Numbers 11:4

KJV

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the mixt multitude {H628} that was among {H7130} them fell a lusting {H183}{H8378}: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} also wept {H1058} again {H7725}, and said {H559}, Who shall give us flesh {H1320} to eat {H398}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, the mixed crowd that was with them grew greedy for an easier life; while the people of Isra'el, for their part, also renewed their weeping and said, "If only we had meat to eat!

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?

American Standard Version

And the mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:4 marks a pivotal moment of spiritual regression in Israel's wilderness journey, revealing the profound vulnerability of a people recently delivered by God. Despite experiencing miraculous liberation from Egypt and daily divine provision of manna, a "mixt multitude" among them succumbed to carnal cravings for meat. This unholy desire rapidly infected the entire community of Israel, leading them to abandon gratitude, weep in lament, and question God's faithful sustenance, expressing a profound longing for the perceived comforts of their past, even if it meant a return to the bondage they had escaped. This verse stands as a stark biblical reminder of humanity's inherent propensity for discontent and the corrupting influence of worldly desires on spiritual well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 11:4 is strategically placed early in Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, immediately following the establishment of initial order and divine direction after their departure from Mount Sinai. The preceding verses [Numbers 11:1-3](/numbers/11-1-3 "Numbers 11:1-3 - The Fire at Taberah") describe an earlier, less severe instance of complaining, where "the people complained in the ears of the LORD," resulting in a consuming fire at Taberah. This earlier event sets a precedent for divine judgment against murmuring. Verse 4, however, introduces a new, more intense wave of discontent, specifically instigated by the "mixt multitude," whose craving for meat quickly spreads to the Israelites. This episode marks a significant turning point, shifting the narrative focus from the miraculous daily provision of manna to a profound spiritual dissatisfaction. It foreshadows the deeper, more widespread rebellion at Kadesh Barnea [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea") and highlights a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch: Israel's persistent unfaithfulness despite God's unwavering faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the vast, arid wilderness, a divinely ordained crucible for Israel's spiritual formation and their absolute dependence on Yahweh. They had recently departed Mount Sinai, where they had received the Mosaic Law and formally entered into a covenant relationship with God. The "mixt multitude" (Hebrew: _'asaphsuph_) refers to the diverse, non-Israelite group that joined the Exodus from Egypt [Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "Exodus 12:38 - The Mixed Multitude Joins the Exodus"). These individuals, likely drawn by the spectacle of God's power or seeking personal freedom, did not share Israel's covenant identity or spiritual grounding, making them particularly susceptible to the hardships of the wilderness and prone to worldly desires. Culturally, meat was a luxury, typically reserved for feasts, sacrifices, or special occasions, not daily sustenance. The Israelites' craving for "flesh" over the consistent, miraculous manna reveals a profound lack of trust in God's daily provision and a desire for immediate, tangible gratification over spiritual sustenance, mirroring the desires of the pagan nations around them. This longing for the "flesh pots" of Egypt, despite their former enslavement, underscores a spiritual amnesia and a preference for perceived material comfort over divinely ordained freedom and provision.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several crucial themes pertinent to the wilderness narrative and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the persistent **discontent and ungratitude** of the human heart, even in the face of overwhelming divine provision. Despite God's daily manna [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail") and water from the rock [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim"), the people quickly forgot His faithfulness, focusing instead on perceived deprivations. Secondly, the passage highlights **the danger of negative influence**, as the "mixt multitude" acts as a catalyst for widespread grumbling. Their carnal desires and lack of faith proved contagiously destructive, demonstrating how ungodly associations and worldly perspectives can corrupt the spiritual well-being of an entire community, a warning echoed in the New Testament against "bad company" that "corrupts good character" [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Character"). Thirdly, the "lusting" for flesh reveals the insidious nature of **carnal desires and a lack of spiritual contentment**. This craving for physical gratification, a longing for what God had not provided, superseded their spiritual journey and dependence on God, demonstrating a deeper spiritual problem of trusting in human appetite rather than divine wisdom. This struggle between fleshly desires and spiritual obedience is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, as seen in the warnings against "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" in [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mixt multitude (Hebrew, _'ăçpᵉçuph'_):** This unique Hebrew term (H628), appearing only here in the Old Testament, is derived by reduplication from a root meaning "to gather." It literally means "gathered up together" or "a promiscuous assemblage." It refers to the diverse, non-Israelite group that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt [Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "Exodus 12:38 - The Mixed Multitude Joins the Exodus"). The term carries a derogatory connotation, suggesting a motley, undisciplined, and perhaps opportunistic crowd. Their presence among the covenant people of God proved to be a source of spiritual contamination, as their worldly desires and lack of faith quickly influenced the chosen people, acting as a spiritual leaven.
* **Lusting (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** This noun (H8378), derived from the root _ʼâvâh_ (H183, "to wish for, covet"), denotes a "longing" or "desire." While _taʼăvâh_ can denote a neutral "desire" or "delight," in this context, it carries a strong negative connotation, signifying an unhealthy, covetous, or inordinate craving. It implies a desire that goes beyond legitimate need and becomes an obsessive, often sinful, longing for something not divinely given or permitted. This "lusting" for meat was not merely a preference but a deep, passionate craving that led to open rebellion against God's provision and plan. This same word is used elsewhere to describe the forbidden desires that lead to sin [Proverbs 10:3](/proverbs/10-3 "Proverbs 10:3 - The Lord Does Not Let the Righteous Go Hungry"), [Psalm 78:30](/psalms/78-30 "Psalm 78:30 - Israel's Craving and God's Judgment").
* **Wept (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This verb (H1058) means "to weep" or "to bemoan." In this context, the weeping of the Israelites is not an expression of repentance or sorrow for sin, but rather a lament born of dissatisfaction, self-pity, and ungratefulness. It signifies their profound spiritual distress and discontent, stemming from their unfulfilled carnal desires. The inclusion of the word "again" (H7725, _shûwb_, "to turn back, again") emphasizes a recurring pattern of this unholy lamentation throughout their wilderness journey, highlighting their spiritual immaturity and failure to trust God's perfect provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting:"** This clause identifies the primary instigators of the renewed discontent. The "mixt multitude," a group not bound by the same covenant relationship as Israel, initiated the craving for meat. Their desires were carnal and unspiritual, focused on earthly appetites rather than divine sustenance. The phrase "fell a lusting" indicates a sudden, overwhelming, and perhaps uncontrolled surge of desire that led to open expression of discontent, highlighting the contagious nature of ungodly desires.
* **"and the children of Israel also wept again,"** This phrase signifies that the "lusting" of the mixed multitude was contagious and quickly infected the entire Israelite community. The word "again" is crucial, indicating a return to their previous pattern of complaining and weeping, as seen earlier in the wilderness journey [Exodus 15:24](/exodus/15-24 "Exodus 15:24 - Israel Complains at Marah"), [Exodus 16:2](/exodus/16-2 "Exodus 16:2 - Israel Complains for Food"), [Exodus 17:3](/exodus/17-3 "Exodus 17:3 - Israel Complains for Water"). Their weeping was not an expression of repentance or sorrow for sin, but rather a lament born of dissatisfaction and ungratefulness, a clear sign of their spiritual immaturity and profound lack of faith in God's perfect provision.
* **"and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"** This rhetorical question encapsulates the depth of their spiritual amnesia and ingratitude. Despite God's miraculous provision of manna, which had sustained them daily, they questioned His ability or willingness to provide what they desired. This expresses a profound sense of deprivation and a longing for the past, specifically the "flesh pots" of Egypt, even though Egypt was a place of brutal slavery. It reveals a spiritual blindness that preferred the perceived comforts of bondage over the freedom and divine provision offered by God in the wilderness.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 11:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is vividly evident in the stark opposition between God's miraculous, daily provision of manna—a spiritual bread from heaven—and the people's carnal craving for "flesh." This highlights the fundamental tension between divine sustenance and human appetite, and between faith-filled contentment and worldly desire. **Irony** permeates the narrative, as a people miraculously delivered from brutal slavery in Egypt, where they had "flesh pots" but no freedom, now long for those very "flesh pots" in their newfound liberty, demonstrating a tragic spiritual preference for the perceived comforts of bondage over the challenging but blessed path of freedom with God. The "mixt multitude" functions as a crucial **catalyst**, initiating the spiritual decline and discontent that rapidly spreads to the entire nation, powerfully illustrating the pervasive and destructive power of negative influence within a community. Finally, the phrase "wept again" serves as a powerful form of **repetition** or **motif**, underscoring Israel's persistent pattern of murmuring, unfaithfulness, and spiritual amnesia throughout their wilderness journey, foreshadowing future acts of rebellion and God's subsequent judgments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 11:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human discontent, the dangers of unholy influences, and the testing of faith in the wilderness. It reveals humanity's intrinsic tendency to forget divine grace and to crave what is not given, often preferring perceived earthly comforts over spiritual blessings. This episode underscores that true satisfaction does not come from fulfilling every physical desire but from trusting in God's perfect provision and finding contentment in His sovereign will. The people's "lusting" for flesh, despite having manna, highlights a deeper spiritual hunger that only God can satisfy, a hunger often misdirected towards worldly gratifications. This event also serves as a potent warning against the spiritual contamination that can arise from association with those who do not share a genuine commitment to God's ways, demonstrating how easily a community can be led astray by carnal desires and a lack of faith.

* [Psalm 78:18-31](/psalms/78-18-31 "Psalm 78:18-31 - Israel's Discontent and God's Provision") - This psalm vividly describes Israel's testing of God in the wilderness by craving food, leading to God's judgment and the sending of quail.
* [1 Corinthians 10:6-10](/1_corinthians/10-6-10 "1 Corinthians 10:6-10 - Warnings from Israel's Example") - Paul uses Israel's wilderness experiences, including their craving for evil things and grumbling, as a solemn warning against similar sins for New Testament believers.
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Temptation and Sin") - This passage explains how lust (desire) gives birth to sin, and sin, when full-grown, brings forth death, directly connecting to the "lusting" described in Numbers 11:4.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 11:4 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating their own spiritual wildernesses. It challenges us to deeply examine the source of our discontent. Are we genuinely grateful for God's daily provisions, or are we constantly looking for something more, something "better" than what He has already abundantly given? The "mixt multitude" serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our associations and influences can have on our spiritual walk. Just as their carnal desires infected Israel, so too can ungodly influences or worldly perspectives subtly erode our faith, gratitude, and contentment. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude, to diligently guard our hearts against covetousness, and to discern carefully the voices and desires that seek to shape our outlook. True satisfaction is not found in the fleeting gratification of every earthly craving but in a deep, abiding trust in God's wisdom, His perfect provision, and His sovereign plan for our lives. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual nourishment and dependence on God over fleeting physical desires, understanding that God's way, though sometimes challenging, is always ultimately for our deepest good and eternal flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "flesh" am I currently craving that might be distracting me from God's daily provision and spiritual nourishment?**
* **Who or what constitutes the "mixt multitude" in my life, and how might their desires or perspectives be subtly influencing my spiritual contentment and trust in God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "weep again" in discontent or complaint, rather than expressing gratitude for God's consistent faithfulness?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and unwavering trust in God's provision, even when my immediate desires are not met or when circumstances are challenging?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "mixt multitude" and why were they significant?**

Answer: The "mixt multitude" (Hebrew: _'asaphsuph'_), identified by [H628](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - Mixt Multitude"), refers to a diverse group of non-Israelites who accompanied the children of Israel when they departed from Egypt [Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "Exodus 12:38 - The Mixed Multitude Joins the Exodus"). They were not part of the covenant people of God and likely joined the Exodus for various reasons, perhaps seeing an opportunity for freedom or being swept up in the general movement. Their significance in [Numbers 11:4](/numbers/11-4 "Numbers 11:4 - The Mixt Multitude Lusts") lies in their role as the instigators of discontent. Lacking the spiritual foundation and covenant relationship with Yahweh that Israel possessed, their carnal desires for "flesh" quickly spread, acting as a spiritual contagion that led the Israelites themselves to complain and long for the comforts of Egypt, despite God's miraculous provision of manna and their newfound freedom. They represent the danger of unholy alliances and influences within a community of faith.

**Why was craving meat considered "lusting" and a problem if meat isn't inherently bad?**

Answer: The problem was not the meat itself, but the nature of the desire and its context. The Hebrew word _ta'avah_ (H8378), translated "lusting," implies an inordinate, covetous, or unhealthy craving that went beyond legitimate need. God had provided manna, a miraculous and entirely sufficient daily sustenance. The people's craving for meat was a rejection of God's provision, a longing for the perceived luxuries of their past slavery in Egypt, and a demonstration of their profound lack of faith and gratitude. It revealed a deeper spiritual issue: their hearts were set on worldly gratification rather than trusting in God's wisdom and sufficiency. This "lusting" was a symptom of their spiritual rebellion and unfaithfulness, demonstrating a preference for carnal desires over spiritual dependence and contentment in God's perfect will.

**What is the significance of the phrase "wept again"?**

Answer: The word "again" (H7725, _shûwb_) is crucial because it indicates a recurring pattern of behavior. This was not the first time the Israelites had complained or wept in discontent during their wilderness journey; they had done so at Marah [Exodus 15:24](/exodus/15-24 "Exodus 15:24 - Israel Complains at Marah"), in the wilderness of Sin [Exodus 16:2](/exodus/16-2 "Exodus 16:2 - Israel Complains for Food"), and at Rephidim [Exodus 17:3](/exodus/17-3 "Exodus 17:3 - Israel Complains for Water"). The phrase "wept again" highlights their spiritual amnesia and persistent unfaithfulness. Despite repeated miraculous interventions and provisions from God, they quickly reverted to murmuring and lamenting their circumstances. It underscores their spiritual immaturity and their failure to learn from past experiences, setting a pattern of rebellion that would characterize much of their wilderness wandering and ultimately lead to severe consequences for their generation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 11:4, with its vivid depiction of Israel's carnal "lusting" for flesh and their rejection of God's daily provision of manna, powerfully foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual hunger and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Israelites craved temporary, physical gratification, failing to see the profound spiritual significance of the manna as "bread from heaven" [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - Manna from Heaven"). This longing for "flesh" points to humanity's inherent desire for satisfaction, a desire often tragically misdirected towards fleeting worldly pleasures and physical appetites. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the true "bread of life" [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the ultimate and eternal provision that satisfies all spiritual hunger and thirst. He contrasts Himself with the manna, stating that while their fathers ate manna in the wilderness and died, those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will have eternal life [John 6:49-51](/john/6-49-51 "John 6:49-51 - Jesus, the Living Bread"). The temporary satisfaction of meat could not sustain them eternally, just as worldly desires cannot ultimately satisfy the human soul. Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers not just physical sustenance but spiritual life, profound peace, and an enduring contentment that the world cannot provide. He is the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest cravings, offering Himself as the living bread that truly satisfies and leads to eternal life, unlike the fleeting and ultimately destructive desires that led to Israel's downfall in the wilderness.

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

1 Corinthians 10:6

¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Exodus 12:38

And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, [even] very much cattle.

Psalms 106:14

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

Nehemiah 13:3

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Psalms 78:18

And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.

Psalms 78:20

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.