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Book of Numbers - Chapter 11 - Verse 20

11:20
But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

Meaning

The verse you are referring to is a part of the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. In this verse, the Israelites are expressing their dissatisfaction with the manna that God has provided for them in the wilderness, despite it being a miraculous provision from God. The verse signifies the Israelites' ingratitude towards God's blessings and their longing for the comforts of their past life in Egypt, even though they were slaves there. The mention of the food coming out of their nostrils emphasizes the extent to which they are fed up with the manna, highlighting their ungratefulness and lack of faith in God's provision. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of despising God's gifts and questioning His plans. It reminds readers of the importance of gratitude, trust, and faith in God's guidance and protection.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of complaining and ingratitude towards God. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from bondage in Egypt, yet they were dissatisfied with their current situation and longed for the comforts of their former life. The imagery of God providing an abundance of quail until the people were sick of it can be seen as a punishment for their lack of faith and gratitude. The phrase "despised the LORD which is among you" highlights the seriousness of their rejection of God's provision and protection. The word "loathsome" could be referencing both the physical disgust of the quail coming out of their nostrils and the spiritual disgust that God felt towards their attitude. This verse serves as a reminder to appreciate the blessings we have been given and to trust in God's plan, even when we may not understand it fully.

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