Numbers 11b Commentary
Trouble begins. We can call it the complaints chapter. Again, we see just how displeased the LORD is with complaining. Strangely, many of our prayers today fall in this category. For the most part, complaining is a manifestation of doubt and ingratitude.
The LORD reacts by sending a fire, but Moses’ intercession saves the day again.
The meat, the onions, the garlic…it’s another day at the office. They are discussing the good old days in Egypt. No wonder the LORD is upset!
All the festivals, including the Passover, were meant to afford them good memories of the generosity of the LORD. But who cares about it anymore!
The mention of foreigners rings a bell. As pagans talk about holiday outings, trending fashions, houses, and the good cars on the market, the temptation to start our own war with the LORD God begins to take shape. We are being envious of the wicked and the life we left behind. God forbid!
Moses has his own complaint but it is a prayer to the LORD God. What a difference it makes! The LORD responds in a very strange way. Moses doesn’t die (the request he makes) and the LORD doesn’t eliminate the troubles. Instead, the LORD God provides means to cope with the troubles. My grace is sufficient for you. We guess these words are whispered to Moses!
These lines teach us to understand that while the elimination of troubles is the quickest and preferred solution for humans, the LORD God doesn’t always endorse it. It is a harsh reality! In many cases, the LORD God simply provides more grace to cope with the problem.
So seventy leaders are selected from amongst the people to help carry the burden of governance. They receive the anointing for leadership without any of the rituals that you would expect – a dove here, blood there, or oil ruining down on one’s head. Even in these times, there is enough demonstration of the LORD’s eagerness to do things without rituals.
Moses has valid concerns which the LORD duly attends to. It is an encouragement that we can go to the LORD God when stuck or when human effort hits a limit. Six thousand hungry and consequently angry men isn’t a joke.
Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ Verse 13.
Moses’ question here isn’t meant to reflect his doubt in the power of the LORD God. But as one would expect, Moses draws the LORD’s attention to the fact that he is unable to provide a solution. The LORD’s response is more like, “Worry not Moses, I’m on top of things. I will not fail like you.” It’s a line that brings out a hidden admission that Moses’ task is beyond him.
Moses’ statement does show us the extent of the task. Prayer is easier when you begin by admitting your inadequacy.
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