Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
The burning at Taberah. (1–3)
The people lust for flesh, and loathe the (4–9)
manna.
Moses complains of his charge. (10–15)
Elders appointed to divide the charge. Flesh (16–23)
meat promised.
The Spirit rests on the elders. (24–30)
Quails are given. (31–35)Verses 1–3
Here is the people's sin; they complained. See the sinfulness of sin, which takes occasion from
the commandment to be provoking. The weakness of the law discovered sin, but could not destroy
it; checked, but could not conquer it. They complained. Those who are of a discontented spirit, will
always find something to quarrel or fret about, though the circumstances of their outward condition
be ever so favourable. The Lord heard it, though Moses did not. God knows the secret frettings and
murmurings of the heart, though concealed from men. What he noticed, he was much displeased
with, and he chastised them for this sin. The fire of their wrath against God burned in their minds;
justly did the fire of God's wrath fasten on their bodies; but God's judgments came on them gradually,
that they might take warning. It appeared that God delights not in punishing; when he begins, he
is soon prevailed with to let it fall.
Verses 4–9
Man, having forsaken his proper rest, feels uneasy and wretched, though prosperous. They were
weary of the provision God had made for them, although wholesome food and nourishing. It cost
no money or care, and the labour of gathering it was very little indeed; yet they talked of Egypt's
cheapness, and the fish they ate there freely; as if that cost them nothing, when they paid dearly
for it with hard service! While they lived on manna, they seemed exempt from the curse sin has
brought on man, that in the sweat of his face he should eat bread; yet they speak of it with scorn.
Peevish, discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it, but that it is too good
for them. Those who might be happy, often make themselves miserable by discontent. They could
not be satisfied unless they had flesh to eat. It is evidence of the dominion of the carnal mind, when
we want to have the delights and satisfaction of sense. We should not indulge in any desire which
we cannot in faith turn into prayer, as we cannot when we ask meat for our lust. What is lawful of
itself becomes evil, when God does not allot it to us, yet we desire it.