Numbers 11:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Moses {H4872} heard {H8085} the people {H5971} weep {H1058} throughout their families {H4940}, every man {H376} in the door {H6607} of his tent {H168}: and the anger {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was kindled {H2734} greatly {H3966}; Moses {H4872} also was displeased {H7489}{H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe heard the people crying, family after family, each person at the entrance to his tent; the anger of ADONAI flared up violently; and Moshe too was displeased.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses heard the people of family after family weeping at the entrances to their tents, and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly, and Moses was also displeased.

American Standard Version

And Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent: and the anger of Jehovah was kindled greatly; and Moses was displeased.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:10 powerfully encapsulates a moment of profound spiritual and relational crisis in Israel's wilderness journey. It vividly portrays the widespread, deeply personal, and ungrateful lament of the Israelites, whose insatiable craving for the foods of Egypt led to a collective outpouring of discontent permeating every family and tent. This pervasive rebellion ignited the fierce, righteous anger of the LORD, demonstrating His holy indignation against their persistent ingratitude and unbelief, while simultaneously inflicting a heavy burden and deep displeasure upon Moses, their faithful, yet exasperated, leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 11:10 is a pivotal verse situated within the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, specifically following their departure from Mount Sinai and the initial stages of their journey towards the Promised Land. The chapter opens with a general complaint that provokes God's fiery judgment at Taberah ([Numbers 11:1](/numbers/11-1 "Numbers 11:1 - Fire of the LORD at Taberah")). This is quickly followed by the specific "craving" ([Numbers 11:4](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - The Craving of the Rabble")) that originates with the "rabble" or "mixed multitude" among them, a desire that rapidly infects the entire Israelite community. This craving manifests as a profound dissatisfaction with the divinely provided manna, leading to a nostalgic, yet deeply distorted, longing for the "fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic" of Egypt ([Numbers 11:5](/numbers/11-5 "Numbers 11:5 - Longing for Egypt's Food")). Verse 10 serves as the dramatic climax of this widespread lament, setting the immediate stage for Moses' profound despair and his subsequent, desperate plea to God ([Numbers 11:11-15](/numbers/11-11-15 "Numbers 11:11-15 - Moses' Complaint to the LORD")). It precedes God's complex response of providing quail and then judgment ([Numbers 11:31-34](/numbers/11-31-34 "Numbers 11:31-34 - The Plague at Kibroth-Hattaavah")), underscoring a recurring theme of rebellion and divine patience, often contrasted with Moses' intercession, which is notably absent in this specific verse, highlighting the depth of his own exasperation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had experienced miraculous deliverance from centuries of slavery in Egypt and were now sustained by God's daily, supernatural provision of manna in the harsh, desolate wilderness. Their journey was not merely a physical relocation but a profound period of spiritual formation, designed to test their faith, teach them obedience, and forge them into a holy nation. Culturally, communal lament was a recognized and legitimate expression of distress in the ancient Near East, often directed towards God in supplication or repentance. However, here, the lament is directed *against* God's provision and leadership, signaling a profound spiritual rebellion rather than humble petition. The phrase "door of his tent" signifies a private yet pervasive weeping, indicating that this was not merely a public outburst but a deep, personal dissatisfaction that had infiltrated the very fabric of family life. The imagery evokes a sense of utter despair and rejection of their current circumstances, despite the clear and undeniable evidence of God's miraculous care and covenant faithfulness. This widespread murmuring was a direct challenge to the authority of both God and His chosen leader, Moses, echoing earlier incidents of complaint in the wilderness, such as at Marah ([Exodus 15:24](/exodus/15-24 "Exodus 15:24 - Israel Murmurs at Marah")) and Rephidim ([Exodus 17:3](/exodus/17-3 "Exodus 17:3 - Israel Murmurs for Water at Rephidim")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **persistent nature of human rebellion and ungratefulness** against divine provision, even in the face of undeniable miracles. The people's weeping demonstrates a profound lack of faith, a spiritual amnesia regarding God's mighty acts of deliverance, and a preference for perceived earthly comforts over divine freedom. Secondly, it underscores **God's righteous anger and holy intolerance for sin**, particularly for murmuring and unbelief that directly challenges His sovereignty, goodness, and covenant faithfulness. The declaration that "the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly" reveals that God takes their complaints personally, viewing them as a profound rejection of Him and His gracious care. Thirdly, the verse portrays the **immense burden and psychological toll of spiritual leadership**, as Moses is deeply "displeased" and overwhelmed by the people's constant ingratitude and defiance. This foreshadows his later struggles and even his own momentary failure to fully trust God at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Sin at Meribah")), demonstrating the profound toll that leading a rebellious and ungrateful people can take on even the most faithful servant. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **divine judgment and consequence**, setting the stage for the devastating plague at Kibroth-Hattaavah ([Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague at Kibroth-Hattaavah")), where their craving is met with devastating results, illustrating God's justice in response to sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep, often audible, expression of sorrow, grief, or lamentation. It implies more than just shedding tears; it conveys a profound emotional distress, wailing, or bemoaning. In this context, it highlights the intensity and widespread nature of the Israelites' discontent, suggesting a collective outpouring of misery and regret, not over their sin, but over their perceived lack of desirable food. It underscores the depth of their spiritual malaise and ungratefulness, as they lamented their present blessings in favor of a romanticized past of bondage.
* **Kindled (Hebrew, _chârâh'_):** This primitive root literally means "to glow or grow warm" or "to burn," and is frequently used to describe the onset or intensification of anger, wrath, zeal, or jealousy. When applied to the LORD, as here, it denotes a fierce, intense, and consuming divine indignation. The addition of "greatly" (מְאֹד, _mᵉʼôd_) amplifies the intensity, indicating that God's anger was not a fleeting emotion but a profound, righteous, and consuming response to their persistent rebellion and direct challenge to His authority and provision.
* **Displeased (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** The phrase "Moses also was displeased" uses the Hebrew root רָעַע (_râʻaʻ_), which properly means "to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces)" or figuratively "to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad." In this construction, particularly with the accompanying Hebrew word for "eye" (H5869, _ʻayin_), it signifies that the situation was "evil" or "bad" in Moses' eyes, conveying his deep frustration, disappointment, and exasperation. It reflects the immense emotional and spiritual toll the people's ungratefulness took on their leader, mirroring, in a human way, God's own sentiment. Moses, who had repeatedly interceded for them, was now himself overwhelmed by their persistent lack of faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families,"**: This clause emphasizes the pervasive and communal nature of the lament. It was not an isolated incident or a few individuals complaining, but a widespread phenomenon that had infiltrated every household. Moses, as the primary leader and mediator, was acutely aware of this collective sorrow, which was directed at their circumstances and, implicitly, at God's provision. The weeping signifies a deep-seated dissatisfaction and a profound lack of contentment, revealing a spiritual malady that had infected the entire community.
* **"every man in the door of his tent:"**: This phrase further underscores the personal and intimate nature of their discontent, even while it was publicly displayed. While weeping "throughout their families" suggests a communal aspect, "every man in the door of his tent" implies a private, yet universal, expression of grief or lament. The tent door was a common place for family life and social interaction, making this a public display of private misery, indicating that the discontent was not hidden but openly expressed, even if within the confines of the family unit, creating an atmosphere of pervasive gloom.
* **"and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly;"**: This marks the divine response to the people's widespread and ungrateful complaining. God's anger is described as "kindled greatly," signifying a fierce, intense, and righteous indignation. This was not a minor irritation but a profound displeasure rooted in their ungratefulness, their rejection of His miraculous provision, and their direct challenge to His authority and covenant faithfulness. Their weeping was not an act of repentance but of self-pity and rebellion, provoking a just and consuming divine wrath.
* **"Moses also was displeased."**: This final clause highlights the parallel and shared sentiment between God and Moses, albeit from different perspectives. Just as God was greatly angered by their rebellion, Moses too was deeply frustrated, disappointed, and overwhelmed. This reveals the immense burden of spiritual leadership and the emotional toll taken by the people's persistent ingratitude and lack of faith. Moses, who had faithfully led and repeatedly interceded for them, was now himself at his breaking point, reflecting a profound weariness and exasperation with their spiritual immaturity.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 11:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with vivid intensity. The phrase "weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Synecdoche** to emphasize the absolute pervasiveness and depth of the people's discontent. It suggests an almost universal lament, where the spirit of complaint had infected every individual and household, leaving no one untouched. The description of God's reaction, "the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly," is a clear example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger) and a physical action (kindling a fire) to God. This vivid imagery makes His righteous indignation relatable and impactful, conveying the intensity of His displeasure in a way that human understanding can grasp. Furthermore, the verse employs striking **Juxtaposition** by placing the anger of the LORD directly alongside Moses' displeasure, creating a powerful parallel that highlights the shared burden and profound frustration experienced by both divine and human leadership in response to the people's rebellion. This dual displeasure serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the extreme gravity of the Israelites' sin of murmuring and ungratefulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 11:10 stands as a stark theological statement on the nature of human sin, divine sovereignty, and the severe consequences of ungratefulness and unbelief. The people's weeping is not a lament of repentance or a cry for mercy, but a self-pitying expression of discontent, revealing a deep-seated unbelief and a profound rejection of God's faithful and miraculous provision. This act of murmuring, often perceived as a minor transgression, is here treated with the utmost seriousness by God, demonstrating that true faith involves contentment and trust in His goodness, even when circumstances are challenging or when desires are not immediately met. Their desire for the "fleshpots of Egypt" over God's miraculous manna reveals a heart that prefers the illusion of past comfort, even in bondage, to the freedom, dignity, and divine sustenance offered by God in the wilderness. This spiritual blindness and rebellious spirit provoke God's righteous anger, underscoring His holiness and His intolerance for a defiant attitude that despises His grace and challenges His authority.

* [Exodus 16:2](/exodus/16-2 "Israel's First Murmuring for Food")
* [Numbers 14:22](/numbers/14-22 "God's Judgment on the Murmuring Generation")
* [1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "Warnings from Israel's Wilderness History")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 11:10 serves as a powerful and timeless warning against the insidious nature of discontent, ungratefulness, and the spiritual dangers of craving what God has not provided. In an age of abundant provision and constant stimulation, it challenges us to deeply examine our own hearts: do we truly appreciate God's daily blessings, or do we, like the Israelites, constantly crave something more, something different, something we imagine is better, even if it means looking back to a "slavery" of worldly desires? The people's weeping was not just a complaint about food; it was a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady—a profound lack of trust in God's wisdom, goodness, and sovereign care. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound and consistent gratitude, recognizing that all good gifts come from above and that true contentment and satisfaction are ultimately found in Christ, not in fleeting desires or material possessions. It also invites empathy for those in spiritual leadership, reminding us of the immense emotional and spiritual toll that faithfully guiding a flock can take, and prompting us to support and pray for our spiritual leaders rather than adding to their burdens through our own complaints and criticisms. Ultimately, it reminds us that our attitudes and the state of our hearts matter deeply to God, and persistent murmuring can indeed kindle divine displeasure, hindering our spiritual growth and relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "fleshpots of Egypt" that I might be longing for, distracting me from God's present, faithful provision?**
* **How does my own complaining or discontent reflect a deeper lack of trust in God's goodness, wisdom, and sovereign control over my life?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more profound and consistent spirit of gratitude for God's daily blessings, even in challenging circumstances?**
* **How can I better support, encourage, and pray for my spiritual leaders, recognizing the immense burdens they carry in serving God's people?**

### FAQ

**Why was God's anger "kindled greatly" over what seems like just complaining about food?**

Answer: The Israelites' complaining was far more than a simple grumble about their diet; it represented a profound spiritual rebellion and a direct challenge to God's authority, faithfulness, and very character. God had miraculously delivered them from centuries of slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), parted the Red Sea for their escape ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")), and was sustaining them daily with miraculous manna in the harsh wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Their lament for the "fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic" of Egypt ([Numbers 11:5](/numbers/11-5 "Numbers 11:5 - Longing for Egypt's Food")) was a blatant rejection of His divine provision and a romanticization of their past bondage, implying that slavery was preferable to God's care and freedom. This persistent murmuring, a recurring pattern throughout the wilderness narrative (e.g., [Exodus 16:2](/exodus/16-2 "Exodus 16:2 - Israel Murmurs for Food")), demonstrated a deep lack of faith, profound ungratefulness, and a questioning of God's love, power, and covenant promises. For God, it was not merely about the food, but about the rebellious heart attitude of unbelief, defiance, and contempt for His grace and sovereign leading. His anger was a righteous and just response to their spiritual infidelity and the profound dishonor they showed Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 11:10, with its stark depiction of Israel's pervasive discontent and God's righteous anger, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Israelites craved the "fleshpots of Egypt," longing for physical sustenance that, in their spiritual blindness, led to further spiritual death and divine judgment. In profound contrast, Jesus declared Himself to be the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the true manna from heaven, offering eternal sustenance that truly satisfies the deepest longings of the human soul, a satisfaction that the world cannot give. While Israel murmured and rebelled against God's provision and authority, Jesus perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, becoming the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that appeases divine wrath against human sin. Moses, burdened and deeply displeased by the people's persistent rebellion and ungratefulness, foreshadows Christ, who, though tempted in every way, remained without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), and who, unlike Moses, does not grow weary of His people's failings but continually intercedes for them as our great High Priest ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). The anger of the LORD, kindled greatly against Israel's ungratefulness and unbelief, was fully poured out on Christ at Calvary, so that all who believe in Him might receive grace, mercy, and reconciliation instead of judgment ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). Thus, Jesus is the divine answer to humanity's deep-seated discontent and rebellion, offering true satisfaction, perfect obedience, and ultimate reconciliation with a holy God, transforming hearts of murmuring into hearts of profound gratitude and worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 78:21

Therefore the LORD heard [this], and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;

Deuteronomy 32:22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Psalms 106:32

They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

Psalms 106:33

Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

Psalms 106:25

But murmured in their tents, [and] hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.

Mark 10:14

But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Numbers 14:1

¶ And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.