Numbers 11:1-15, Numbers 11:16-17, Numbers 11:31-33

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:9

And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night ,.... As it usually, and even constantly did: the manna fell upon it ; as constantly, and had thereby a clean place to fall on; and then another dew fell upon that, which kept it the cleaner still, and from any vermin creeping upon it; see Exodus 16:14 ; so careful was the Lord of this their provision, and so constantly every morning were they supplied with it: and which fell in the night when they were asleep, and at rest, and without... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:10

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families ,.... So general was their lusting after flesh, and their discontent for want of it; and so great their distress and uneasiness about it, that they wept and cried for it, and so loud and clamorous, that Moses heard the noise and outcry they made: every man in the door of his tent : openly and publicly, were not ashamed of their evil and unbecoming behaviour, and in order to excite and encourage the like temper and disposition in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:11

And Moses said unto the Lord, wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant ?.... Or "done evil" F13 הרעת "malefecisti", Pagninus, Montanus, Drusius. to him, that which was distressing to him, and gave him trouble; namely, setting him at the head of the people of Israel, and laying the government of them on his shoulders; which surely was doing him honour, though that is not to be expected without care and trouble; Moses does not seem to be in a good frame of spirit throughout the whole... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:12

Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them ?.... Conceived them as a mother, or begotten them as a father? am I a parent of either sort to them, in a literal sense, that I should have the like care of them as parents of their children? but though this was not the case, yet, in a civil and political sense, he was their parent, as every king and governor of a country is, or should be, the father of it, and should have a paternal affection for his subjects, and a tender care of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:13

Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people ?.... This seems to countenance the Israelites in their lusting after flesh, as if it was no evil in them, and as if it was but right they should have what they desired, though it was out of his power to give it them: for they weep unto me, saying, give us flesh, that we may eat ; he seems to pity them, whereas he ought to have reproved them for their murmurings and ingratitude, and put them in mind of the manna which was provided... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all this people alone ,.... The burden of government of them, to take care of them and provide sustenance for them; but he was not alone, for, not to take notice of the rulers and officers in the several divisions of the people that assisted and eased him in lighter matters, advised to by Jethro, Exodus 18:21 , the Lord himself was with him in all matters of moment and difficulty; to whom he could apply at any time for advice, and who had promised to supply and did... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 11:15

And if thou deal thus with me ,.... Let the whole weight of government lie upon me, and leave the alone to bear it: kill me, I pray thee, out of hand ; take me out of the world at once, or "kill me now, in killing" F14 הרגני נא הרג "occide me nunc occidendo", Drusius; "occide me jam, occide", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; dispatch me immediately, and make a thorough end of me directly: if I have found favour in thy sight ; if thou hast any love for me, or art... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:1

And when the people complained - What the cause of this complaining was, we know not. The conjecture of St. Jerome is probable; they complained because of the length of the way. But surely no people had ever less cause for murmuring; they had God among them, and miracles of goodness were continually wrought in their behalf. It displeased the Lord - For his extraordinary kindness was lost on such an ungrateful and rebellious people. And his anger was kindled - Divine justice was... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:2

The fire was quenched - Was sunk, or swallowed up, as in the margin. The plague, of whatever sort, ceased to act, and the people had respite. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 11:4

The mixed multitude - האספסף hasaphsuph , the collected or gathered people. Such as came out of Egypt with the Israelites; and are mentioned Exodus 12:38 . This mongrel people, who had comparatively little of the knowledge of God, feeling the difficulties and fatigues of the journey, were the first to complain; and then we find the children of Israel joined them in their complainings, and made a common cause with these demi-infidels. read more

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