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Numbers 11:21 - Can manna satisfy human cravings?

Numbers 11:21 - במדבר 11:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה שֵׁשׁ־מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף רַגְלִי הָעָם אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי בְּקִרְבּוֹ וְאַתָּה אָמַרְתָּ בָּשָׂר אֶתֵּן לָהֶם וְאָכְלוּ חֹדֶשׁ יָמִים׃

English Translation

And Moshe said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe shesh-me'ot elef ragli ha'am asher anochi be'kirbo ve'ata amarta basar eten lahem ve'achlu chodesh yamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ מֹשֶׁה֒ שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת אֶ֙לֶף֙ רַגְלִ֔י הָעָ֕ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י בְּקִרְבּ֑וֹ וְאַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֗רְתָּ בָּשָׂר֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָהֶ֔ם וְאָכְל֖וּ חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים׃
וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ מֹשֶׁה֒ שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֥וֹת אֶ֙לֶף֙ רַגְלִ֔י הָעָ֕ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י בְּקִרְבּ֑וֹ וְאַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֗רְתָּ בָּשָׂר֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָהֶ֔ם וְאָכְל֖וּ חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 11:21) appears in the narrative where Bnei Yisrael complain about the lack of meat in the desert, expressing nostalgia for the foods they ate in Egypt. Moshe responds to Hashem's promise to provide meat for a month by expressing doubt about how such a large population could be sustained.

Moshe's Statement: "Six Hundred Thousand Footmen"

Rashi explains that Moshe emphasizes the number "six hundred thousand" to highlight the enormity of the request. The term "רַגְלִי" (footmen) refers to adult males eligible for military service, as counted in the census (Bamidbar 1:46). Ramban adds that Moshe's mention of the population size underscores the logistical impossibility of gathering enough meat naturally in the desert.

Moshe's Questioning of Hashem's Promise

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19) discusses Moshe's hesitation, noting that he could not fathom how Hashem would fulfill this promise. The Talmud (Chullin 139b) connects this to Moshe's earlier statement (Bamidbar 11:13), where he questions where meat could be found for such a multitude. This reflects human limitation in comprehending divine capability.

Theological Implications

  • Human Doubt vs. Divine Power: The Sforno teaches that Moshe's doubt was not in Hashem's ability but in the natural means available. Hashem's response (Bamidbar 11:23) emphasizes that divine power transcends human understanding.
  • Leadership Challenges: The Kli Yakar highlights Moshe's struggle as a leader burdened by the people's complaints, showing even great leaders face moments of uncertainty.

Lessons from the Verse

The Or HaChaim explains that this episode teaches emunah (faith)—even when circumstances seem impossible, Hashem can provide in unexpected ways. The meat ultimately came through a miraculous wind (Bamidbar 11:31), demonstrating that divine promises are fulfilled beyond natural constraints.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Moshe questioning in Numbers 11:21?
A: In Numbers 11:21, Moshe expresses doubt about how enough meat could be provided for 600,000 people to eat for a full month. Rashi explains that Moshe was struggling to understand how such a massive request could be fulfilled in the wilderness, showing human limitations in grasping Hashem's unlimited power.
Q: Why does Moshe mention '600,000 footmen' in this verse?
A: Moshe specifies '600,000 footmen' to emphasize the enormity of the Israelite population in the wilderness (as counted in the Exodus). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b) notes this reflects the adult male population, showing the logistical challenge of feeding so many people supernaturally.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:19) teaches that this episode demonstrates that even great leaders like Moshe can momentarily forget Hashem's unlimited abilities. It reminds us to maintain faith in Divine providence even when situations seem impossible by human standards.
Q: How was Hashem's response to Moshe's doubt significant?
A: In the following verses (Numbers 11:23), Hashem responds 'Is Hashem's hand limited?' The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:26) explains this reinforces that nothing is beyond Divine capability, using this exchange to strengthen the people's emunah (faith) in Hashem's constant care.
Q: Why does the Torah include this conversation between Moshe and Hashem?
A: The Sforno explains this episode is recorded to show that even righteous leaders may have moments of human doubt, and that Hashem patiently guides them to greater understanding. It also highlights that sustaining the Israelites in the wilderness required continuous miracles, reinforcing our dependence on Divine mercy.