Numbers 11

I the people complained, etc. Either, “the people were complaining wickedly in the ears of the Lord”; or, “were complaining of evil.” The cause of their complaining was probably the fatigues and trials of their march in the desert. But the daily journeys were short, the supply of food constant and certain, and the Divine guidance and protection evident. The murmurings and rebellions of the people were peculiarly sinful and displeasing to God, after the proofs they had received of His care and bounty, and the revelations He had given to them at Sinai of Himself and His covenant relation to them.

2. Moses prayed. Cp. 1 Sam. vii. 9; Jas. v. 16. 5 melons. Perhaps the water-melon, which now grows abundantly in Egypt, and is highly valued throughout the East for its refreshing qualities.—leeks. Perhaps, rather, the lotus.—onions. Onions are a staple article of diet for the poor in Egypt. Herodotus mentions onions and garlic among the food of the workmen at the Pyramids.

7 as coriander seed. That is, like in shape, being round. On “bdellium,” see Gen. ii. 12.

9 fresh oil. Or, “cakes baked with oil” (R.V., marg.). In Exod. xvi. 31 it is said to have had the taste of “wafers with honey.” Both descriptions imply that it was alike pleasant and wholesome. The variety of cooking and the pleasantness of taste are adduced as proofs of the unreasonableness of the people’s complaint.

9 fell upon it. Or, “fell with it,” R.V., marg. 15 out of hand. That is, “outright,” or at once.—my wretchedness. Cp. 1 Kings xix. 4; Jonah iv. 3. Great as was the provocation, Moses spoke unbecomingly; undervaluing the honour conferred upon him as the minister of Divine power; losing sight of the obligation he was under by the Divine commission; magnifying his own doings, and forgetting that God did, in effect, bear the burden, and that His grace could make His servant equal to still greater requirements.

17 will come down. i.e., in the cloudy pillar. See ver. 25.

the spirit. As a flame is not diminished by others being kindled from it, so God does not diminish the wisdom, energy, and courage which distinguished Moses, by endowing the seventy with them. Cp. Acts vi. 1-6.

25 prophesied. See on Gen. xx. 7.—did not cease. “Did so no more” (R.V.); Heb., “did not add.” Their permanent function was not to prophesy.

28 forbid them. Cp. Luke ix. 49, 50; John iii. 26.

31 brought quails. Vast flocks of these migratory birds still frequent Egypt and the neighbouring countries. In this, as in many other miracles, God did not dispense with the operation of secondary causes. Cp. the account in Psa. lxxviii. 26-28.

let them fall. More literally, “sent them forth (or dispersed them) over the camp."—upon. Or, “above” (R.V.). Wearied with their long flight over the sea, they flew within easy reach of the people.

32 ten homers. If literally so, it is more than a hundred bushels; and it can hardly be supposed that he gathered only for his own use. The word is rendered “heaps” in Exod. viii. 14.—spread them all abroad. In order to dry them; having learned to cure them, probably, from the Egyptians: see Herodotus, ii. 77.