Numbers 11:5
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
Original Language Analysis
זָכַ֙רְנוּ֙
We remember
H2142
זָכַ֙רְנוּ֙
We remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
the cucumbers
H7180
הַקִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
the cucumbers
Strong's:
H7180
Word #:
9 of 17
a cucumber (from the difficulty of digestion)
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Egypt's Nile provided abundant fish, and vegetables like cucumbers and melons were common foods. However, Israel romanticized their oppression, forgetting the harsh taskmasters and infanticide that prompted God's deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- What past sins does your memory romanticize while minimizing their destructive cost?
- How can you cultivate gratitude for God's present provisions instead of longing for former bondage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's complaint reveals spiritual amnesia—they remembered Egypt's food while forgetting its slavery. The 'fish freely' (Hebrew 'chinam', meaning 'without cost') betrays selective memory, as their labor built Egypt's cities. This nostalgia for bondage illustrates how sin deceives by highlighting fleeting pleasures while obscuring heavy chains. Psalm 106:7 confirms Israel 'remembered not the multitude of thy mercies.'