impatience of Murmuring: Moses Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah The Favour of God: Plead, in Prayer Trouble: Food

Numbers 11:15

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