Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 11:22
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
This Hebrew word means fish, often referring to a group of fish. It is used in various biblical stories, including those about Jesus and fishing.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 9:2; Psalms 8:9; Zephaniah 1:10.
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
Context — Seventy Elders Anointed
20but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and makes you nauseous—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have cried out before Him, saying, ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt?’”
21But Moses replied, “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, yet You say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’
22If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?”
23The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.”
24So Moses went out and relayed to the people the words of the LORD, and he gathered seventy of the elders of the people and had them stand around the tent.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Matthew 15:33 |
The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” |
| 2 |
2 Kings 7:2 |
But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” |
| 3 |
John 6:9 |
“Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?” |
| 4 |
Mark 8:4 |
His disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could anyone find enough bread to feed all these people?” |
| 5 |
John 6:6–7 |
But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece.” |
| 6 |
Mark 6:37 |
But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” |
| 7 |
Luke 1:34 |
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” |
| 8 |
Luke 1:18 |
“How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” |
Numbers 11:22 Summary
In Numbers 11:22, Moses is expressing his doubts about how God can provide meat for the large number of Israelites, and he is questioning whether all the available resources would be enough. However, as seen in other passages, such as Exodus 16:4-36, God is capable of providing for His people, even when it seems impossible. This verse teaches us to trust in God's provision and sovereignty, even when we don't understand how He will provide, and to have faith that He will meet our needs, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God's goodness and provision, we can learn to be content with what He provides and not doubt His ability to care for us, just like the Israelites had to trust Him for their daily bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Moses' question in Numbers 11:22?
Moses is responding to God's promise to provide meat for the Israelites, and he is expressing his doubts about how this could be possible, as seen in Numbers 11:21, where he mentions the large number of people, 600,000 men on foot, who are requesting meat to eat.
Is Moses' question in Numbers 11:22 a sign of faith or doubt?
Moses' question in Numbers 11:22 can be seen as a sign of doubt, as he is questioning God's ability to provide for the Israelites, but it can also be seen as a sign of humility, as he is acknowledging his own limitations and expressing his concerns to God, similar to when he asked for God's presence to go with him in Exodus 33:15.
What is the significance of the flocks, herds, and fish in Moses' question in Numbers 11:22?
The flocks, herds, and fish in Moses' question represent the available resources that Moses thinks would be insufficient to feed the large number of Israelites, highlighting the magnitude of the task and the need for a miraculous provision, as seen in the eventual provision of quail in Numbers 11:31-32.
How does God respond to Moses' question in Numbers 11:22?
God responds to Moses' question by asking if His arm is too short, implying that He is capable of providing for the Israelites, regardless of the magnitude of the task, as seen in Numbers 11:23, and then proceeds to provide quail for the Israelites, demonstrating His power and provision, as seen in Numbers 11:31-32, similar to when He provided manna in Exodus 16:4-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am doubting God's ability to provide, and how can I trust Him to meet my needs, just like the Israelites had to trust Him for their daily bread in Exodus 16:4-36?
- How can I, like Moses, express my concerns and doubts to God, and what can I learn from His responses to Moses in Numbers 11:23 and other passages, such as when God spoke to Moses in Exodus 3:10-12?
- What are some ways that I can trust God to provide for me, even when it seems impossible, and how can I apply the principles of faith and trust seen in Numbers 11:22 and other passages, such as Matthew 6:25-34, to my everyday life?
- How can I, like the Israelites, be content with what God provides, and not complain or doubt His goodness, as seen in Numbers 11:1-6, and instead, trust in His sovereignty and provision, as seen in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:22
Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them?.... Suggesting that if all their cattle, their sheep, and oxen were killed, which they and the mixed multitude brought out of Egypt,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:22
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. Moses said ... Shall the flocks and the herds be slain?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:22
Will they be sufficient for them? or where shall they have more?
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:22
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?Ver. 22. Or shall all the fish of the sea.] Moses forgat, belike, the fowls of the air, but God sent them such a drift of quails, as Moses dreamed not of: he fed them with meat of kings, bread of angels.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:22
(22) Shall the flocks and the herds . .?—Rather, Shall flocks and herds . .? The definite article is not used here, nor the possessive pronoun, as elsewhere, where the flocks and herds of the Israelites are denoted. (Comp. Exodus 10:9; Exodus 34:3; Deuteronomy 12:6.) There is no evidence, therefore, that Moses alluded exclusively, or even primarily, to the flocks and herds which the Israelites had brought out of Egypt. Moreover, a large number of the sheep and goats must have been recently slain at the Passover. Whether the encampment was, or was not within an easy distance of the Ælanitic Gulf, the gathering together of the fish of the sea in sufficient quantities to satisfy such a multitude for so long a time would require a miraculous agency; and the same agency could also bring together from unknown sources flocks and herds. The expression may be regarded as a form of natural hyperbole.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 11:22
Verse 22. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain] There is certainly a considerable measure of weakness and unbelief manifested in the complaints and questions of Moses on this occasion; but his conduct appears at the same time so very simple, honest, and affectionate, that we cannot but admire it, while we wonder that he had not stronger confidence in that God whose miracles he had so often witnessed in Egypt.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:22
4–34. (I) The Manna and Quails. J . (II) The burden of the people too heavy for Moses. J . (III) The Spirit of ecstasy upon the elders. E . These verses should be studied in the following order: (I) Numbers 11:4-10; Numbers 11:13; Numbers 11:18-24 a (to ‘the words of the Lord’), 31–34. (II) Numbers 11:11-12; Numbers 11:14-15. (III) Numbers 11:16-17 a, 24b–30.
It will be seen that the narratives (II) and (III) have no real connexion with (I). In the process of compilation two sentences were lost. The words ‘And Moses said unto Jehovah’ in Numbers 11:11 a are required for both narratives, and must be added for (I) at the beginning of Num 11:13. Similarly Numbers 11:18 (as Numbers 11:16) must begin ‘And Jehovah said unto Moses, say thou &c.’ If this is done, two distinct narratives emerge, and a fragment of a third: (I) The people being weary of manna murmured for flesh. Jehovah was angry and warned them that they would loathe the flesh when it came. Moses was incredulous that such a miracle could be performed. But a wind brought a mass of quails, and a plague was the result. (II) Moses found the care and guidance of the people a burden too heavy to bear, and prayed that he might die. (III) Jehovah took some of Moses’ spirit and put it upon seventy elders, so that they were filled with prophetic frenzy, including two who were not with the others in front of the Tent. Joshua wished Moses to forbid them, but he refused.
(I) Numbers 11:4-10; Numbers 11:13; Numbers 11:18-24 a, 31–34. Manna and Quails. In Exodus 16 there is a more complete narrative of the manna, from P , where Numbers 11:35 (‘they did eat the manna … until they came into the borders of the land of Canaan’) shews that manna was not sent on two distinct occasions, but that the two narratives are parallel accounts. In the present chapter the sending of the manna is not related (see on Numbers 11:6). But it must not be concluded from this that our narrative is the sequel to that in Exodus 16; for (I) a description of the manna is given, as though it were a new phenomenon, in Numbers 11:7-9 as well as in Exodus 16:14; Exodus 16:31, and there are considerable differences in the two accounts; and (2) the laying of the pot of manna ‘before the Testimony’ (Exodus 16:34) shews that that narrative belongs to a time after the Testimony (i.e. the Decalogue) was given at Sinai. Thus both in P and J it is related that manna was sent after the departure from the mountain. Moreover, while P has this very full parallel account of the manna, it also has fragmentary references to the quails embedded in it. See Exodus 16:8 a (‘in the evening flesh to eat’), 12 (‘at even ye shall eat flesh’), 13a (‘at even the quails came up and covered the camp’). (II) Numbers 11:11-12; Numbers 11:14-15.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:22
22. All the fish of the sea — See Numbers 11:5, note. The Mediterranean and the Red Sea were the only seas with which Israel was acquainted.
Sermons on Numbers 11:22
| Sermon | Description |
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(God Can Solve Every Problem) Multitude Fed
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and partnering with Him in His work. He uses the story of a little boy who became a blessing |
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Choose to Serve, Part Two
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a church in Nagpur that started with a school and now has over 400 baptized believers. The speaker emphasizes the importa |
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Ye Are Come to Zion - Part 5
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the citizens of Zion, referring to believers in Christ. He highlights the significance of the gates of the city as places o |
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Life & Ministry of Elisha - Part 2
by Stephen Kaung
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of Elisha and the importance of imparting the life of Christ in our own ministries. The sermon begins by referencing a story fr |
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Christmas Gift
by Jim Cymbala
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reactions people have towards Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the true king and the answer to everything in ou |
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Skyland Conference 1979-03 Elisha
by Robert Constable
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making room for God's blessings in our lives. He uses the story of a widow in debt to illustrate this point. The widow, wh |
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Road to Reality - Encouraged by Jesus Part Two
by K.P. Yohannan
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In this sermon, Brother K.P. Yohannan discusses the story of the feeding of the 5,000 from the Bible. He emphasizes the theme of God's sufficiency in our inadequacy and encourages |