Numbers 11:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, they were eager to return to Egypt, even though they had pledged to Moses, “All that you say ... We will do and obey” (Exodus 24:7).

Habits are quite powerful, capable of leading the soul astray, particularly when influenced by pleasure, while the virtues we aspire to require significant effort from us. Consequently, when the descendants of the Israelites were to shed their old sinful habits, represented by their Egyptian past, God guided them into the wilderness, distancing them from corrupting influences to heal their souls in what served as a spiritual retreat, employing various methods of restoration, both challenging and enjoyable, leaving nothing that might aid their healing unattended. Nevertheless, they continued to give in to vice, for when they received the manna, they craved the leeks and garlic, as well as the detestable foods of Egypt. Such depravity becomes a pattern. The Israelites, who received extraordinary care from God and were led by a remarkable and courageous leader, who were disciplined through fear, threats, favors, corrective measures, and punishments, witnessing countless miracles, did not improve. Therefore, how can you expect your child to escape the snares of the devil, being young and dwelling among Egypt, or more accurately, among forces of evil, with no wise guidance in sight, observing all—including their own parents and teachers—leading them astray?

Far more deserving of condemnation, and indeed even graver, is the affection for wrongdoing, alongside the capacity to partake of divine gifts without obstruction. Such individuals impulsively chase after temporary pleasures and indulge in unclean desires. Choosing evil over the good is a clear affront to the highest and salvific truths, while favoring heavenly matters over earthly ones, even when the latter offer the most egregious offenses, reflects a profoundly misguided mindset. The prophet Isaiah aptly expresses sorrow concerning individuals of this nature, proclaiming: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who regard darkness as light and light as darkness, who regard bitter as sweet and sweet as bitter!" (Is. 5:20). This describes the grievous transgressions that the Israelites committed, which we will examine further. For immediately following the natural consequences of their grumbling, they grew consumed with desires for the most disgraceful acts: belittling God's provisions and perverting themselves over the blessings from heaven provoked the Judge to justly became angry with them, as is written.

Observe how Israel was trivial and unpredictable, showing little capability of uplifting others; instead, they were burdened by weakness and focused solely on their own concerns. The mixed multitude was plagued by irrational and vile cravings, and those who should have reproached them and encouraged them toward more righteous thoughts were afflicted even more severely than they were.

As their forebears criticized the gift of manna, audaciously claiming, "Our soul is withered away; there is nothing at all besides this manna" (Num. 11:6), they again spurn the True Bread, unashamedly asserting, "This is a hard saying" (John 6:60).

When we indulge in a meal and reach satiety, we may cast it aside for a more appealing desire; likewise, if we find satisfaction with one meal, we might again forsake it for the next. Thus, if we surrender to the desire for comfort through indulgence in food, we shall never truly be fulfilled. Consider the manna, which was a precious sustenance. When the Israelites, having tasted it, felt full and satisfied, they ironically yearned for the lesser things—garlic and leeks (Num. 11:5). This illustrates that being filled leads to a longing for more. Therefore, if we are content with bread yet still yearn for other things, we will not find true fulfillment in our meals. It is prudent to remain hungry occasionally so that we may cultivate a righteous heart and avoid the pitfalls of excessive desire. Some among us, perhaps those less disciplined in fasting, might question whether eating food is sinful. We caution against it, not as a matter of sin, but due to its potential repercussions. The Israelites did not sin merely by what they craved but by their complaint against God stemming from those desires, leading them into rebellion with questions like, "Can God truly provide for us in this wilderness?" When He did provide, many of their strongest fell victim to His wrath (Psalms 77:19,21-23), as they noted their survival while still longing for other provisions, risking bitter complaints against the Most High that could lead to their ruin. Mastering insatiable desire is challenging, as it can become a false deity to those who succumb to it, and pursuing its whims leads one away from innocence.