What is the meaning of Numbers 11:13? Where can I get meat Numbers 11:13a: “Where can I get meat…” • Moses feels the impossibility of supplying physical provision on his own. He is acknowledging human limitation in the face of God-sized needs (cf. John 6:5-9, where the disciples wonder how to feed the crowd; 2 Kings 4:42-44, Elisha’s similar dilemma). • Earlier, the LORD had already shown He alone provides—manna in Exodus 16:4-15, water in Exodus 17:6—yet the people’s new demand shifts from dependence to discontent. • The question exposes unbelief not only in the people but in Moses’ own heart (compare Numbers 20:10-12). Even leaders can struggle to rest in God’s sufficiency. for all these people? Numbers 11:13b: “…for all these people?” • Roughly two million Israelites (Numbers 1:45-46) makes the need appear overwhelming. Moses later reiterates, “How can I bear your troubles by myself?” (Deuteronomy 1:12). • Scripture shows God delights in meeting needs that dwarf human resources—Abraham’s innumerable offspring (Genesis 15:5-6), Gideon’s 300 men (Judges 7:7). • The phrase reminds us that God’s covenant care is corporate as well as individual (Psalm 105:37; Matthew 6:31-33). For they keep crying out to me, Numbers 11:13c: “For they keep crying out to me…” • The continual complaints (“keep crying”) echo earlier murmuring at Marah (Exodus 15:24), in the Wilderness of Sin (Exodus 16:2), and at Rephidim (Exodus 17:3). • This persistent grumbling grieves the LORD (Psalm 78:17-22) and tests His patience (Numbers 14:22). • Moses feels the weight of intercession (Exodus 32:11-14) yet now verges on exasperation, anticipating the New Testament exhortation to cast cares upon God, not carry them (1 Peter 5:7). ‘Give us meat to eat!’ Numbers 11:13d: “‘Give us meat to eat!’” • The craving centers on appetite, not need; they already have daily manna (Numbers 11:6-9). Compare Psalm 106:14-15, where unchecked desire leads to leanness of soul. • Paul later warns believers not to imitate this craving (1 Corinthians 10:6). Desire for “meat” symbolizes dissatisfaction with God’s present provision (Philippians 4:11-13 contrasts contentment). • Yet God responds—with quail (Numbers 11:31-33)—demonstrating His power but also disciplining their ingratitude (Psalm 78:30-31). summary Numbers 11:13 captures Moses’ honest confession of inadequacy before an ungrateful, demanding people. The verse highlights three truths: God alone can supply what human leaders cannot, unchecked craving breeds continual complaint, and divine provision—whether manna or quail—tests the heart. Trusting His sufficiency, not our resources or appetites, is the only path from grumbling to gratitude. |
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