Numbers 11 (v1-15), Complain, Complain, Complain

Everything was done in an orderly fashion.  But that’s not enough to keep God’s people on track.  During the three days there is complaining of some sort that displeased the LORD, resulting in the fire of the LORD breaking out on the people at the edges of the camp.  This may have involved the “mixed multitude,” Egyptians that joined Israel in the Exodus, and who likely attached themselves to various tribal groups, living on the outer edge of those tribes.  Moses interceded, bringing the chastening to an end.  The place was given the name “Taberah” (lit. burning) and is not one of the “resting places” listed in Num. 33:16-49.  The first campsite after leaving Sinai is Kibroth Hattaavah (lit. graves of craving; Num. 33:16) which is where the second round of complaint took place here in Num. 11:4-15.

This complaining involved the “mixed multitude.”  They longed for the good food of Egypt.  While the march was well organized, it was still marching through the desert, and that was not filled with the luxuries of Egypt. 

We also see that Moses complained to the LORD about the complaining.  Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me (v11)?  It is true that the LORD had made Moses the shepherd of the flock.  It is interesting that God responds to Moses’ plea by providing him with seventy leaders to assist him.  God also reproves Moses, reminding him, Has the LORD’s arm been shortened (v23)? 

The prophesying of the seventy elders (v24-30), when the Spirit came upon them, is not the same as the NT experience of the indwelling Spirit beginning on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2.  There is a distinction between the Spirit being “upon” and the Spirit “indwelling.”  Don’t take my word for it; take Jesus’ words (Jn. 14:15-18).

It is also interesting that God also grants the request of the people, giving them quail to eat.  But with the meat also came judgment and discipline.  Why?  Because of the way they asked.  Complaints come from sinful craving; prayer comes from a heart of faith in God. 

In Num. 10:33 we see that the LORD was the One who provided “resting places” for Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness.  Before they got to Mt. Sinai you will remember that God had led them on a longer rather than shorter route because the shorter route would more likely encounter enemies (Ex. 13:17-18).  Again, He led them to the Red Sea, where their backs were up against the wall, because He wanted to display His glory (Ex. 14-15).  He eventually led them away from Egypt into the wilderness (Ex. 16:1), where He provided manna to eat (Ex. 16) and water from a rock to drink (Ex. 17:1-7).  These “resting places” were not necessarily what Moses would have chosen, but they provided God the opportunity to develop faith in the Israelites, faith to trust Him to keep His promise to care for them.