Numbers 11:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The flesh was still between their teeth when they started to perish. The Psalm declares, There was yet food in their mouths when the wrath of God came upon them, and killed a great many of them, and cast down the elect of Israel (Psalm 77:30, 31).

When they assembled and captured a vast number of birds, and consumed the flesh for an entire month, a severe illness eventually struck them. As the prophet declared, "for this cause the underworld expanded and opened its mouth without measure" (Isaiah 5:14). It was noted that "the meat... was yet in their teeth, and was not yet eaten, when the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great pestilence. And they called the name of this place Kibroth-Hattaavah, for there they buried the ingrates." Despite lacking nothing, and having the heavenly manna provided for sustenance, they longed for meat and onions, even mentioning cucumbers, melons, leeks, and garlic. Consequently, having indulged in these desires, they faced swift demise.

The individuals in the desert were worthy of rebuke, not for their longing for meat, but for their complaints against the Lord born from their cravings.

In response to the impatience of some, the Lord God, in His anger, provided what they sought, contrasting with His decision to deny the apostle out of compassion. The accounts indicate how the Israelites petitioned for and received their desires, yet their fulfillment was followed by severe consequences for their impatience.

In granting the very wishes of the people, God imparts a profound lesson about the nature of their desires. He sends a vast number of birds that swarm across the land, descending in clouds and flocks upon the army. The ease of capturing these birds satisfies their craving for flesh, yet their excessive indulgence leads to a transformation of their bodily substances into harmful toxins, culminating in illness and death. This poignant example served as a powerful admonition for both them and those who witnessed the events, imparting wisdom to the people.

The flesh remained between their teeth, still uneaten, and the Lord's anger was kindled against the people for their inability to control their desires. As David remarked, they spoke deceitfully, questioning, "Wherefore smiteth the rock, and the waters flowed: food and bread can ye give?" (Psalm 77:20). They were subjected to trials, as noted in Numbers 14:22. First, those who traversed the Red Sea bore intense bitterness (Psalm 105:7, 14, 16, 19, 24, 28, 32, 35-37). Secondly, they tested God in the barren land. Thirdly, they provoked Moses in the camp. Fourthly, they created an idol at Horeb and worshiped it. Fifthly, they ravaged the promised land. Sixthly, they engaged in idolatry with Beelzebub. Seventhly, they stirred up God’s wrath at the waters of strife. Eighthly, they mingled with the nations, which led them into temptation. Ninthly, they consumed their own children along with the offspring of wickedness. Lastly, they caused distress to God through their actions.

However, once they had gorged themselves to the point of excess, they were struck by a severe plague. 'For God was angry,' it is written, 'with the people, and their gluttony led to a profound affliction.'