Numbers 11:3

And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.

And he called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the {H1931} place {H4725} Taberah {H8404}: because the fire {H784} of the LORD {H3068} burnt {H1197} among them.

That place was called Tav'erah [burning] because ADONAI's fire broke out against them.

So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them.

And the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of Jehovah burnt among them.

Commentary

Numbers 11:3 KJV marks a significant event in the Israelites' wilderness journey, naming a place in remembrance of divine judgment.

Context

This verse immediately follows the opening of Numbers chapter 11, where the Israelites are described as complaining "as it were, displeased the LORD" (Numbers 11:1). Having recently left Egypt and journeying through the wilderness, they were still under God's miraculous provision of manna and constant guidance. However, their discontent and murmuring against the LORD led to an immediate and severe consequence: a fire from the LORD consumed some of the outer parts of the camp. This act of divine discipline established the name of the place.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The most prominent theme is God's swift and fiery judgment against the Israelites' complaining. This demonstrates His holiness and His intolerance for rebellion and ingratitude, even from His chosen people.
  • Consequences of Discontent: The naming of Taberah serves as a stark reminder of the serious repercussions of murmuring and dissatisfaction with God's provision and leadership. It highlights the spiritual danger of a complaining spirit.
  • Naming as a Memorial: The act of naming the place "Taberah" ensured that this event would be remembered by future generations as a warning against disrespecting God.

Linguistic Insights

The name Taberah (Hebrew: ืชึทึผื‘ึฐืขึตืจึธื”, Taแธ‡สฟฤ“rฤh) is derived from the Hebrew root ba'ar (ื‘ึธึผืขึทืจ), which means "to burn," "to consume," or "to kindle." Therefore, the place was named "Burning" or "Place of Burning" to explicitly commemorate the fire that consumed parts of the camp, as the verse clearly states: "because the fire of the LORD burnt among them." This linguistic connection directly ties the name to the event.

Related Scriptures

  • The theme of God's judgment by fire for disobedience is seen elsewhere, such as with Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:2, who were consumed by fire for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD.
  • The Israelites' pattern of complaining throughout their wilderness journey is a recurring motif, often leading to consequences, as also seen in Numbers 14:27, where God expresses His weariness with their grumbling.

Practical Application

Numbers 11:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Cultivate Gratitude: This verse serves as a powerful reminder to be thankful for God's provisions, even when circumstances are challenging. A spirit of gratitude counters the tendency to complain.
  • Beware of Discontent: The swift judgment at Taberah highlights the seriousness of discontent and murmuring against God. It encourages us to find contentment in Christ, as taught by Paul in Philippians 4:11.
  • Respect God's Holiness: God is not indifferent to our attitudes. This event underscores the importance of approaching Him with reverence and taking His commands and provisions seriously.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 9:22

    And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.