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Numbers 11:13 - Moshe's meat dilemma

Numbers 11:13 - במדבר 11:13

Hebrew Text

מֵאַיִן לִי בָּשָׂר לָתֵת לְכָל־הָעָם הַזֶּה כִּי־יִבְכּוּ עָלַי לֵאמֹר תְּנָה־לָּנוּ בָשָׂר וְנֹאכֵלָה׃

English Translation

Whence should I have meat to give to all this people? for they weep to me, saying, Give us meat, that we may eat.

Transliteration

Me'ayin li basar latet lechol-ha'am hazeh ki-yivku alai lemor tena-lanu basar venocheila

Hebrew Leining Text

מֵאַ֤יִן לִי֙ בָּשָׂ֔ר לָתֵ֖ת לְכׇל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־יִבְכּ֤וּ עָלַי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תְּנָה־לָּ֥נוּ בָשָׂ֖ר וְנֹאכֵֽלָה׃
מֵאַ֤יִן לִי֙ בָּשָׂ֔ר לָתֵ֖ת לְכׇל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־יִבְכּ֤וּ עָלַי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר תְּנָה־לָּ֥נוּ בָשָׂ֖ר וְנֹאכֵֽלָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Numbers 11:13) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem during the incident of the mit'onenim (the complainers) in the wilderness. The people were dissatisfied with the manna and demanded meat, leading Moshe to express his distress over their unreasonable request.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that Moshe's question, "Whence should I have meat to give to all this people?", reflects his astonishment at their demand. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe understood the impossibility of fulfilling such a request naturally, as there was no source of meat in the desert. This highlights the people's lack of faith in Hashem's providence, despite having witnessed miracles like the manna.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed) discusses this episode as an example of human ingratitude. The people, who were sustained by the miraculous manna—a food requiring no labor—still craved physical pleasures, demonstrating a failure to elevate their spiritual desires above material ones.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 16) explains that the people's weeping was not out of genuine need but from a desire for indulgence. Their demand for meat was a rejection of the sanctity of the manna, which was perfectly suited to their spiritual needs.
  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 11:13) notes that Moshe's distress stemmed from the people's lack of appreciation for the miracles they had already experienced, such as the Exodus and the splitting of the sea.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Kedushas Levi (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev) teaches that Moshe's words reveal his role as a compassionate leader. His question was not just about the impossibility of providing meat but also a plea to Hashem to help him understand how to guide the people toward spiritual contentment rather than physical cravings.

Halachic Implications

The Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan) derives from this verse a lesson about avoiding complaints and cultivating gratitude. The people's demand for meat, despite having their needs met, serves as a warning against hakaras hatov (recognizing the good) and the dangers of discontent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Numbers 11:13?
A: Numbers 11:13 is part of the story where the Israelites complain about the manna and demand meat to eat. Moshe (Moses) expresses his frustration to Hashem, questioning how he can provide meat for the entire nation. This occurs during their journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.
Q: Why were the Israelites complaining about the manna?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the Israelites grew tired of the manna, which was a miraculous food provided by Hashem. Despite its ability to taste like any food they desired (Talmud Yoma 75a), they longed for the variety of foods they had in Egypt, showing ingratitude and lack of trust in Hashem's providence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's reaction in this verse?
A: Moshe's response teaches us about the challenges of leadership. Even great leaders like Moshe can feel overwhelmed by the demands of the people. However, the Torah shows that turning to Hashem in prayer (as Moshe does) is the proper response when facing difficulties beyond human capability.
Q: How does this verse relate to gratitude in Judaism?
A: This incident highlights the importance of gratitude (hakarat hatov). The Israelites had miraculous sustenance from Hashem, yet they complained. Jewish tradition emphasizes being thankful for what we have rather than focusing on what we lack (see Rambam's Hilchot De'ot on proper character traits).
Q: What ultimately happened with the request for meat?
A: Hashem answered by sending quail (Numbers 11:31-32), but the people who craved meat excessively were punished (Numbers 11:33-34). This teaches that while Hashem may grant requests, excessive desire for physical pleasures can lead to negative consequences (as discussed in Talmudic and Mussar literature about controlling one's appetites).