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Numbers 11:4 - Craving tests faith's strength.

Numbers 11:4 - במדבר 11:4

Hebrew Text

וְהָאסַפְסֻף אֲשֶׁר בְּקִרְבּוֹ הִתְאַוּוּ תַּאֲוָה וַיָּשֻׁבוּ וַיִּבְכּוּ גַּם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמְרוּ מִי יַאֲכִלֵנוּ בָּשָׂר׃

English Translation

And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Yisra᾽el also wept again, and said, Who shall give us meat to eat?

Transliteration

Veha'asafsuf asher bekirbo hit'avu ta'avah vayashuvu vayivku gam bnei Yisrael vayomru mi ya'achileinu basar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָֽאסַפְסֻף֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ הִתְאַוּ֖וּ תַּאֲוָ֑ה וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ וַיִּבְכּ֗וּ גַּ֚ם בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מִ֥י יַאֲכִלֵ֖נוּ בָּשָֽׂר׃
וְהָֽאסַפְסֻף֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ הִתְאַוּ֖וּ תַּאֲוָ֑ה וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ וַיִּבְכּ֗וּ גַּ֚ם בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מִ֥י יַאֲכִלֵ֖נוּ בָּשָֽׂר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mixed Multitude (הָאסַפְסֻף) and Their Influence

Rashi explains that the term הָאסַפְסֻף refers to the "mixed multitude" (Erev Rav) who joined Bnei Yisrael during the Exodus from Egypt. These were non-Israelites who attached themselves to the Jewish people but did not fully embrace their spiritual mission. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:22) describes them as a negative influence, stirring discontent among Bnei Yisrael.

The Sin of Craving Meat (הִתְאַוּוּ תַּאֲוָה)

Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the desire for meat was not merely a physical craving but a rejection of the spiritual sustenance provided by the מן (manna). The manna, which adapted to each person's taste (see Talmud Yoma 75a), symbolized divine providence. Their demand for meat reflected ingratitude and a lack of faith in Hashem's care.

The Weeping of Bnei Yisrael (וַיִּבְכּוּ גַּם בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל)

The Talmud (Ta'anit 29a) connects this episode to the later tragedy of Tisha B'Av, teaching that their unjustified weeping here set a precedent for future mourning. The Sforno emphasizes that their tears were not out of necessity—since the manna sustained them—but out of misplaced desire, demonstrating a failure in spiritual priorities.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Influence of Negative Company: The Erev Rav corrupted Bnei Yisrael's mindset (Rashi). This teaches the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous influences (Pirkei Avot 1:7).
  • Dangers of Materialism: Their craving for meat over the manna symbolizes how physical desires can distract from spiritual growth (Rambam, Shemonah Perakim 4).
  • Gratitude vs. Complaint: The episode contrasts the ideal attitude of thankfulness (as seen in Az Yashir) with the sin of discontent (Midrash Tanchuma, Beshalach 20).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is discussed in the context of the manna and the complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness, illustrating their ingratitude and the consequences of their desires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the 'mixed multitude' in Numbers 11:4?
A: The 'mixed multitude' (in Hebrew: 'הָאסַפְסֻף') refers to non-Israelites who joined the Jewish people when they left Egypt. Rashi explains they were a mixture of different nations who converted or attached themselves to Israel during the Exodus. Their negative influence is seen here as they stirred up discontent.
Q: Why were the Israelites crying for meat in this verse?
A: The Israelites had manna from Heaven which provided all their nutritional needs, but they complained out of desire for variety and physical pleasures. Ramban explains this showed ingratitude for G-d's miracles, as they were not lacking food but merely unsatisfied with their spiritual sustenance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 11:4?
A: This teaches the danger of negative influences (like the mixed multitude) and how complaining stems from ingratitude. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) discusses how the manna could taste like anything, yet they still complained - showing how desire distorts perspective. We learn to appreciate what G-d provides.
Q: Why is this incident important in the Torah?
A: This marks one of several times the Israelites complained in the desert, testing G-d's patience. The Midrash (Tanchuma Beha'alotcha 16) connects this to the later severe punishment, teaching that speaking against G-d's kindness has consequences. It's a warning about proper attitude during challenges.
Q: How does this apply to us today?
A: Like the manna, we must recognize G-d provides what we truly need. The Sfas Emes teaches that craving physical pleasures over spiritual growth leads to discontent. Today we combat this by focusing on gratitude (hakaras hatov) and distancing from negative influences that encourage materialism over spirituality.