Numbers 11:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:3 records the naming of a significant location in the wilderness, Taberah, a name directly derived from the fiery judgment God unleashed upon the complaining Israelites. This verse encapsulates the immediate and severe divine response to the people's discontent, serving as a stark memorial of God's holiness and the serious consequences of rebellion and ingratitude during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 11:3 concludes the initial episode of widespread complaint among the Israelites after their departure from Mount Sinai. The preceding verses, [Numbers 11:1-2](/numbers/11-1-2 "Numbers 11:1-2 - The Fire of the LORD Consumes Complainers"), describe the people's murmuring, which "displeased the LORD." In response, "the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." Moses then intercedes on their behalf, and the fire is quenched. The naming of the place in verse 3, "Taberah" (meaning "burning"), serves as an etiological explanation, permanently linking the location to this divine act of judgment and its immediate cessation through Moses' prayer. This event sets a precedent for the recurring theme of Israelite rebellion and divine discipline throughout [the book of Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers - The Wilderness Journey").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a vast multitude, recently delivered from slavery in [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and having spent a year at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law and established the Tabernacle. They were under the direct, miraculous provision of God, including daily manna and the guiding pillar of cloud and fire ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Despite these profound demonstrations of divine presence and care, their journey was marked by frequent complaints about provisions, leadership, and circumstances. Naming places after significant events was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, serving as a mnemonic device and a permanent record of historical or divine intervention. "Taberah" thus became a perpetual reminder of God's swift justice against a rebellious spirit, intended to instruct future generations about the gravity of their actions and God's holy character.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings") and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Justice**. God's immediate and fiery response underscores His absolute purity and intolerance for sin, even from His chosen people. It demonstrates that His covenant relationship demands reverence and obedience, not presumption or ingratitude. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Discontent and Rebellion**. The Israelites' murmuring, though seemingly minor, was an expression of deep-seated distrust in God's provision and leadership, a sin that consistently invited divine discipline throughout their wilderness journey ([Numbers 14:27-35](/numbers/14-27-35 "Numbers 14:27-35 - God's Judgment on the Grumbling Generation")). Finally, the act of **Naming as a Memorial** is crucial. By naming the place "Taberah," God ensured that this event would be perpetually remembered, serving as a warning against the spiritual dangers of a complaining spirit and a testament to the seriousness of disrespecting divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Taberah (Hebrew, _Tabʻêrâh'_):** This proper noun, the name given to the place, is derived directly from the Hebrew verb root בָּעַר (_bâʻar_), meaning "to kindle" or "consume (by fire)." The name itself, therefore, means "Burning" or "Place of Burning," serving as a permanent linguistic memorial to the fiery judgment that occurred there. This direct etymological link reinforces the purpose of the naming—to commemorate the specific event of divine fire.
* **fire of the LORD (Hebrew, _ʼêsh Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The phrase "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_) combined with "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is significant. It explicitly attributes the origin of the fire to God Himself, distinguishing it from a natural occurrence or an accidental blaze. This "fire" is a manifestation of divine judgment, often associated with God's presence and holiness in the Old Testament, as seen at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God Descends in Fire") or in the judgment of Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:2](/leviticus/10-2 "Leviticus 10:2 - Nadab and Abihu Consumed by Fire")).
* **burnt (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This verb (H1197, _bâʻar_), a form of the same root as "Taberah," describes the action of the fire. Its repetition within the verse ("Taberah...because the fire of the LORD burnt") creates a strong verbal and thematic connection between the name of the place and the event it commemorates. It emphasizes the consuming nature of God's judgment and the direct, immediate consequence of the Israelites' sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called the name of the place Taberah":** The indefinite "he" implicitly refers to Moses, who, as the leader and intercessor, would have been responsible for such an official naming. This act of naming is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, establishing a lasting memorial and a warning for future generations. The name "Taberah" itself is a direct consequence of the divine action, solidifying the memory of the event.
* **"because the fire of the LORD burnt among them":** This clause provides the explicit reason for the naming. It clarifies that the fire was not an accident but a direct, punitive act from God (the "fire of the LORD"). The phrase "burnt among them" indicates that the judgment was precise, affecting "the uttermost parts of the camp" ([Numbers 11:1](/numbers/11-1 "Numbers 11:1 - The Fire of the LORD Consumes Complainers")), targeting the source of the murmuring and demonstrating God's immediate response to their sin.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 11:3 primarily employs **Etiology**, which is the explanation of the origin of a name, custom, or phenomenon. Here, the verse explains why the place was named "Taberah," directly linking it to the divine fire that "burnt among them." This etiological naming serves as a permanent **Memorial**, ensuring that the event and its theological implications (God's judgment on complaining) would not be forgotten. The use of **Repetition** of the root *bâʻar* (in "Taberah" and "burnt") reinforces the central theme of fire and judgment, creating a strong verbal echo that ties the place to its purpose. Furthermore, the "fire of the LORD" functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's holy wrath and consuming judgment against sin, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament that underscores His unapproachable purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 11:3 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding holiness and His active response to human sin, even among His chosen people. The swift, fiery judgment at Taberah underscores that God is not indifferent to the attitudes and actions of His covenant community. Their murmuring was not just a minor inconvenience but a profound expression of distrust and rebellion against the One who had miraculously delivered and sustained them. This event serves as a powerful reminder that while God is gracious and merciful, He is also just and righteous, demanding reverence and obedience. It highlights the serious spiritual danger of a complaining spirit, which ultimately stems from a lack of faith in God's sovereign care and provision.

* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Judgment")
* [1 Corinthians 10:6-11](/1_corinthians/10-6-11 "1 Corinthians 10:6-11 - Warnings from Israel's History")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Taberah in Numbers 11:3 offers a sobering yet vital lesson for believers today. It calls us to a profound self-examination of our own hearts and attitudes. In a world that often encourages discontent and complaint, this verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for God's unfailing provision and sovereign care, even amidst trials and difficulties. Our murmuring, like that of the Israelites, can betray a deeper lack of trust in God's goodness and wisdom, effectively questioning His leadership in our lives. Taberah reminds us that God takes our attitudes seriously; He desires a people who walk in faith, contentment, and reverence, rather than a spirit of grumbling that undermines His glory. It encourages us to approach God with humility and awe, remembering His holiness and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, knowing that true spiritual health is found in joyful submission to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to complain or murmur, rather than express gratitude?**
* **How does a spirit of discontent reveal a lack of trust in God's provision or plan for my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more grateful and contented heart, even in challenging circumstances?**
* **How does the swift judgment at Taberah inform my understanding of God's holiness and His expectations for His people?**

### FAQ
**Who called the name of the place Taberah?**

Answer: While the verse states "he called the name," the immediate context ([Numbers 11:2](/numbers/11-2 "Numbers 11:2 - Moses Intercedes")) implies that Moses, as the leader and intercessor, was the one who named the place. It was a communal act of remembrance, likely initiated or directed by Moses, to commemorate the divine judgment that occurred there and serve as a perpetual warning.

**Why did the fire of the LORD burn among them?**

Answer: The fire of the LORD burned among the Israelites as a direct divine judgment for their complaining and murmuring. [Numbers 11:1](/numbers/11-1 "Numbers 11:1 - The Israelites Complain") explicitly states, "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled." Their discontent was a manifestation of rebellion against God's provision and leadership, prompting His immediate and severe response to their lack of faith and ingratitude.

**What does the name "Taberah" mean?**

Answer: The name "Taberah" (Hebrew: תַּבְעֵרָה, *Tabʻêrâ*) is derived from the Hebrew root *bâʻar*, which means "to burn" or "to consume." Therefore, "Taberah" literally means "Burning" or "Place of Burning," serving as a direct and permanent memorial to the fiery judgment God unleashed upon the complaining Israelites as a consequence of their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fiery judgment at Taberah, while a stark display of God's holiness and wrath against sin, ultimately points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of divine justice and mercy found in Jesus Christ. The "fire of the LORD" that "burnt among them" foreshadows the consuming wrath of God against sin, a wrath that humanity, in its rebellious state, justly deserves. Yet, in the person of Christ, we see God's perfect solution. The Lamb of God, [Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly bore the full brunt of God's righteous judgment on the cross, becoming a propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). He was "burnt" by divine wrath so that we, who are prone to the same grumbling and rebellion as the Israelites, might be spared. Furthermore, Moses' intercession at Taberah, which quenched the fire, serves as a type of Christ's perfect and eternal intercession for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our High Priest")). Through Christ, the consuming fire of judgment is transformed for believers into the refining fire of the Holy Spirit, purifying us and empowering us to live lives of gratitude and contentment, rather than murmuring and rebellion ([Galatians 5:16-25](/galatians/5-16-25 "Galatians 5:16-25 - Walk by the Spirit")). Thus, Taberah, a place of judgment, ultimately directs our gaze to the cross, where God's justice and love perfectly converge, offering salvation and transformation to all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Deuteronomy 9:22

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