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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 11:16–23. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here God's gracious answer to both the foregoing complaints, wherein his goodness takes occasion from man's badness to appear so much the more illustrious.
I.Provision is made for the redress of the grievances Moses complains of.
If he find the weight of government lie too heavy upon him, though he was a little too passionate in his remonstrance, yet he shall be eased, not by being discarded from the government himself, as he justly might have been if God had been extreme to mark what he said amiss, but by having assistants appointed him, who should be, as the apostle speaks (Co1 12:28), helps, governments (that is, helps in government), not at all to lesson or eclipse his honour, but to make the work more easy to him, and to bear the burden of the people with him. And that this provision might be both agreeable and really serviceable,
1.Moses is directed to nominate the persons, Num 11:16. The people were too hot and heady and tumultuous to be entrusted with the election; Moses must please himself in the choice, that he may not afterwards complain. The number he is to choose is seventy men, according to the number of the souls that went down into Egypt. He must choose such as he knew to be elders, that is, wise and experienced men. Those that had acquitted themselves best, as rulers of thousands and hundreds (Exo 18:25), purchase to themselves now this good degree. "Choose such as thou knowest to be elders indeed, and not in name only, officers that execute their office." We read of the same number of elders (Exo 24:1) that went up with Moses to Mount Sinai, but they were distinguished only for that occasion, these for a perpetuity; and, according to this constitution, the Sanhedrim, or great council of the Jews, which in after ages sat at Jerusalem, and was the highest court of judgment among them, consisted of seventy men. Our Saviour seems to have had an eye to it in the choice of seventy disciples, who were to be assistants to the apostles, Lu. 10.
2.God promises to qualify them. If they were not found fit for the employ, they should be made fit, else they might prove more a hindrance than a help to Moses, Num 11:17. Though Moses had talked too boldly with God, yet God does not therefore break off communion with him; he bears a great deal with us, and we must with one another: I will come down (said God) and talk with thee, when thou art more calm and composed; and I will take of the same spirit of wisdom, and piety, and courage, that is upon thee, and put it upon them. Not that Moses had the less of the Spirit for their sharing, nor that they were hereby made equal with him; Moses was still unequalled (Deu 34:10), but they were clothed with a spirit of government proportionable to their place, and with a spirit of prophecy to prove their divine call to it, the government being a Theocracy. Note,
(1.)Those whom God employs in any service he qualifies for it, and those that are not in some measure qualified cannot think themselves duly called.
(2.)All good qualifications are from God; every perfect gift is from the Father of lights.
II.Even the humour of the discontented people shall be gratified too, that every mouth may be stopped.
They are ordered to sanctify themselves (Num 11:18), that is, to put themselves into a posture to receive such a proof of God's power as should be a token both of mercy and judgment. Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel, Amo 4:12.
1.God promises (shall I say?) - he threatens rather, that they shall have their fill of flesh, that for a month together they shall not only be fed, but feasted, with flesh, besides their daily manna; and, if they have not a better government of their appetites than now it appears they have they shall be surfeited with it (Num 11:19, Num 11:20): You shall eat till it come out at your nostrils, and become loathsome to you. See here,
(1.)The vanity of all the delights of sense; they will cloy, but not satisfy: spiritual pleasures are the contrary. As the world passes away, so do the lusts of it, Jo1 2:17. What was greedily coveted in a little time comes to be nauseated.
(2.)What brutish sins (and worse than brutish) gluttony and drunkenness are; they put a force upon nature, and make that the sickness of the body which should be its health; they are sins that are their own punishments, and yet not the worst that attend them.
(3.)What a righteous thing it is with God to make that loathsome to men which they have inordinately lusted after. God could make them despise flesh as much as they had despised manna.
2.Moses objects the improbability of making good this word, Num 11:21, Num 11:22. It is an objection like that which the disciples made, Mar 8:4, Whence can a man satisfy these men? Some excuse Moses here, and construe what he says as only a modest enquiry which way the supply must be expected; but it savours too much of diffidence and distrust of God to be justified. He objects the number of the people, as if he that provided bread for them all could not, by the same unlimited power, provide flesh too. He reckons it must be the flesh either of beasts or fishes, because they are the most bulky animals, little thinking that the flesh of birds, little birds, should serve the purpose. God sees not as man sees, but his thoughts are above ours. He objects the greediness of the people's desires in that word, to suffice them. Note, Even true and great believers sometimes find it hard to trust God under the discouragements of second causes, and against hope to believe in hope. Moses himself could scarcely forbear saying, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? when this had become the common cry. No doubt this was his infirmity.
3.God gives a short but sufficient answer to the objection in that question, Has the Lord's hand waxed short? Num 11:23. If Moses had remembered the years of the right hand of the Most High, he would not have started all these difficulties; therefore God reminds him of them, intimating that this objection reflected upon the divine power, of which he himself had been so often, not only the witness, but the instrument. Had he forgotten what wonders the divine power had wrought for that people, when it inflicted the plagues of Egypt, divided the sea, broached the rock, and rained bread from heaven? Had that power abated? Was God weaker than he used to be? Or was he tired with what he had done? Whatever our unbelieving hearts may suggest to the contrary, it is certain,
(1.)That God's hand is not short; his power cannot be restrained in the exerting of itself by any thing but his own will; with him nothing is impossible. That hand is not short which measures the waters, metes out the heavens (Isa 40:12), and grasps the winds, Pro 30:4.
(2.)That it has not waxed short. He is as strong as ever he was, fainteth not, neither is weary. And this is sufficient to silence all our distrusts when means fail us, Is any thing too hard for the Lord? God here brings Moses to this first principle, sets him back in his lesson, to learn the ancient name of God, The Lord God Almighty, and puts the proof upon the issue: Thou shalt see whether my word shall come to pass or not. This magnifies God's word above all his name, that his works never come short of it. If he speaks, it is done.
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Summary
Numbers 11:22 encapsulates Moses' profound human bewilderment and doubt in the face of God's audacious promise to provide an unimaginable quantity of meat for the entire Israelite multitude in the barren wilderness for a full month. This verse dramatically showcases the chasm between human logic, which perceives scarcity and impossibility, and God's boundless omnipotence, setting the stage for a divine demonstration of supernatural provision that transcends all earthly limitations.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 11:22 is a critical turning point within a broader narrative of Israel's persistent grumbling and God's patient, yet firm, response to their ungratefulness. The chapter begins with the people's general complaining, which provokes the Lord's consuming fire (Numbers 11:1). This is quickly followed by the "rabble" and then the Israelites themselves expressing an intense craving for the diverse foods of Egypt, despising the manna God had miraculously provided daily (Numbers 11:4-6). This incessant complaining weighs heavily on Moses, who laments to God his overwhelming burden of leadership, feeling utterly incapable of bearing the weight of such a demanding people alone (Numbers 11:11-15). In response to their insatiable craving for meat, God makes an astonishing promise: He will give them meat for a whole month, not just a day or two, until they are utterly sated and disgusted by it (Numbers 11:18-20). It is this seemingly impossible divine pledge, defying all natural logic in the desert, that elicits Moses' astonished and doubtful question in verse 22.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites comprised an immense population, estimated to be over 600,000 men, in addition to women and children, suggesting a total of perhaps 2-3 million people, all journeying through the desolate Sinai wilderness (Numbers 1:46). Their nomadic existence precluded any agricultural base, and the desert environment offered minimal natural resources to sustain such a vast group. Their recent memory included slavery in Egypt, where they had enjoyed a varied diet including fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic, making the monotonous manna seem meager by comparison (Numbers 11:5). Moses' rhetorical question reflects the practical impossibility, from a human standpoint, of gathering enough livestock or fish to feed millions in such an environment. It draws upon the common understanding of resource limitations in the ancient world, where feeding a large army or population required immense logistical planning and resources, which were entirely absent in their current circumstances.
Key Themes
Numbers 11:22 powerfully underscores several pivotal theological and narrative themes. The primary tension presented is between human limitation and divine omnipotence. Moses, despite his intimate relationship with God and his direct experience of countless miracles (such as the parting of the Red Sea or the initial provision of manna and quail), momentarily falters, unable to reconcile God's promise with the stark physical realities of the desert. This highlights the theme of faith versus sight, where Moses' immediate human perspective is overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the need. The verse also implicitly touches on the burden of leadership, as Moses' weariness from the people's incessant complaints and his feeling of being overwhelmed contribute to his moment of doubt, illustrating the immense pressure on those tasked with guiding God's people. Ultimately, this moment of human doubt serves as a dramatic backdrop for the theme of God's abundant and often overwhelming provision, which consistently transcends human logic and expectation, as powerfully demonstrated by the subsequent supernatural sending of vast quantities of quail (Numbers 11:31).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (H1241) refers to "beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd." In Moses' question, "herds" signifies large domesticated animals, a primary source of meat. The inclusion of "herds" alongside "flocks" (sheep/goats) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the livestock being considered. Moses' rhetorical question implies that even if every single animal in every herd could be slaughtered, it would still be insufficient to meet the people's demand, highlighting the perceived impossibility of God's promise from a human logistical standpoint.
This verb (H7819) means "to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre); kill, offer." Moses' use of "slain" underscores the immense, unprecedented act of killing that would be required to provide meat for millions. It points to the physical, tangible nature of the provision being requested and the sheer scale of the effort that would be necessary if it were to be accomplished by human means. The word evokes a scene of massive, continuous butchery, further emphasizing the humanly impossible task.
This primitive root (H4672) means "properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; be able, be enough." The repeated use of "to suffice them" (KJV) in Moses' question emphasizes the sheer quantity of food required to meet the people's insatiable craving for a full month. Moses' rhetorical question implies that even an unimaginable slaughter of all available livestock and the gathering of all fish in the sea would not be found or acquired in sufficient quantity to "suffice" them, underscoring the human perception of inadequacy when faced with overwhelming need and setting up the dramatic contrast with God's supernatural sufficiency.
Verse Breakdown
"Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them?"
Moses opens with a rhetorical question, expressing his astonishment and profound doubt regarding God's promise. He first considers the most obvious source of meat – livestock. "Flocks and herds" collectively refer to all domestic animals (sheep, goats, cattle) that could provide meat. The idea of them being "slain" for the people implies a massive, continuous slaughter on an unprecedented scale. The concluding phrase "to suffice them" highlights the immense and seemingly unattainable quantity needed to satisfy millions for an entire month, suggesting that even this vast supply would be utterly inadequate from a human perspective.
"or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?"
Moses then extends his thought to include an even more improbable source of food in the desert: fish. This hyperbole ("all the fish of the sea") underscores the extreme nature of his skepticism and the perceived absurdity of the demand. The concept of "gathered together" all the fish implies an act of divine intervention on a scale that Moses, in his moment of human weakness and weariness, cannot conceive. Again, the phrase "to suffice them" emphasizes the insatiable nature of the people's craving and the seemingly insurmountable challenge of meeting it, even with the entirety of the world's aquatic life, reinforcing the human perception of impossibility.
Literary Devices
Numbers 11:22 is rich in Rhetorical Question, a device where a question is posed not to elicit an answer, but to make an assertion or to create a dramatic effect. Moses' questions are not genuine inquiries about God's capabilities, but rather expressions of his profound doubt, human incredulity, and exasperation. By posing them, he powerfully emphasizes the perceived impossibility of God's promise from a human perspective. The verse also employs Hyperbole, particularly in the phrase "all the fish of the sea," which is an exaggeration used for emphasis. Moses uses this extreme statement to underscore the overwhelming scale of the demand and the perceived inadequacy of all earthly resources to meet it. This hyperbole effectively highlights the vast chasm between human limitation and divine omnipotence. Furthermore, there is a subtle Irony at play; Moses, the very leader who has witnessed countless supernatural acts of provision, momentarily forgets God's limitless power, setting the stage for God to demonstrate His sufficiency in an even more spectacular and undeniable way.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Moses' question in Numbers 11:22 serves as a timeless illustration of the human tendency to limit God based on our finite understanding and resources. It highlights the fundamental theological truth that God's power and provision are not constrained by human logic, physical limitations, or the apparent scarcity of earthly means. Just as Moses struggled to comprehend how millions could be fed in a desert, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable from our vantage point, forgetting that God's capacity far exceeds our imagination. This moment of doubt, however, becomes a powerful backdrop for God to reveal His boundless nature, demonstrating that His resources are infinite and His promises are always fulfilled, regardless of how impossible they may seem to us. It is a profound lesson in trusting God's omnipotence over our own perceptions of impossibility, reminding us that no situation is too vast or complex for His divine hand.
Reflection and Application
Moses' incredulous question in Numbers 11:22 provides a profound mirror for our own faith journey. How often do we, like Moses, gaze upon the magnitude of a problem, the apparent scarcity of resources, or the sheer impossibility of a situation, and unconsciously limit God's ability to act? This verse challenges us to transcend a human-centric view of provision and possibility. It calls us to remember that the God who spoke the cosmos into existence, who sustains all life, and who has a consistent track record of miraculous intervention throughout history, is not bound by our economic models, our logistical constraints, or our limited imagination. When faced with overwhelming needs, whether personal, communal, or global, we are invited to shift our perspective from "How can I do this?" or "How can this be done?" to "How will God do this?" It is a call to radical trust in God's infinite capacity and unwavering faithfulness, even when His methods defy our understanding and His promises seem too grand to be true.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses, after witnessing so many miracles, still doubt God's ability to provide?
Moses' doubt, while seemingly contradictory to his extensive experiences with God's miraculous power, highlights the persistent struggle of human faith in the face of overwhelming circumstances and personal weariness. By this point in the wilderness journey, Moses had been leading a perpetually complaining and rebellious people for a significant period. The constant burden of their grievances, as vividly expressed in Numbers 11:11-15, had evidently taken a severe toll on him. His question was not necessarily a theological denial of God's omnipotence, but rather an outburst of human exasperation, a moment of profound weariness, and a failure of immediate practical imagination. He was looking at the problem through human eyes, considering the immense logistical challenge of feeding millions in a barren desert, rather than immediately recalling God's limitless power and past interventions. It serves as a poignant reminder that even the strongest leaders and most faithful servants can experience moments of human frailty and doubt.
What was God's response to Moses' question?
God's response to Moses' question was swift, direct, and profoundly reaffirming of His unlimited power. In Numbers 11:23, the Lord rhetorically asks Moses, "Is the Lord's hand waxed short? Now you shall see whether My word will come to pass for you or not." This question directly challenges Moses' implicit doubt, reminding him that God's power is never diminished or insufficient, regardless of the scale of the need. Immediately following this divine declaration, God supernaturally sent an immense quantity of quail, so vast that it covered the land for two days' journey around the camp, providing more than enough meat for the Israelites, just as He had promised (Numbers 11:31-32). This divine act unequivocally demonstrated God's ability to provide beyond all human comprehension or limitation, proving that His word is always sufficient.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Moses' incredulous question in Numbers 11:22, grappling with the physical impossibility of feeding millions in the desert, finds its ultimate answer and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The wilderness provision of manna and quail, though miraculous and life-sustaining, was temporary and pointed to a greater, eternal sustenance. Jesus, the true Bread of Life, declares that He is the one who gives eternal life, a provision far surpassing any physical food. Just as Moses questioned the sufficiency of earthly resources to satisfy physical hunger, humanity often questions how spiritual hunger can be truly satisfied, or how the immense debt of sin can be fully atoned for. Christ's coming demonstrates that God's "hand is not waxed short" (Numbers 11:23) when it comes to our deepest spiritual needs. He miraculously fed thousands with a few loaves and fish (John 6:11-13), a powerful echo of God's wilderness provision, showcasing His divine abundance over human scarcity. Ultimately, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate "suffice" for our sin and spiritual need, offering eternal life and reconciliation with God, a provision that no amount of human effort or earthly resource could ever gather or procure (John 3:16). In Him, all the fullness of God dwells, and from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace (Colossians 2:9-10; John 1:16).