Numbers 16:41
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּלֹּ֜נוּ
murmured
H3885
וַיִּלֹּ֜נוּ
murmured
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
1 of 16
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֤ת
all the congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֤ת
all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 16
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַֽל
H5921
וְעַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֲמִתֶּ֖ם
Ye have killed
H4191
הֲמִתֶּ֖ם
Ye have killed
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
13 of 16
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This rapid return to rebellion demonstrated Israel's persistent hard-heartedness despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and Moses' authority. It prompted God's threat of total destruction, requiring renewed intercession (v.44-45).
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent rebellion reveal that miracles alone cannot produce saving faith?
- What causes people to blame God's servants for divine judgments they themselves deserved?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Incredibly, the very next day 'all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.' They blamed Moses for God's judgment, calling the rebels 'the people of the LORD.' This reveals hardened hearts that witnessing miracles cannot soften—they saw earth swallow rebels yet still blamed human leaders.