Andrew’s Live Bible Study Notes – 9/26/17 Numbers 11:1‐35 which were behind as Paul spoke of doing (Phil. 3:13‐14). Then, they wouldn’t have lusted for what they didn’t have. There is a lesson here for us. It’s amazing that people would forsake the Awesome God who delivered them from the bondage of Egypt for cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. Truly, their belly was their god (Phil. 3:19).  Numbers 11:6 – But now our soul is dried away : there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:6 Manna was angel’s food (Ps. 78:25), but they got tired of it. They wanted the fare of Egypt which they had become accustomed to. We need to guard our hearts from loving the things of men more than the things of God.  Numbers 11:7 – And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the color of bdellium. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:7 Coriander is also known as Cilantro. Bdellium is the resin of a tree and was white.  Numbers 11:8 – And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:8 The New Living Translation says, “These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.” The Message says, “It tasted like a delicacy cooked in olive oil.” I’m sure the Lord provided food that tasted good and was very nutritious.  Numbers 11:9 – And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.  Numbers 11:10 – Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:10 After all the Lord had done for them, they still weren’t satisfied—just like Jesus’s disciples weren’t satisfied with Him (John 14:8). We have to learn to be content (Phil. 4:11). It doesn’t come naturally. Our English word “ displeased ” at the end of this verse was actually translated from two Hebrew words, “RAA” and “AYIN.” Raa means, “properly to spoil (literal by breaking to pieces); figurative to make (or be) good for nothing , i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally).” (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary .) This same Hebrew word was translated “ afflicted ” in the next verse. AYIN means, “an eye (literal or figurative); by analogy a fountain - (as the eye of the landscape).” ( Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.) This Hebrew word was translated “ sight ” in the next verse. So, these words literally mean “good for nothing or bad eye or afflicted sight." Moses was looking at this all wrong. Moses isn’t the one who supplied this manna in the first place and it wasn’t his responsibility to provide them with meat. He could not take the credit and he shouldn’t have taken the blame or burden. This got him in big trouble when he told the congregation, “ Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10). This led Moses to disobey God and do it his way (Num. 20:11), which resulted in Moses being denied entry into the promised land (Num. 20:12‐13). ** {There are some limits in life we should not cross}  Numbers 11:11 – And Moses said unto the LORD , Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favor in thy sight, that thou lay the burden of all this people upon me? Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:11 Paul spoke of the care of all the churches, which came upon him daily (2 Cor. 11:28). The very ministry the Lord gives us can be a burden, but it doesn’t have to be. Jesus said His burden was light (Matt.11:30). The Lord didn’t afflict Moses. Moses afflicted himself by taking a burden upon his shoulders that God didn’t give him. The way the Lord eased Moses’s burden was to give him seventy men who bore this burden with him (Num. 11:16‐18). The Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses and split it between the seventy men (Num. 11:25). As I explained in my note at Numbers 11:10, Moses was looking a t this all wrong. This shouldn’t have been his burden. Moses didn’t provide the manna, and it was not his responsibility to supply the meat. His only responsibility was to respond to God’s ability and do what he was told. His wrong thinking led him to asking the Lord to kill him (Num. 11:15). Thoughts of suicide always come from wrong thinking and dealing with our problems in our own strength. The Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses and gave it to the seventy men too (Num. 11:25). The Lord will send us people to hold our arms up while we fight the battle (Ex. 17:10‐13). But some interpret this as a challenge to our authority, as Joshua did here (Num. 11:26‐28). Only secure people can have strong people around them.  Numbers 11:12 – Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou should say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father bear the sucking child, unto the land which thou swear unto their fathers? Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:12 The answer to this question is “ No.” Moses hadn’t conceived these people, but it also wasn’t true that the Lord had asked Moses to carry the people in his bosom or take the burden of caring for the whole congregation. Moses was taking too much upon himself. I believe that’s the reason the Lord didn’t come up with this solution before. It was an unnecessary solution if Moses would have cast the care about this over on the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7). This was uncharacteristic behavior for the meekest man on the earth (Num. 12:3).  Numbers 11:13 – Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:13 Moses’s whole problem came from him feeling like he had to provide for these people. Moses wasn’t responsible for providing the manna and it wasn’t his responsibility to provide them with flesh. The Lord took care of that (Num. 11:18). Likewise, when we feel overwhelmed, it’s because we are taking things unto ourselves, which should be cast upon the Lord (1 Pet. 5:6‐7). ** {This action of taking on the Lord's work will defeat you!}  Numbers 11:14 – I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:14 It’s true that this was more than Moses could bear. Absolutely! But it’s also true that the Lord never asked Moses to bear the people. He said He bore the people (Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11‐12; and Is. 63:9). This was Moses taking care that wasn’t his (1 Pet. 5:7 and Phil . 4:6‐7).  Numbers 11:15 – And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:15 The phrase “out of hand” is also translated “at once” in the Amplified Bible, or “right now” in the New International Version (1984 edition). Moses had been used of the Lord as no other man ever had. The Lord talked to him face to face (Ex.33:11; Num. 7:89). Moses had been in the presence of the Lord till his face shone with the glory of God (Ex. 34:29). ** { Few people will ever have a face to face with God in life} Yet this burden of ministry was so heavy that he asked the Lord to kill him. Wow! If this could happen to Moses, it can happen to any of us. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, lest we get weary and faint in our mind (Heb. 12:2‐3). Moses’s wish for death was a result of his wrong thinking. Anyone who is contemplating suicide is, likewise, thinking wrong on many levels. They haven’t cast their care over on the Lord (Phil. 4:6‐7 and 1 Pet. 5:7). They have taken responsibility that isn’t theirs. They are totally selfish and not thinking about those whom their death would hurt.  Numbers 11:16 – And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou know to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:16 The Lord was speaking to Moses in an audible voice (Ex. 33:11 and Num. 7:89). Moses had already set captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens in Exodus 18:17‐27. Supposing there were three million people, this would be 42, 857 people per ruler. These seventy men were some of these officers that Moses had already appointed.  Numbers 11:17 – And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:17 I believe Moses came into this crisis by not looking to the Lord on this occasion and he took too much responsibility upon himself. If this had really been a good thing, the Lord would have done this before. He doesn’t ask more of us than what we can bear (Matt. 11:28‐30 and 1 Cor. 10:13). However, the Lord knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust (Ps. 103:14) . He is merciful to us as He was with Moses here and granted him something that wasn’t God’s perfect will. Now seventy people were burdened (Num. 11:15). The anointing that was upon Moses was so strong that it took seventy men to share it. Did that mean that Moses was now less anointed? He was still so powerful that he could command the earth to open up and swallow Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Num. 16:30‐33). It’s possible that just like the loaves and fish multiplied in Mark 6:35‐44 that Moses’s anointing just multiplied.  Numbers 11:18 – And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD , saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:18 This is an example of the Lord giving His people something that was never His perfect will. The manna was more than sufficient. This meat was in response to their lust. We need to be careful that we don’t badger the Lord for things that aren’t His perfect will. He just might give us what we ask for (Ps. 78:29‐31). Likewise, I don’t think that putting the Spirit that was upon Moses upon the seventy was God’s perfect will (see my note at Num . 11:17), but the Lord responded to Moses’s crisis and met him where his faith was.  Numbers 11:19 – Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days . Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:19 The plague that came along with the quail happened before they had finished chewing (Num. 11:33), yet they had to continue eating the meat for a whole month (Num . 11:20). I’m sure they came to loath the very thing they had lusted for so much.  Numbers 11:20 – But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:20 The Lord granting them their desire was a severe punishment. They got sick and started dying immediately, but they were forced to continue eating the quail for a month. I’m sure they regretted their request for something to eat besides the manna (Num. 11:4 ‐6).  Numbers 11:21 – And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:21 This wasn’t just a thought or impression from the Lord the way we hear the Lord speak to us today. The Lord spoke to Moses in an audible voice (Ex. 33:11 and Num. 7:89). So, there was no doubting what the Lord said. Moses just couldn’t understand how this would come to pass. There were 600,000 footmen. These men had multiple wives and many children. If each footman had four other members in their family, that would be a total of 3,000,000 in the congregation. It could have been much more.  Numbers 11:22 – Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:22 Moses didn’t doubt what the Lord told him to do (Num. 11:18‐20). He just couldn’t understand how the Lord was going to do it. He looked to his own resources to bring God’s word to pass. This is similar to what happened with feeding the multitude in Mark 6:37. The Lord told His disciples to feed the multitude, but they didn’t have to use their own resources to do it. Even so, Moses didn’t have to use his resources and kill all their cattle to meet this need. Moses had seen things that no other man had ever seen. He had spent months in the literal presence of the Lord, and yet he put limits on God’s ability (Ps. 78:41). He wasn’t sure the Lord could pull this one off. The Lord can only work through us to the degree that we believe Him (Eph. 3:20).  Numbers 11:23 – And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:23 It did not bless the Lord that Moses didn’t think He could perform His word. The Lord didn’t ask Moses to perform this miracle. He just had to obey and tell the people what the Lord told him to say (Num. 11:18‐20). We get into trouble when we try and figure out how the Lord will accomplish His will in our lives (Mark 6:37).  Numbers 11:24 – And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:24 Although Moses didn’t understand how the Lord could do this (Num. 11:21‐22), he still was obedient and proclaimed what the Lord told him to say. Notice that the problem that occasioned Moses telling the Lord he couldn’t handle the pressure any more (Num. 11:4‐6) was solved before the Lord put this anointing on the seventy (Num. 11:24‐25). This wasn’t necessary.  Numbers 11:25 – And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:25 The Hebrew word “YASAP,” which was translated “ and did not cease ” in this verse means, “to add or augment (often adverbial to continue to do a thing).” (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.) The Message interprets this verse as, “God came down in a cloud and spoke to Moses and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy leaders. When the Spirit rested on them they prophesied. But they didn’t continue; it was a onetime event.” In Exodus 18:13‐26, Moses had appointed rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to handle the administrative duties which he had alone at one time. That was necessary, but this transfer of anointing was different. This was just to lighten the emotional toll that leading the people was having on Moses. I don’t believe this was God’s best, but He accommodated Moses’s weakness (see my notes at Num. 11:13‐15).  Numbers 11:26 – But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:26 These two men didn’t follow the instructions completely. They were still in the camp instead of at the tabernacle as the Lord had instructed them (Num. 11:16). Yet the Spirit of the Lord came on them and they prophesied. God is a merciful God.  Numbers 11:27 – And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:27 The Hebrew word “NABA,” which was translated “ prophesy ” in this verse means, “to prophesy , i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse).” (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.) This doesn’t necessarily mean they were predicting future events as we have come to understand prophesy. They were just speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit about the wonderful things of God.  Numbers 11:28 – And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:28 What motivated Joshua to say this? Moses said it was envy for his sake (Num. 11:29). Joshua perceived this as a threat to Moses’s authority. Now Moses wasn’t the only one the Lord was speaking through, and Joshua thought the people might prefer these over Moses. Since Joshua was next in command, maybe he was a little concerned for his sake too. They might take over his place.  Numbers 11:29 – And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:29 Praise God that Moses wasn’t insecure and threatened by the Lord using others. It is one of the great signs of spiritual maturity to glory in others being used of the Lord instead of being threatened by them. That is putting God’s kingdom ahead of our kingdom.  Numbers 11:30 – And Moses got him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.  Numbers 11:31 – And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:31 A man can easily walk twenty miles in one day. Certainly, this described the quail being piled up for miles around the camp. Two cubits was about three feet high.  Numbers 11:32 – And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and a ll the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers : and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:32 Ten homers is equal to about 60 bushels (New International Version and The Message).  Numbers 11:33 – And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, here it was chewd, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:33 This passage doesn’t state what the plague was, but Psalm 78:29 ‐31 reveals that they died from this plague.  Numbers 11:34 – And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted. 9) Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:34 Kibrothhattaavah means, “graves of the longing.”  Numbers 11:35 – And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth. Living Commentary Note on Numbers 11:35 Hazeroth is where Aaron and Miriam rebelled against Moses (Num. 12:1‐2)

Andrew’s Live Bible Study Notes – 9/26/17

Numbers 11:1‐35



Numbers 11:1

–

And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD

: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD

burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the

uttermost parts of the camp.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:1

The Lord hears our gripes and complaints, and it displeases Him

. Praise God that under the New Covenant, all our sins have been placed on Jesus and the Lord will not judge us as He did here. But any true believer should want to please the Lord
 (Heb.11:6 and 1 John 3:3) and not do things that displease Him. Therefore, we should not be complainers
 (Phil. 4:4‐7).



Numbers 11:2

–

And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:2

When the people were afflicted, they cried out to God for help.

If we would seek the Lord when things are going well, we wouldn’t have as many problems.



Numbers 11:3

–

And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire o

f the LORD burnt among them.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:3

The name Taberah means “burning”

(Strong’s Concordance).



Numbers 11:4

– And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting:

and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who

shall give us flesh to eat?

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:4

The people of God were incited to this lust by the mixed

multitude that was among them. Sadly, the people of God are usually more moved by the unbelievers than the unbelievers are by us. Certainly this is one of the main reasons why the Lord commanded us to come out from among them and be

separate (2 Cor. 6:14‐18).



Numbers 11:5

–

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the

cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:5

Abraham and Sarah refused to think of what they had left; and

therefore, they weren’t tempted to go back. We can’t be tempted with what we don’t think upon.

They should have forgotten the things

which were behind as Paul spoke of doing (Phil. 3:13‐14). Then,

they wouldn’t have lusted for what they didn’t have. There is a lesson here for us.

It’s amazing that people would forsake the Awesome God who delivered them from the bondage of Egypt for cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.

Truly, their belly was their god (Phil. 3:19).



Numbers 11:6

–

But now our soul is dried away : there is nothing at all, beside

this manna, before our eyes.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:6

Manna was angel’s food (Ps. 78:25), but they got tired of it. They wanted the fare of Egypt which they had become accustomed to. We need to guard our hearts from loving the things of men more than the things of God.



Numbers 11:7

–

And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the color of bdellium.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:7

Coriander is also known as Cilantro. Bdellium is the resin of a

tree and was white.



Numbers 11:8

–

And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in

mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and

made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:8

The New Living Translation

says,

“These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.”

The Message

says,

“It tasted like a delicacy cooked in olive oil.”

I’m sure the Lord provided food that tasted good and

was very nutritious.



Numbers 11:9

–

And when the dew fell upon the

camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.



Numbers 11:10

–

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the

LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:10

After all the Lord had done for them, they still weren’t

satisfied—just like Jesus’s disciples weren’t satisfied with Him (John 14:8). We have to learn to be content

(Phil. 4:11). It doesn’t come naturally.

Our English word “ displeased ” at the end of this verse was

actually translated from two Hebrew words,

“RAA” and “AYIN.” Raa means, “properly to spoil (literal by

breaking to pieces); figurative to make (or be)

good for nothing , i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally).”

(Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary .)

This same Hebrew word was translated “ afflicted ” in the next verse. AYIN means, “an eye (literal or figurative); by analogy a fountain - (as the eye of the landscape).”

( Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.)

This Hebrew word was translated “ sight ” in the next verse.

So, these words literally mean “good for nothing or bad eye or afflicted sight."

Moses was looking at this all wrong.

Moses isn’t the one who supplied this manna in the first place

and it wasn’t his responsibility to provide them with meat. He could not take the credit and he shouldn’t have taken the blame or burden. This got him in big trouble when he told the congregation,

“ Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10).

This led Moses to disobey God and do it his way

(Num. 20:11), which resulted in Moses being denied entry into the promised land (Num. 20:12‐13).

** {There are some limits in life we should not cross}



Numbers 11:11

–

And Moses said unto the LORD

, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant?

and wherefore have I not found favor in thy sight, that thou lay the burden of all this people upon me?

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:11

Paul spoke of the care of all the churches, which came upon him

daily (2 Cor. 11:28). The very ministry the Lord gives us can be a burden, but it doesn’t have to be. Jesus said His burden was light (Matt.11:30). The Lord didn’t afflict Moses. Moses afflicted himself by taking a burden upon his shoulders that

God didn’t give him.

The way the Lord eased Moses’s burden was to give him seventy men who bore this burden with him

(Num. 11:16‐18). The Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses

and split it between the seventy men

(Num. 11:25).

As I explained in my note at Numbers 11:10, Moses was looking a

t this all wrong. This shouldn’t have been his burden. Moses didn’t provide the manna, and it was not his responsibility to supply the meat.

His only responsibility was to respond to God’s ability and do

what he was told. His wrong thinking led him to asking the Lord to kill him (Num. 11:15). Thoughts of suicide always come from wrong thinking and dealing with our problems in our own strength.

The Lord took of the Spirit that was on Moses and gave it to

the seventy men too

(Num. 11:25). The Lord will send us people to hold

our arms up while we fight the battle (Ex. 17:10‐13).

But some interpret this as a challenge to our authority, as Joshua did here (Num. 11:26‐28).

Only secure people can have strong people around them.



Numbers 11:12

–

Have I conceived all this people?

have I begotten them, that thou should say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father bear the sucking child, unto the land which thou swear unto their fathers?

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:12

The answer to this question is “ No.” Moses hadn’t conceived

these people, but it also wasn’t true that the Lord had asked Moses to carry the people in his bosom or take the burden of caring for the whole congregation. Moses was taking too much upon himself. I believe that’s the reason the Lord didn’t

come up with this solution before.

It was an unnecessary solution if Moses would have cast the care about this over on the Lord (1 Pet. 5:7).

This was uncharacteristic behavior for the meekest man on the

earth (Num. 12:3).



Numbers 11:13

–

Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people?

for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:13

Moses’s whole problem came from him feeling like he had to

provide for these people. Moses wasn’t

responsible for providing the manna and it wasn’t his

responsibility to provide them with flesh. The Lord took care of that (Num. 11:18). Likewise, when we feel overwhelmed, it’s because we are taking things unto ourselves, which should be cast upon the Lord (1 Pet. 5:6‐7).

** {This action of taking on the Lord's work will defeat you!}



Numbers 11:14

–

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too

heavy for me.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:14

It’s true that this was more than Moses could bear. Absolutely!

But it’s also true that the Lord never asked Moses to bear the people. He said He bore the people

(Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11‐12; and Is. 63:9).

This was Moses taking care that wasn’t his

(1 Pet. 5:7 and Phil . 4:6‐7).



Numbers 11:15

–

And if thou deal thus with me,

kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor

in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:15

The phrase “out of hand”

is also translated “at once”

in the Amplified Bible,

or “right now”

in the New International Version

(1984 edition).

Moses had been used of the Lord as no other man ever had. The Lord talked to him face to face (Ex.33:11; Num. 7:89).

Moses had been in the presence of the Lord till his face shone with the glory of God (Ex. 34:29).

** { Few people will ever have a face to face with God in life}

Yet this burden of ministry was so heavy that he

asked the Lord to kill him. Wow! If this could happen to Moses, it can happen to any of us. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, lest we get weary and faint in our mind (Heb. 12:2‐3).

Moses’s wish for death was a result of his wrong thinking.

Anyone who is contemplating suicide is, likewise, thinking wrong on many levels. They haven’t cast their care over on the Lord (Phil. 4:6‐7 and 1 Pet. 5:7).

They have taken responsibility that isn’t theirs. They are totally selfish and not thinking about those whom their death would hurt.



Numbers 11:16

– And the LORD

said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of

Israel, whom thou know to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:16

The Lord was speaking to Moses in an audible voice

(Ex. 33:11 and Num. 7:89). Moses had already set

captains over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens in Exodus

18:17‐27.

Supposing there were three million people, this would be 42,

857 people per ruler. These seventy men were some of these officers that Moses had already appointed.



Numbers 11:17

–

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take

of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon

them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:17

I believe Moses came into this crisis by not looking to the

Lord on this occasion and he took too much

responsibility upon himself. If this had really been a good

thing, the Lord would have done this before.

He doesn’t ask more of us than what we can bear

(Matt. 11:28‐30 and 1 Cor. 10:13).

However, the Lord knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust (Ps. 103:14)

. He is merciful to us as He was with Moses here and granted him something that wasn’t God’s perfect will. Now seventy people were burdened (Num. 11:15).

The anointing that was upon Moses was so strong that it took seventy men to share it. Did that mean

that Moses was now less anointed?

He was still so powerful that he could command the earth to open up and swallow Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Num. 16:30‐33).

It’s possible that just like the loaves and fish multiplied in

Mark 6:35‐44 that Moses’s anointing just multiplied.



Numbers 11:18

–

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against

tomorrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD , saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well

with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:18

This is an example of the Lord giving His people something that

was never His perfect will. The manna was more than sufficient. This meat was in response to their lust. We need to be careful that we don’t badger the Lord for things that aren’t His perfect will. He just might give us what we ask for (Ps. 78:29‐31). Likewise, I don’t think that putting the Spirit that was

upon Moses upon the seventy was God’s perfect will (see my note at Num . 11:17), but the Lord responded to Moses’s crisis and met him where his faith was.



Numbers 11:19

–

Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither

ten days, nor twenty days

.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:19

The plague that came along with the quail happened before they

had finished chewing (Num. 11:33),

yet they had to continue eating the meat for a whole month

(Num . 11:20). I’m sure they came to loath the very thing they had lusted for so much.



Numbers 11:20

–

But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and

it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying,

Why came we forth out of Egypt?

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:20

The Lord granting them their desire was a severe punishment. They got sick and started dying immediately, but they were forced to continue eating the quail for a month. I’m sure they regretted their request for something to eat besides the manna (Num. 11:4 ‐6).



Numbers 11:21

–

And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:21

This wasn’t just a thought or impression from the Lord the way

we hear the Lord speak to us today.

The Lord spoke to Moses in an audible voice

(Ex. 33:11 and Num. 7:89). So, there was no doubting what the Lord said. Moses just couldn’t understand how this would come to pass. There were 600,000 footmen. These men had multiple wives and many children. If each footman had four other members in their family, that would be a total of 3,000,000 in the congregation. It could have been much more.



Numbers 11:22

–

Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice

them?

or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together

for them, to suffice them?

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:22

Moses didn’t doubt what the Lord told him to do (Num. 11:18‐20). He just couldn’t understand how the Lord was going to do it. He looked to his own resources to bring God’s word to pass. This is similar to what happened with feeding the multitude in Mark 6:37.

The Lord told His disciples to feed the multitude, but they didn’t have to use their own resources to do it. Even so, Moses didn’t have to use his resources and kill all their cattle to meet this need.

Moses had seen things that no other man had ever seen.

He had spent months in the literal presence

of the Lord, and yet he put limits on God’s ability (Ps. 78:41).

He wasn’t sure the Lord could pull this one off.

The Lord can only work through us to the degree that we believe Him

(Eph. 3:20).



Numbers 11:23

–

And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S

hand waxed short? thou shalt see now

whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:23

It did not bless the Lord that Moses didn’t think He could

perform His word. The Lord didn’t ask Moses

to perform this miracle. He just had to obey and tell the people what the Lord told him to say (Num. 11:18‐20). We get into trouble when we try and figure out how the Lord will accomplish His will in our lives (Mark 6:37).



Numbers 11:24

–

And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the

people, and set them round about the tabernacle.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:24

Although Moses didn’t understand how the Lord could do this

(Num. 11:21‐22), he still was obedient and proclaimed what the Lord told him to say.

Notice that the problem that occasioned Moses telling the Lord

he couldn’t handle the pressure any more (Num. 11:4‐6) was solved before the Lord put this anointing on the seventy (Num. 11:24‐25).

This wasn’t necessary.



Numbers 11:25

–

And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested

upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:25

The Hebrew word “YASAP,” which was translated “

and did not cease ” in this verse means, “to add or augment

(often adverbial to continue to do a thing).”

(Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.)

The Message interprets this verse as,

“God came down in a cloud and spoke to Moses and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy leaders.

When the Spirit rested on them they prophesied. But they didn’t continue; it was a onetime event.”

In Exodus 18:13‐26, Moses had appointed rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to handle

the administrative duties which he had alone at one time.

That was necessary, but this transfer of anointing was different. This was just to lighten the emotional toll that leading the people was having on Moses. I don’t believe this was God’s best, but He

accommodated Moses’s weakness

(see my notes at Num. 11:13‐15).



Numbers 11:26

–

But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the

one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and

the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were

written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:26

These two men didn’t follow the instructions completely. They were still in the camp instead of at the tabernacle as the Lord had instructed them (Num. 11:16). Yet the Spirit of the Lord came on them and they prophesied. God is a merciful God.



Numbers 11:27

–

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and

Medad do prophesy in the camp.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:27

The Hebrew word “NABA,” which was translated “

prophesy ” in this verse means, “to prophesy , i.e.

speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse).” (Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.)

This doesn’t necessarily mean they were predicting future events as we have come to understand prophesy. They were just speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit about the wonderful

things of God.



Numbers 11:28

–

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his

young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:28

What motivated Joshua to say this?

Moses said it was envy for his sake (Num. 11:29). Joshua perceived this as a threat to Moses’s authority. Now Moses wasn’t the only one the Lord was speaking through,

and Joshua thought the people might prefer these over Moses. Since Joshua was next in command, maybe he was a little concerned for his sake too.

They might take over his place.



Numbers 11:29

–

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake?

would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:29

Praise God that Moses wasn’t insecure and threatened by the Lord using others. It is one of the great signs of spiritual maturity to glory in others being used of the Lord instead of being threatened by them. That is putting God’s kingdom ahead of our kingdom.



Numbers 11:30

–

And Moses got him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.



Numbers 11:31

–

And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the

other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits

high upon the face of the earth.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:31

A man can easily walk twenty miles in one day. Certainly, this

described the quail being piled up for miles around the camp. Two cubits was about three feet high.



Numbers 11:32

–

And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and a

ll the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers : and they spread them all abroad for

themselves round about the camp.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:32

Ten homers is equal to about 60 bushels

(New International Version and The Message).



Numbers 11:33

–

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, here it was

chewd, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:33

This passage doesn’t state what the plague was, but Psalm 78:29 ‐31 reveals that they died from this plague.



Numbers 11:34

–

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because

there they buried the people that lusted.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:34

Kibrothhattaavah means, “graves of the longing.”



Numbers 11:35

–

And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth;

and abode at Hazeroth.

Living Commentary

Note on Numbers 11:35

Hazeroth is where Aaron and Miriam rebelled against Moses (Num. 12:1‐2)