Topical Bible: Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat

◄ Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The incident of the plague following the consumption of quail meat by the Israelites is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This event highlights themes of divine provision, human discontent, and the consequences of rebellion against God's will.

Biblical Context

The narrative is found in Numbers 11:4-34. The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeying through the wilderness, began to express dissatisfaction with their circumstances. Despite the miraculous provision of manna, the people craved the foods they had in Egypt, particularly meat. Their complaints reached a crescendo, and they lamented, "Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic" (Numbers 11:4-5).

Divine Response

In response to their grumbling, God instructed Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leadership. God then promised to provide meat for the Israelites, saying, "You will eat it not for one or two days, nor for five or ten or twenty days, but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and makes you nauseated—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have cried out before Him, saying, 'Why did we ever leave Egypt?'" (Numbers 11:19-20).

Provision of Quail

True to His word, God sent a wind that drove in quail from the sea, and they fell around the camp, "about a day's journey on this side and a day's journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground" (Numbers 11:31). The people gathered the quail in great quantities, indulging their craving for meat.

The Plague

However, as the people began to eat the meat, the Lord's anger was kindled against them. While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, "the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague" (Numbers 11:33). This divine judgment served as a stark reminder of the consequences of ingratitude and rebellion against God's provision and authority.

Theological Implications

This event underscores the importance of trust and contentment in God's provision. The Israelites' longing for the comforts of Egypt, despite their deliverance from bondage, reflects a lack of faith and appreciation for God's ongoing care. The plague serves as a divine corrective, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience and the need for a heart aligned with God's will.

Location and Naming

The place where this event occurred was named Kibroth Hattaavah, which means "Graves of Craving," because there they buried the people who had craved other food (Numbers 11:34). This name serves as a lasting testament to the consequences of yielding to sinful desires and the importance of spiritual discipline.

Conclusion

The plague following the consumption of quail meat is a powerful narrative that illustrates the tension between human desire and divine provision. It calls believers to reflect on their own attitudes towards God's gifts and to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and obedience.

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Numbers 11:33
And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.
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