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Numbers 11:10 - Complaints provoke divine displeasure.

Numbers 11:10 - במדבר 11:10

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הָעָם בֹּכֶה לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו אִישׁ לְפֶתַח אָהֳלוֹ וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה מְאֹד וּבְעֵינֵי מֹשֶׁה רָע׃

English Translation

And Moshe heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord burned greatly; Moshe also was displeased.

Transliteration

Va'yishma Moshe et-ha'am bocheh l'mishpechotav ish l'petach ohalo va'yichar-af Adonai me'od u've'einei Moshe ra.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הָעָ֗ם בֹּכֶה֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו אִ֖ישׁ לְפֶ֣תַח אׇהֳל֑וֹ וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֤ף יְהֹוָה֙ מְאֹ֔ד וּבְעֵינֵ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה רָֽע׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־הָעָ֗ם בֹּכֶה֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו אִ֖ישׁ לְפֶ֣תַח אׇהֳל֑וֹ וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֤ף יְהֹוָה֙ מְאֹ֔ד וּבְעֵינֵ֥י מֹשֶׁ֖ה רָֽע׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 11:10) describes the reaction of Moshe and Hashem to the complaints of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. The people were weeping over their desire for meat, expressing dissatisfaction with the manna provided by Hashem. This incident follows their departure from Har Sinai and reflects a broader pattern of discontent during their journey.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו" (throughout their families) indicates that the people were weeping over the newly imposed restrictions regarding forbidden marital relationships (arayot). The Torah had just been given at Har Sinai, and these laws were now in effect, causing distress among the people. Rashi connects this to the earlier mention of the "mixed multitude" (erev rav) who instigated the complaints.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) discusses how the people's weeping reflected a lack of gratitude and spiritual immaturity. Despite the miracles of the Exodus and the daily provision of manna, they focused on physical desires rather than embracing their divine mission. Rambam emphasizes that this behavior provoked Hashem's anger because it demonstrated a rejection of divine providence.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 16) states that the people's weeping was hypocritical—they cried under the pretext of mourning family matters, but their true grievance was their craving for meat.
  • Another Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:24) compares their behavior to a child who rejects a king's delicacies in favor of common food, symbolizing their inability to appreciate the spiritual sustenance of the manna.

Moshe's Displeasure

The phrase "וּבְעֵינֵי מֹשֶׁה רָע" (and in Moshe's eyes it was bad) is interpreted by the Sforno as Moshe's distress over the people's ingratitude and lack of faith. Moshe, who had dedicated himself to leading Bnei Yisrael, was deeply troubled by their regression after witnessing so many miracles.

Hashem's Anger

Hashem's anger ("וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה מְאֹד") is understood by the Ramban as a response to the people's rejection of His kindness. The manna was a supernatural gift, tailored to each individual's needs, yet they scorned it. This ingratitude was a severe spiritual failing, warranting divine chastisement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about communal mourning and the proper way to express grief, contrasting the people's weeping with more appropriate forms of lamentation.
📖 Sanhedrin 110a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the severity of the people's complaints and the consequences of provoking God's anger, as part of a broader analysis of rebellion against leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Hashem angry in Numbers 11:10?
A: Hashem was angry because the Jewish people were complaining about the manna and longing for the foods they had in Egypt (Rashi on Numbers 11:1). This showed ingratitude after all the miracles Hashem had done for them.
Q: Why was Moshe displeased in this verse?
A: Moshe was upset because he felt overwhelmed by the people's constant complaints and the heavy responsibility of leading them (Ramban on Numbers 11:10). This showed the difficulty of leadership.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 11:10?
A: We learn the importance of being grateful for what Hashem gives us and not complaining. The Midrash (Tanchuma Beshalach 20) teaches that the manna could taste like any food, yet the people still complained - showing we should appreciate our blessings.
Q: Why does the verse mention people weeping 'throughout their families'?
A: The Torah emphasizes this was a widespread complaint affecting family units (Rashi on Numbers 11:10). When discontent spreads through families, it creates greater societal problems, showing how negative attitudes can multiply.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish life today?
A: Just as our ancestors struggled with gratitude in the desert, we today must work on being thankful for our daily sustenance. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) teaches we should thank Hashem for every breath - this is the antidote to complaining.