Numbers 11:33

And while the flesh [was] yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

And while the flesh {H1320} was yet {H2962} between their teeth {H8127}, ere it was chewed {H3772}, the wrath {H639} of the LORD {H3068} was kindled {H2734} against the people {H5971}, and the LORD {H3068} smote {H5221} the people {H5971} with a very {H3966} great {H7227} plague {H4347}.

But while the meat was still in their mouth, before they had chewed it up, the anger of ADONAI flared up against the people, and ADONAI struck the people with a terrible plague.

But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.

While the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the anger of Jehovah was kindled against the people, and Jehovah smote the people with a very great plague.

Commentary

Context

Numbers 11:33 finds the Israelites in the wilderness, shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. Despite God's consistent provision of manna, they grew weary of this heavenly bread and began to complain bitterly, craving meat. This discontent stemmed from a deep-seated lack of faith and gratitude, fueled by a "mixed multitude" among them (Numbers 11:4). In response to their persistent grumbling and an ungodly desire, the LORD promised to give them meat for a whole month, but it came with a severe warning. He sent an immense flock of quail, covering the camp, allowing the people to gather vast quantities. This verse describes the swift and terrifying consequence of their rebellion, even as they were consuming the very thing they had lusted after.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wrath and Immediate Judgment: The most striking aspect of this verse is the swiftness of God's judgment. The phrase "while the flesh was yet between their teeth" emphasizes the immediacy and severity of the LORD's anger against their profound ingratitude and rebellious craving. This was not a delayed consequence but an instantaneous display of divine displeasure.
  • Consequences of Ungodly Lust and Complaining: The Israelites' insatiable desire for meat, beyond what God had provided, led them into a direct confrontation with His holiness. Their complaining was not merely a minor annoyance but a profound rejection of God's goodness and sufficiency. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of covetousness and a murmuring spirit.
  • God's Holiness and Justice: This event underscores that God is not to be trifled with. While He is merciful and patient, there are limits to His tolerance for persistent rebellion and unholy desires. His justice is swift and decisive when His people continually provoke Him.
  • The Peril of Receiving What You Want: Sometimes, God gives people what their hearts desire, not as a blessing, but as a judgment. In this case, the quail became a curse because their desire for it was rooted in rebellion and dissatisfaction with God's perfect provision.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "lusted a lust" from Numbers 11:4 (Hebrew: ta'avah - ืชึทึผืึฒื•ึธื”) sets the stage for this verse. Ta'avah signifies an intense craving or longing, often with a negative connotation of inordinate or sinful desire. The term "plague" (Hebrew: maggephah - ืžึทื’ึตึผืคึธื”) used here refers to a divine visitation of disease or calamity, indicating that the affliction was a direct act of God's judgment, not a natural occurrence.

Practical Application

Numbers 11:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Cultivate Contentment: This passage powerfully reminds us to be content with what God provides, rather than constantly craving more or different things. True contentment comes from trusting in God's wisdom and goodness, as encouraged in Philippians 4:11-13.
  • Guard Against Grumbling: Complaining and murmuring are serious offenses to God, as they betray a lack of faith and gratitude. We are called to do all things without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14).
  • Examine Our Desires: We must regularly examine the desires of our hearts. Are they aligned with God's will, or are they selfish cravings that lead to sin and potential judgment, as warned in James 1:15?
  • Respect God's Holiness: God's patience is immense, but it is not infinite. This verse serves as a sober reminder of His holiness and justice, urging us to walk in reverence and obedience.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:30 (6 votes)

    They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat [was] yet in their mouths,

  • Psalms 78:31 (6 votes)

    The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen [men] of Israel.

  • Psalms 106:14 (5 votes)

    But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

  • Psalms 106:15 (5 votes)

    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

  • Numbers 16:49 (2 votes)

    Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

  • Numbers 25:9 (2 votes)

    And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

  • Deuteronomy 28:27 (1 votes)

    The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.