The rabble among them [who followed Israel from Egypt] had greedy desires [for familiar and delicious food], and the Israelites wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?”
Numbers 11:4 AMP
Have you ever wondered why the Israelites complained so much on their way to the promised land? They had seen God’s mighty works in Egypt, witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, and received manna from heaven. Yet, they were not satisfied. They had craving for meat and other delicacies they had enjoyed in their former slavery. The narrative of Number 11 reveals a timeless lesson for us to learn. In this post, we will examine the nature and consequences of their sin, and how we can avoid falling into the same trap.
The Bible tells us that the source of the Israelites’ craving was not from themselves. It was from a group of foreigners who had joined them when they left Egypt. These people are referred to as “the rabble” in Numbers 11:4 (NIV), which means “a disorderly crowd of troublemakers”. They did not share the Israelites’ faith in God or His promises. They only followed them for selfish reasons, such as escaping oppression or seeking material benefits. So, they influenced the Israelites to lust after the food they had left behind, and to despise the manna God had provided for them.
The Israelites’ craving for meat displeased God greatly. He heard their complaints and became angry with them. He also gave them what they asked for, but with a bitter consequence. God sent a wind that brought quails from the sea and let them fall around the camp. However, the people gathered the quails greedily. So, while the meat was still in their mouths, God struck them with a severe plague. Many of them died and were buried in a place called Kibroth Hattaavah, which means “graves of craving” (Numbers 11:31-34).
The Israelites’ sin of craving meat shows us the danger of being discontent with what God has given us, and of coveting what He has not. God knows what is best for us, and He provides for our needs according to His wisdom and love. However, dissatisfaction with His provision, is similar to questioning His goodness and sovereignty. We are also opening ourselves to the temptation of the devil, who wants to lure us away from God and His will. The apostle James writes in James 1:13-15:
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15 NIV
So, the Israelites’ sin of craving meat resulted in death for many of them. Their example should serve as a warning for us, to guard our hearts from evil desires. Likewise, we must be grateful for God’s grace and mercy.
Meanwhile, we can see that the root of this problem was because of the misfits among them. “The misfits among the people had a craving and soon they had the People of Israel whining” (MSG). Their unequal yoking brought this trouble on them. Therefore, to avoid falling into the same trap, we should be careful about who we listen to. who we befriend, and who we follow. The Bible warns us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, or to associate with those who do not love God or obey His commands. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15:
Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands?
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 MSG
Meanwhile, the Israelites were guilty of the sin of discontentment. Though the rabble might have developed this strange craving, it was the Israelites’ discontentment that resulted in their whining against God. Therefore, we must guard against this same sin, lest we bring judgement upon ourselves.
How can we avoid the sin of wrong craving, or any other sin that stems from discontentment and covetousness? The answer is to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God. We should thank Him for all that He has done for us, and for all that He has promised to do. We should remember His faithfulness and His power, and His love and His grace. Furthermore, we should seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, and trust that He will add everything else we need (Matthew 6:33).
The psalmist David expresses this attitude beautifully in Psalm 23:1-6:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV
In conclusion, the Israelites’ sin of craving meat teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of being content with what God has given us, and of avoiding the influence of those who do not share our faith. It also shows us the consequences of being discontent and covetous, and how they can lead to death. Finally, it points us to the remedy for this sin, which is to have a heart of gratitude and trust in God, who is our shepherd, our provider, and our protector. Let us follow Him with joy and obedience, and He will satisfy our souls with His goodness and love. Amen.
