What does Numbers 11:6 Mean?

Study Notes

manna
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Manna, type of Christ as the "bread of life," come down from heaven to die "for the life of the world." John 6:35 ; John 6:48-51 . A "small" thing Exodus 16:14 having but the taste of "fresh oil." Numbers 11:8 or "wafers with honey" Exodus 16:31 , it typifies Christ in humiliation as presented in Matthew, Mark, and Luke; "having no form nor comeliness;. .. no beauty that we should desire him" Isaiah 53:2 . But as such He must be received by faith if we would be saved John 6:53-58 . To meditate upon Christ as He went about among men, doing not His own will but the will of the Father John 6:38-40 is to feed on the manna. This is, of necessity, the spiritual food of young believers, and answers to "milk" 1 Corinthians 3:1 ; 1 Corinthians 3:2 .

But Christ in glory, and the believer's present and eternal association with Him there, answers to "the old corn of the land" Joshua 5:11 the "meat" of Hebrews 5:13 ; Hebrews 5:14 or Christ as presented in the Epistles of Paul. (Cf) 2 Corinthians 5:16 .

Context Summary

We cannot wonder at the people's murmuring. They were unaccustomed to the fatigues of the desert, and had not realized the length of the journey. Let us beware of querulous complaints. See 1 Corinthians 10:10. Let us also guard against familiarity with those who have never known God's regenerating grace. "The mixed multitude" was largely composed of Egyptians, whose evil example spread to the chosen people, Exodus 12:38. When our religious life is low, we tire of angels' food, and our hearts turn back to the world we have left.

Moses' outcry is hardly to be wondered at. He was thoroughly overstrained by the immense demands of his life. But he ought not to have spoken as though the entire weight of the pilgrimage rested on him. His Almighty Friend was bearing and carrying them during "all the days of old." See Isaiah 63:9. We must never look at our responsibilities apart from Him who makes all grace abound, 2 Corinthians 9:8. [source]

Chapter Summary: Numbers 11

¹  The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses' prayer
⁴  The people crave meat, and loathe manna
¹⁰  Moses complains of his charge
¹⁶  God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders,
¹⁸  and to give the people meat for a month
²¹  Moses' faith is staggered
³¹  Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth Hattaavah