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Numbers 11:19 - Quail indulgence's divine test?

Numbers 11:19 - במדבר 11:19

Hebrew Text

לֹא יוֹם אֶחָד תֹּאכְלוּן וְלֹא יוֹמָיִם וְלֹא חֲמִשָּׁה יָמִים וְלֹא עֲשָׂרָה יָמִים וְלֹא עֶשְׂרִים יוֹם׃

English Translation

Not one day shall you eat, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days;

Transliteration

Lo yom echad tochelon ve-lo yomayim ve-lo chamisha yamim ve-lo asara yamim ve-lo esrim yom

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֣א י֥וֹם אֶחָ֛ד תֹּאכְל֖וּן וְלֹ֣א יוֹמָ֑יִם וְלֹ֣א <b>׀</b> חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה יָמִ֗ים וְלֹא֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה יָמִ֔ים וְלֹ֖א עֶשְׂרִ֥ים יֽוֹם׃
לֹ֣א י֥וֹם אֶחָ֛ד תֹּאכְל֖וּן וְלֹ֣א יוֹמָ֑יִם וְלֹ֣א ׀ חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה יָמִ֗ים וְלֹא֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה יָמִ֔ים וְלֹ֖א עֶשְׂרִ֥ים יֽוֹם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Numbers 11:19) is part of the narrative describing the Israelites' complaint about the manna and their desire for meat in the wilderness. Hashem responds by promising to provide meat—but with a stern warning about the consequences of their ingratitude.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that this verse emphasizes the prolonged duration of the punishment. The increasing sequence—one day, two days, up to twenty days—demonstrates that the punishment will not be brief but will last a full month (as clarified in the next verse, "until it comes out of your nostrils"). The repetition underscores the severity of their sin in rejecting the miraculous sustenance of manna.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the progression from one day to twenty days serves a rhetorical purpose: to illustrate that the punishment will be neither short nor moderate but extensive. This structure mirrors the people's escalating demands and ingratitude, showing that their rebellion warranted a proportional response.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 5) connects this verse to the broader theme of divine justice. It teaches that Hashem measures punishment according to the offense. Here, the Israelites' rejection of heavenly food (manna) led to an excessive craving for meat, and thus their punishment was prolonged to correct their misplaced desires.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:46), Rambam (Maimonides) interprets this verse as a lesson in divine discipline. The gradual increase in days symbolizes how Hashem educates His people through consequences, allowing them to recognize their error over time rather than striking them immediately with full severity.

Key Lessons

  • Gratitude: The verse warns against rejecting divine blessings, as the Israelites did with the manna.
  • Divine Justice: Punishment is measured and deliberate, reflecting the severity of the sin.
  • Repentance: The extended timeframe suggests an opportunity for introspection and return to righteousness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 11:19?
A: This verse is part of Hashem's response to the Israelites' complaint about the manna in the desert. It emphasizes that they will receive so much meat that it will become unpleasant for them—not just for a day or two, but for a full month (as the next verse states). Rashi explains that this was a consequence of their ingratitude for the miraculous manna.
Q: Why does the verse list different numbers of days?
A: The Torah lists increasing durations (one day, two days, five days, etc.) to emphasize that the overabundance of meat won't be brief—it will extend far beyond what they might expect. The Midrash (Tanchuma Beha'alotcha 16) notes this as a rhetorical device showing how their craving would lead to excess.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 11:19?
A: This verse teaches the danger of ungratefulness and excessive desire. The Israelites had the miraculous manna that sustained them perfectly, yet they craved meat. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) derives from this the importance of being content with what one has and avoiding harmful cravings.