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Numbers 11:34 - Graves of craving's consequence?

Numbers 11:34 - במדבר 11:34

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שֵׁם־הַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה כִּי־שָׁם קָבְרוּ אֶת־הָעָם הַמִּתְאַוִּים׃

English Translation

And he called the name of that place Qivrot-hatta᾽ava (Graves of Lust): because there they buried the people that lusted.

Transliteration

Vayikra et-shem-hamakom hahu Kivrot Hata'avah ki-sham kavru et-ha'am hamita'avim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא קִבְר֣וֹת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה כִּי־שָׁם֙ קָֽבְר֔וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם הַמִּתְאַוִּֽים׃
וַיִּקְרָ֛א אֶת־שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא קִבְר֣וֹת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה כִּי־שָׁם֙ קָֽבְר֔וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם הַמִּתְאַוִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Kivrot HaTa'avah

The verse (Bamidbar 11:34) describes how Moshe named the place Kivrot HaTa'avah ("Graves of Lust") because those who craved meat were buried there. This event followed the people's complaints about the manna and their desire for meat, which led to a divine punishment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 11:34) explains that the name Kivrot HaTa'avah serves as an eternal reminder of the sin of craving. He notes that the people who were buried there were the אספסוף ("mixed multitude") who instigated the complaints, leading others astray. Their burial at this location was a direct consequence of their uncontrolled desires.

Rambam's Perspective on Desire

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) teaches that uncontrolled cravings lead a person away from the proper path. The incident at Kivrot HaTa'avah exemplifies the dangers of indulging in physical desires without restraint. The punishment was not merely for wanting meat but for rejecting the divine sustenance of manna, which represented spiritual elevation.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 16) states that the people's demand for meat was not out of necessity but out of ingratitude. They had grown tired of the miraculous manna, which could taste like any food they desired, yet they still complained.
  • Bamidbar Rabbah (16:20) compares their craving to a child who rejects a king's delicacies in favor of common food, illustrating their lack of appreciation for Hashem's providence.

Lessons from Kivrot HaTa'avah

The episode teaches:

  • The danger of allowing physical desires to override spiritual values.
  • The importance of gratitude for divine blessings, even when they come in unexpected forms.
  • That unrestrained craving can lead to severe consequences, both individually and communally.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 11a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of desire and the punishment of the Israelites in the wilderness.
📖 Sanhedrin 17a
Mentioned in the context of discussing the sins of the Israelites and their punishments during the Exodus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'Graves of Lust' (Qivrot-hatta᾽ava) mean in Numbers 11:34?
A: The name 'Graves of Lust' refers to the place where those who craved meat (as described earlier in Numbers 11) were buried after being punished. According to Rashi, this name serves as a warning about the dangers of giving in to uncontrolled desires and complaints against Hashem's provisions.
Q: Why were the Israelites punished in this verse?
A: The Israelites were punished because they complained about the manna and demanded meat, showing ingratitude for Hashem's miracles and sustenance in the wilderness. The Midrash (Tanchuma) explains that their craving (ta'avah) was not out of need but from selfish desire, leading to severe consequences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'Graves of Lust' today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of gratitude (hakarat hatov) and trusting in Hashem's providence. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) warns against excessive physical desires, emphasizing moderation. The punishment serves as a reminder to focus on spiritual needs rather than unrestrained materialism.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story in the Torah?
A: This incident is part of a pattern where the Israelites struggle with faith during their wilderness journey. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) contrasts the manna—a spiritual food—with their demand for physical indulgence, showing a recurring tension between materialism and divine service.
Q: Why is the place given a special name in this verse?
A: Naming the place 'Graves of Lust' (as noted by Sforno) immortalizes the event as a cautionary tale. Just as other named locations in the Torah (e.g., Massah u'Merivah) mark spiritual failures, this name reminds future generations of the consequences of discontent and misplaced desires.