Numbers 11 Commentary

Numbers 11 Commentary

Chapter 11 records events at Camp Taberah and Camp Kibroth Hattaavah.

At Teberah, the fire of the LORD consumes some sections of the Camp. Interestingly, it’s the same fire that couldn’t consume the bush! It is the same fire that provided protection for Israel!

The LORD God was among His people as a consuming fire; consuming sinful elements while refining valuable souls!

The behavior of fire here draws us to thoughts about the different sacrifices we encountered in Leviticus’s opening chapters. The Burnt Offering drew positives as we can think of the pleasing aroma that went up to the LORD God.

The Sin Offering was burned outside the camp. Fire functioned as the destroyer of the sinful animal. Of course, the animal became sinful when a man transferred his sins to it through the laying of hands.

There should be something sinful at Teberah to attract fire. Complaining. Yes, complaining.

What should believers do when they encounter hardships?

To tell people not to complain is both simplistic and unrealistic. It may also sound contradictory as we see Moses complain about the huge burden of leadership. What is the difference between the two sets of complaints?

Moses’ complaint is a recognition of his insufficiency and the plea to the LORD for more capacity. His prayer is answered.

The people’s complaint is nothing but doubt and ungratefulness. And the fact that the LORD hears about it means it wasn’t communication that was initially intended for the LORD God. It’s the kind that underlines phrases like “poor planning” or “lack of care”. Mortals cannot attribute any of these to the Immortal God! Not after everything they have seen and physically experienced!

There is a big difference between prayer and complaining.

This book is about numbers. Israel’s numbers are reducing, in part, owing to the fire of the LORD against sinful Israel. The total is no longer 600,000 men! What sinful complaining can do! And how you wish the Fire worked in your favor!

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