Numbers 11:3

Name of the place Taberah— The reason of the name Taberah, or burning, is given, as usual, in the next clause; because the fire of the Lord burnt among them: see 1 Corinthians 10:11 where the apostle applies this part of the sacred history for the instruction of Christians.

REFLECTIONS.—From the mercies they had experienced, and their promising beginnings, we might have expected a gracious issue to their journey; but, alas! what a change is here!

1. A spirit of murmuring is among them; why or wherefore it is hard to guess. They had every blessing their hearts could reasonably desire; and such extraordinary instances of God's love to them, as should have made them rejoice with joy unspeakable. But a discontented spirit will never be without cause of murmuring, even in the midst of mercies. God heard their repinings; for to him our most secret thoughts are fully known; and justly angry at their ingratitude, as he must ever be with those complainers who find fault with his provision for them, 2. He sends a fire of wrath among them, most probably by strokes of lightning from heaven. It burnt in the uttermost part of the camp; in the tribe of Dan probably, where the chief seat of the murmurers lay. God will not spare, if sinners provoke him; and happy for us if we take warning by others, and repent of the like sins, that we be not consumed with their plagues. 3. Thus did the people; they cried unto Moses; for in distress of soul God's slighted ministers will be the first to be applied to; and Moses kindly interceded for them, and the fire was stayed. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It is a great blessing to have an interest in them. 4. The name given the place, Taberah, Burning. The place of the sinner's torment shortly will be everlasting burnings. Let us fear to murmur, lest we should likewise perish.