Números 11

Números 11

Constable says "The Spirit (Heb. ruah) of Yahweh settled the leadership problem (Nu 11:29), and now the wind (Heb. ruah) from Yahweh would solve the food problem (Nu 11:31) (ED: AND I MIGHT ADD "WOULD SOLVE THE "GRUMBLING SPIRIT" PROBLEM!) NET Note - "The irony in this chapter is expressed in part by the use of the word רוּחַ (ruakh). In the last episode it clearly meant the Spirit of the LORD that empowered the men for their spiritual service. But here the word is “wind.” Both the spiritual service and the judgment come from God." NET Note on went forth - means “burst forth” or “sprang up.” See the ways it is used in Gen 33:12, Jdg 16:3, 14; Isa 33:20. and it brought quail from the sea, and let them fall beside the camp - Constable has an interesting comment noting that "The wind was from the southeast (Ps. 78:26) and apparently blew these quails from the Gulf of Aqabah (Nu 11:31–34). Normally quails migrated to the northeast, from central Africa, so the direction from which these quails came was an abnormal (SUPERNATURAL) provision of the Lord." Merrill adds "The normal flight pattern of these quail to this day is northeasterly, from the interior of Africa. The wind must have been from the southeast, a most unusual phenomenon, and drove the birds northwest across the Sinai." (BKC) NET Note "The “quail” ordinarily cross the Sinai at various times of the year, but what is described here is not the natural phenomenon. Biblical scholars looking for natural explanations usually note that these birds fly at a low height and can be swatted down easily. But the description here is more of a supernatural supply and provision" About a day's journey on this side and a day's journey on the other side- In the OT a day's journey on foot was about 20-25 miles, so that this would have been a phenomenal number of quail! All around the camp and about two cubits deep on the surface of the ground - About 18 inches of quail! Henry