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Numbers 11:33 - Craving punished mid-bite.

Numbers 11:33 - במדבר 11:33

Hebrew Text

הַבָּשָׂר עוֹדֶנּוּ בֵּין שִׁנֵּיהֶם טֶרֶם יִכָּרֵת וְאַף יְהוָה חָרָה בָעָם וַיַּךְ יְהוָה בָּעָם מַכָּה רַבָּה מְאֹד׃

English Translation

And while the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was inflamed against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.

Transliteration

Habasar odenu bein shneihem terem yikaret ve'af Adonai charah ba'am vayach Adonai ba'am makah rabah me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַבָּשָׂ֗ר עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙ בֵּ֣ין שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם טֶ֖רֶם יִכָּרֵ֑ת וְאַ֤ף יְהֹוָה֙ חָרָ֣ה בָעָ֔ם וַיַּ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ בָּעָ֔ם מַכָּ֖ה רַבָּ֥ה מְאֹֽד׃
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙ בֵּ֣ין שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם טֶ֖רֶם יִכָּרֵ֑ת וְאַ֤ף יְהֹוָה֙ חָרָ֣ה בָעָ֔ם וַיַּ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ בָּעָ֔ם מַכָּ֖ה רַבָּ֥ה מְאֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bamidbar 11:33) describes the aftermath of the Israelites' complaint about the manna and their craving for meat. Despite Hashem's miraculous provision of quail, their ingratitude and lack of faith led to severe consequences.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "טֶרֶם יִכָּרֵת" ("before it was chewed") indicates that the punishment came swiftly—even as they were still eating. This emphasizes the severity of their sin, as they did not merit to fully enjoy what they had demanded. Rashi also notes that the plague was a direct consequence of their rebellious attitude (based on Bamidbar 11:20).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:46) explains that the punishment was not arbitrary but a natural consequence of their gluttony and lack of discipline. Their excessive craving for meat, despite having the manna, demonstrated a rejection of spiritual sustenance in favor of base physical desires.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 21) teaches that the plague was a measure-for-measure response: since they rejected the heavenly manna (which was absorbed without waste), their punishment came through meat that was still undigested in their mouths.
  • Sifrei (Bamidbar 89) adds that the phrase "מַכָּה רַבָּה מְאֹד" ("a very great plague") implies an unusually severe punishment, highlighting the gravity of their ingratitude.

Moral Lesson

The verse serves as a warning against discontent and lack of faith in Hashem's providence. The Israelites' punishment underscores the danger of rejecting divine blessings in pursuit of fleeting physical desires. The swiftness of the plague also teaches that ingratitude and rebellion against Hashem's will can bring immediate consequences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the manna and the quails, illustrating the consequences of the Israelites' complaints and lack of faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 11:33 mean?
A: Numbers 11:33 describes how Hashem punished the Jewish people with a severe plague while they were still eating the meat they had craved. According to Rashi, this happened because they complained about the manna and demanded meat, showing ingratitude for Hashem's miracles in the wilderness.
Q: Why did Hashem punish the people so severely in this verse?
A: The Rambam explains that the severity of the punishment was due to the people's lack of faith and constant complaints despite witnessing Hashem's miracles. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) teaches that ingratitude for divine providence is a serious offense, especially when rejecting the miraculous manna that sustained them.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 11:33?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that this verse warns us against complaining and being ungrateful for what Hashem provides. Even when we have our needs met, we must appreciate Hashem's kindness rather than constantly seeking more. The plague came as they were eating, showing how quickly divine judgment can follow improper desires.
Q: Why is the timing of the punishment ('while the meat was between their teeth') significant?
A: Rashi explains that the immediate timing shows how Hashem's response was directly connected to their sin of craving meat. The Sforno adds that this demonstrates how divine justice sometimes comes at the height of transgression to make clear the connection between actions and consequences.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Ramban teaches that this incident serves as an eternal lesson about being content with what Hashem provides and avoiding excessive physical desires. Just as the generation in the wilderness was punished for ingratitude, we must cultivate appreciation for our blessings rather than constantly seeking more material comforts.