Numbers 11:2
And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּצְעַ֥ק
cried
H6817
וַיִּצְעַ֥ק
cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
1 of 10
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
prayed
H6419
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
prayed
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
5 of 10
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Numbers 21:7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Historical Context
This incident occurred at Taberah ('burning'), likely early in the wilderness journey. The complaining began almost immediately after leaving Sinai, revealing how quickly Israel forgot God's provision and turned to grumbling.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' intercessory role point you toward Christ's ongoing intercession for believers?
- When facing consequences of sin, do you turn to God in repentance or continue in complaint?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When judgment fire from God consumed the outskirts of the camp, the people cried to Moses who interceded in prayer. This established Moses' role as mediator between holy God and sinful people, prefiguring Christ our ultimate Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). The immediate cessation of fire at Moses' prayer demonstrates God's responsiveness to intercessory prayer and His desire for mercy over judgment.