The Israelites were tired of being vegetarians. Or manna-tarians. It was all-manna, all the time. Manna tasted like a pastry made with the finest oil—it was delicious. At least the first time. But anything could get tiresome. Yet the people did not simply wish for variety. They let their hearts become rebellious. They cried out:
“Who will give us meat? We remember the fish we ate in Egypt, and the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone. There’s nothing to look at but this manna!” Numbers 11:4-6.
The people were so ungrateful they angered God. So God told Moses he would send meat: “You will eat not for one day, or for two days, or five days, or 10 days, or 20 days, but for a whole month—until it comes out your nostrils and becomes nauseating to you—because you have rejected the Lord, and cried ‘Why did we ever leave Egypt’” 11:19-20.
But Moses had a question. “I’m in the middle of 600,000 foot soldiers … all the fish in the sea could not provide enough meat.” Yet God sent quail into camp until they were piled 3 feet deep. The people gathered quail for three days, “and the one who took the least gathered 50 bushels” 11:32. Why gather so much? Because they did not trust God to provide all month long. So without meat, they were rebellious and angry, then when meat arrived, they hoarded the meat rather than trust God to provide.
So God sent a PLAGUE. “While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the Lord’s anger burned and He struck them with a severe plague” 11:33.
God, never let us forget your GOODNESS. When we are satisfied, make us grateful. When we are not, help us trust you. Teach us Paul’s secret: “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether having abundance or suffering need: I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me” Philippians 4:12-13.
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