(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.
Therefore that place was named Kivrot-HaTa'avah [graves of greed], because there they buried the people who were so greedy.
So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.
And the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people that lusted.
And he called{H7121} the name{H8034} of that place{H4725} Kibrothhattaavah{H6914}: because there they buried{H6912} the people{H5971} that lusted{H183}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Consequences of Complaint and Disobedience:** Numbers 11:34 underscores the theme of divine judgment against the Israelites for their constant complaining and ingratitude despite God's provision. The place is named "Kibrothhattaavah," meaning "graves of lust," to memorialize the severe consequences of their desires for food other than the manna God had provided.
- **God's Provision and the People's Discontent:** The verse reflects the broader theme of God's provision being met with discontent and a lack of faith by the Israelites, who long for the comforts of their past in Egypt, forgetting the oppression they experienced there.
- **Warning Against Greed and Covetousness:** The incident serves as a warning about the dangers of greed and the desire for more, reminiscent of the tenth commandment against coveting.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus and Wandering:** The event occurs during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the Exodus, the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing a desire to return to Egypt where they had plenty of food, despite their slavery.
- **Quail and Plague:** In response to their complaints about the manna, God sent quails to satisfy their craving for meat. However, while the meat was still between their teeth, a severe plague struck those who had craved the food, teaching them a lesson about trusting in God's provision.
- **Moses' Leadership Challenged:** This episode is part of a series of challenges to Moses' leadership, as the people tested God's patience through their rebellion and lack of trust in His plan for them.
In summary, Numbers 11:34 is set within the broader context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting the themes of divine judgment, the importance of contentment with God's provision, and the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude. The naming of the place serves as a permanent reminder of the spiritual and moral lessons the Israelites were meant to learn during their time in the wilderness.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)