Numbers 11 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 11

This chapter informs us of the complaints of the people of Israel, which brought the fire of the Lord upon them, and consumed many of them; and which, at the intercession of Moses, was quenched, and the place from thence called Taberah, Numbers 11:1; and of the lusting of the mixed multitude after flesh, to increase which, they called to mind their food in Egypt; and to show their folly and ingratitude in so doing, the manna is described, Numbers 11:4; and of the uneasiness of Moses, and his complaints of the heavy burden of the people upon him,

Numbers 11:10; and to make him easy, it is promised, that seventy of the elders of Israel should partake of his spirit, and assist in bearing the burden, Numbers 11:16; and that the people should have flesh to serve them a whole month, Numbers 11:18; at which last Moses expressed some degree of unbelief, Numbers 11:21; however God fulfilled his promise with respect to both. Some of the spirit of Moses was taken and given to seventy elders, who prophesied, and two men are particularly taken notice of, who did so, Numbers 11:24; quails in great numbers were brought by a wind to the people; but while they were eating them wrath came upon them, and they were smitten with a plague, whence the place was called Kibrothhattaavah, Numbers 11:31; and from thence they removed to Hazeroth, Numbers 11:35.