Numbers 11:8

[And] the people went about, and gathered [it], and ground [it] in mills, or beat [it] in a mortar, and baked [it] in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

And the people {H5971} went about {H7751}, and gathered {H3950} it, and ground {H2912} it in mills {H7347}, or beat {H1743} it in a mortar {H4085}, and baked {H1310} it in pans {H6517}, and made {H6213} cakes {H5692} of it: and the taste {H2940} of it was as the taste {H2940} of fresh {H3955} oil {H8081}.

The people would go around gathering it and would grind it up in mills or pound it to paste with mortar and pestle. Then they would cook it in pots and make it into loaves that tasted like cakes baked with olive oil.

The people walked around and gathered it, ground it on a handmill or crushed it in a mortar, then boiled it in a cooking pot or shaped it into cakes. It tasted like pastry baked with fine oil.

The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

Commentary

Numbers 11:8 describes the practical interaction of the Israelite people with the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness. Following the description of the manna's appearance in the previous verse, this passage details how they gathered, processed, and prepared this unique sustenance, highlighting its versatility and pleasant taste.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. For forty years, God provided manna—a bread-like substance—to sustain them daily (Exodus 16:35). Numbers chapter 11 specifically addresses the people's growing discontent and complaints, as they tired of the manna and longed for the varied diet of Egypt. Despite their grumbling, this verse illustrates that the manna was not merely bland, but could be prepared in various ways, and had a desirable taste, described as "the taste of fresh oil." This detail emphasizes the consistent and thoughtful nature of God's provision, even amidst human dissatisfaction.

Key Themes

  • God's Daily Provision: The manna was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness, providing daily sustenance for a nation of millions in a desolate environment. It taught them dependence on Him for their very survival, a theme echoed in the concept of "daily bread" in the Lord's Prayer.
  • Versatility and Quality: Despite the complaints, the manna was highly adaptable. The ability to grind it, beat it, and bake it into cakes suggests it was not just a basic necessity but could be prepared to be palatable and satisfying. The comparison to "fresh oil" implies a rich, pleasant, and perhaps nourishing flavor.
  • Human Discontent vs. Divine Goodness: This verse subtly contrasts the goodness and sufficiency of God's provision with the Israelites' persistent grumbling and longing for what they left behind in Egypt. It serves as a reminder that even excellent provision can be met with dissatisfaction when hearts are not content.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the taste of fresh oil" (KJV) is significant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, oil, especially fresh oil, was highly valued for its richness, purity, and pleasantness, often associated with luxury and nourishment. This comparison elevates the manna's taste beyond mere blandness, suggesting a desirable and satisfying flavor. It wasn't just edible; it was enjoyable, further underscoring the graciousness of God's daily miracle.

Practical Application

Numbers 11:8 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Appreciate God's Sustenance: We are often quick to desire more or different things, much like the Israelites longed for Egypt's food. This verse challenges us to appreciate the daily provisions God gives us, recognizing His faithfulness in meeting our needs, even if they don't always match our wants.
  • Contentment in Simplicity: The Israelites learned to make the most of what God provided. We too can find contentment and even joy in simple blessings, learning to be resourceful with what we have rather than constantly seeking external gratification.
  • Beyond Physical Nourishment: While manna provided physical sustenance, its deeper purpose was to teach Israel to live "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 8:3). Similarly, our lives are sustained not just by physical food, but by spiritual nourishment from God's Word and His presence. The manna ultimately pointed to Christ, the true "Bread of Life" who provides eternal sustenance.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 16:31

    And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it [was] like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it [was] like wafers [made] with honey.

  • Exodus 16:16

    This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, [according to] the number of your persons; take ye every man for [them] which [are] in his tents.

  • Exodus 16:18

    And when they did mete [it] with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

  • John 6:27

    Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

  • John 6:33

    For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

  • John 6:58

    This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

  • Exodus 16:23

    And he said unto them, This [is that] which the LORD hath said, To morrow [is] the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake [that] which ye will bake [to day], and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
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