Translations
Original
Notes
The Lord had earlier provided manna and quail (Exodus 16).
Who will feed us meat?: The Israelites had flocks and herds (for example, 32:1; Exodus 12:32, 38; 17:3; 34:3). But the animals were more valuable for their dairy products and other benefits while alive. They only butchered them for meat occasionally. The Hebrews did not have enough meat to regularly feed such a large population (compare Numbers 11:21–22).
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.
This is one of many occasions in the wilderness when Israel was disobedient to the Lord.
Glossary
Topics
Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Murmuring of the Mixed Multitude and of Israel, for Flesh Manna: General Scriptures Concerning Manna: The Israelites: Counted Inferior to Food of Egypt Murmuring: Israelites Trouble: Food Ungratefulness