What does Moses' question in Numbers 11:22 reveal about his faith in God? The Setting: Israel’s Loud Craving • After the exodus, the people “wailed, ‘Who will feed us meat?’” (Numbers 11:4-6). • Moses already feels crushed: “I cannot carry all this people by myself; it is too burdensome for me” (v. 14). • God promises a whole month of meat (v. 18-20). That promise sets the stage for Moses’ startled reply. The Question That Slipped Out “Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Or would they have enough if all the fish of the sea were gathered for them?” (Numbers 11:22). What Moses’ Question Reveals About His Faith • An honest struggle, not settled unbelief – Moses believes God speaks truly, yet the logistics boggle his mind. – Similar moments: Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10—Moses often wrestles before obeying. • A focus on human limitation – He calculates by herd size and fishing capacity, forgetting the Creator who parted the sea (Exodus 14:21-22). – Psalm 78:19 records Israel asking, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” Moses echoes that very tension. • A temporary eclipse of past miracles – Manna fell daily (Numbers 11:7-9), yet the fresh need feels bigger. – Like Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19:3-4), a seasoned servant can momentarily lose sight of God’s track record. • Faith under pressure, still directed toward God – Moses voices his doubt to the Lord, not to the crowd. Turning to God—even with questions—shows relational trust (Psalm 62:8). God’s Patient Answer “The LORD answered Moses, ‘Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass’” (Numbers 11:23). • God doesn’t scold; He re-anchors Moses in divine power. • The miraculous wind-borne quail (vv. 31-32) confirms His unlimited supply. Lessons for Today • Seasons of fatigue can cloud memory of God’s past faithfulness. • Doubt voiced in prayer can become the doorway to renewed confidence. • God’s capacity always surpasses the visible resources: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more…” (Ephesians 3:20). Moses’ question exposes a momentary lapse, yet it also points us to a God whose arm is never too short to fulfill His word. |
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