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Numbers 11:1

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¶ And [when] the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard [it]; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed [them that were] in the uttermost parts of the camp.

And when the people {H5971} complained {H596}, it displeased {H7451}{H241} the LORD {H3068}: and the LORD {H3068} heard {H8085} it; and his anger {H639} was kindled {H2734}; and the fire {H784} of the LORD {H3068} burnt {H1197} among them, and consumed {H398} them that were in the uttermost parts {H7097} of the camp {H4264}.

But the people began complaining about their hardships to ADONAI. When ADONAI heard it, his anger flared up, so that fire from ADONAI broke out against them and consumed the outskirts of the camp.

Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp.

And the people were as murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Jehovah: and when Jehovah heard it, his anger was kindled; and the fire of Jehovah burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp.

Commentary

Numbers 11:1 opens a significant account of Israel's persistent discontent during their wilderness wanderings, immediately following their departure from Mount Sinai. This verse sets the stage for a divine intervention prompted by the people's complaining, revealing the seriousness with which God views such attitudes.

Context of Numbers 11:1

After receiving the Law at Sinai and dedicating the Tabernacle, the Israelites began their journey toward the Promised Land. Despite witnessing countless miracles, including the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, and being miraculously fed with manna (Exodus 16:4), their hearts quickly turned to grumbling. This specific complaint, occurring early in their journey from Sinai, was a general dissatisfaction that led to immediate divine judgment. The place where this occurred was later named Taberah, meaning "burning," a memorial to God's fiery response.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Gravity of Complaining: This verse underscores that murmuring against God or His appointed leaders is not a minor offense. It is seen as a direct challenge to His sovereignty and provision. The Hebrew term for "complained" (אָנַן, 'anan) suggests a deep, resentful grumbling, indicating a lack of trust and gratitude.
  • God's Immediate Awareness and Response: The phrase "the LORD heard [it]; and his anger was kindled" emphasizes God's attentiveness to His people's hearts and His swift, righteous indignation against their unfaithfulness. God is not distant; He is intimately involved and responsive to their actions.
  • Divine Judgment: The "fire of the LORD" is a clear manifestation of divine judgment, consuming those in the "uttermost parts of the camp." This was a tangible, terrifying display of God's holiness and justice, serving as a stark warning against rebellion and ingratitude. It highlights that sin has real, immediate consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the people complained" translates a Hebrew verb that carries the nuance of deep-seated grumbling or murmuring. It's not just a casual grievance but an expression of profound discontent that often bordered on rebellion against God's plan and leadership. The "fire of the LORD" is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, signifying God's consuming presence and often His judgment (e.g., Leviticus 10:2, where fire consumed Nadab and Abihu).

Practical Application

Numbers 11:1 serves as a timeless warning for believers. It reminds us that:

  • Gratitude is Essential: Instead of complaining, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, trusting in God's good plan and provision, even amidst difficulties. As Philippians 2:14 encourages, we should "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Our complaints often stem from a lack of trust in God's wisdom and goodness. This verse calls us to surrender our anxieties and trust that God is always working for our good, even when circumstances are challenging.
  • Consequences of Discontent: While God's judgment may not always manifest as literal fire today, persistent grumbling and lack of faith can lead to spiritual barrenness and hinder our walk with God.
This narrative encourages us to examine our own hearts for attitudes of discontent and to instead embrace a posture of faith and thankfulness.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Numbers 21:5 (8 votes)

    And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

  • Numbers 16:35 (7 votes)

    ¶ And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

  • 2 Kings 1:12 (7 votes)

    And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I [be] a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

  • Exodus 16:9 (5 votes)

    And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

  • Deuteronomy 9:22 (5 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 10:2 (5 votes)

    And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

  • Exodus 17:2 (4 votes)

    Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?