Numbers 11:14
I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אוּכַ֤ל
I am not able
H3201
אוּכַ֤ל
I am not able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
2 of 12
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לְבַדִּ֔י
alone
H905
לְבַדִּ֔י
alone
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
H5375
לָשֵׂ֖את
to bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
5 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֣ם
all this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
all this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The question 'Whence should I have flesh?' reflects the real logistical impossibility of Moses' situation. The wilderness provided no herds, flocks, or wildlife in sufficient quantities to feed 2-3 million people. Even if they slaughtered their own livestock, these animals were needed for breeding stock, sacrifices, and long-term survival. The people's demand for flesh (meat) reflected nostalgia for Egyptian diet (verse 5: fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, garlic), showing they valued temporary gustatory pleasure over freedom and God's presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the people's demand for flesh despite having adequate provision (manna) warn against allowing preferences to become demands and legitimate desires to become idolatrous cravings?
- What does Moses' honest admission of inadequacy teach about the proper pastoral response when faced with demands beyond human capacity—bringing the impossibility to God rather than pretending competence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses asks desperately, 'Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people?' The question highlights impossible demand: the people wanted meat (verse 4), but Moses had no source for feeding millions in the wilderness. The phrase 'for they weep unto me' shows the people directed their complaint to Moses rather than to God, placing unfair burden on human leadership for what only God could provide.
The statement 'saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat' reveals the people's presumptuous demand. They didn't ask humbly but commanded imperiously, treating Moses as their servant rather than God's prophet. Their tears weren't repentant sorrow but manipulative pressure. This illustrates the difference between legitimate needs brought to leadership with humility and illegitimate demands made with entitlement.
Moses' question anticipates God's miraculous provision of quail (verses 31-32), demonstrating that what is impossible with man is possible with God. The people's demand exposed both their unbelief (doubting God could provide) and their ingratitude (despising manna). Moses' honest admission of inability contrasts with the people's arrogant assumption that they deserved better. This prefigures Christ feeding five thousand (John 6), where human resources proved utterly inadequate but divine power abundantly sufficient.