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Numbers 21:5 - Complaining against manna's miracle?

Numbers 21:5 - במדבר 21:5

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר הָעָם בֵּאלֹהִים וּבְמֹשֶׁה לָמָה הֶעֱלִיתֻנוּ מִמִּצְרַיִם לָמוּת בַּמִּדְבָּר כִּי אֵין לֶחֶם וְאֵין מַיִם וְנַפְשֵׁנוּ קָצָה בַּלֶּחֶם הַקְּלֹקֵל׃

English Translation

And the people spoke against God, and against Moshe, Why have you brought us up out of Miżrayim to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, nor is there any water; and our soul loathes this miserable bread.

Transliteration

Vayedaber ha'am be'Elohim uv'Moshe lama he'elitunu miMitzrayim lamut bamidbar ki ein lechem ve'ein mayim venafsheinu katzah balechem haklokeil.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר הָעָ֗ם בֵּֽאלֹהִים֮ וּבְמֹשֶׁה֒ לָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֙נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לָמ֖וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין לֶ֙חֶם֙ וְאֵ֣ין מַ֔יִם וְנַפְשֵׁ֣נוּ קָ֔צָה בַּלֶּ֖חֶם הַקְּלֹקֵֽל׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר הָעָ֗ם בֵּֽאלֹהִים֮ וּבְמֹשֶׁה֒ לָמָ֤ה הֶֽעֱלִיתֻ֙נוּ֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם לָמ֖וּת בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין לֶ֙חֶם֙ וְאֵ֣ין מַ֔יִם וְנַפְשֵׁ֣נוּ קָ֔צָה בַּלֶּ֖חֶם הַקְּלֹקֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in Bamidbar (Numbers) 21:5, where Bnei Yisrael complain against Hashem and Moshe during their journey in the wilderness. This incident occurs after the episode of the fiery serpents, highlighting their recurring struggles with faith and gratitude.

Complaint Against Hashem and Moshe

The people's statement, "וַיְדַבֵּר הָעָם בֵּאלֹהִים וּבְמֹשֶׁה" ("And the people spoke against God and against Moshe"), is a severe transgression. Rashi (Bamidbar 21:5) explains that speaking against Moshe is tantamount to speaking against Hashem, as Moshe was His faithful emissary. The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 19) further elaborates that their ingratitude was inexcusable, given the miracles they had witnessed.

False Claims of Hardship

The people claim, "לָמָה הֶעֱלִיתֻנוּ מִמִּצְרַיִם לָמוּת בַּמִּדְבָּר" ("Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?"). Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this complaint was baseless—Hashem had sustained them with manna and protected them throughout their journey. The Sforno adds that their words reflected a lack of trust in Hashem’s plan.

Rejection of the Manna

Their statement, "וְנַפְשֵׁנוּ קָצָה בַּלֶּחֶם הַקְּלֹקֵל" ("our soul loathes this miserable bread"), refers to the manna. Rashi explains that the word "הַקְּלֹקֵל" (miserable) stems from "קַל" (light), implying they disdained the manna because it was too easily obtained without effort. The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 20:21) teaches that the manna could taste like any food, yet they still complained, demonstrating their spiritual deficiency.

Consequences and Lessons

This incident led to the punishment of the fiery serpents (Bamidbar 21:6). The Talmud (Berachot 32b) connects their ingratitude to a broader theme: when Bnei Yisrael rejected Hashem’s kindness, they invited suffering. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:4) derives from this episode the importance of cultivating gratitude and avoiding complaints, as they lead to further sin.

Key Takeaways

  • Speaking against Hashem’s leaders is akin to speaking against Hashem Himself (Rashi).
  • Complaints reflect a lack of faith, especially after witnessing miracles (Ramban, Sforno).
  • Rejecting divine sustenance, even when abundant, is a sign of spiritual weakness (Midrash Rabbah).
  • Gratitude is essential to avoid divine retribution (Talmud, Rambam).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness, highlighting their complaints and ingratitude.
📖 Sanhedrin 110b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the rebellion of Korach and his followers, illustrating the broader theme of the Israelites' complaints against Moses and God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 21:5 mean when the people complain about 'this miserable bread'?
A: The 'miserable bread' refers to the manna that Hashem provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite being miraculous food from heaven, the people grew ungrateful and complained about it. Rashi explains that their complaint was unjustified because the manna could taste like any food they desired (based on Midrash Tanchuma).
Q: Why were the Israelites punished for complaining in Numbers 21:5?
A: The Israelites were punished with fiery serpents (Numbers 21:6) because their complaints showed a lack of faith in Hashem after all the miracles they witnessed. The Rambam teaches that complaining against Hashem's kindness is a serious offense, especially when He had sustained them miraculously in the wilderness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Numbers 21:5 about gratitude?
A: This verse teaches the importance of gratitude (hakarat hatov). Despite receiving miraculous sustenance, the Israelites focused on what they lacked. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) warns against this attitude, teaching that we must recognize and appreciate Hashem's kindness in our lives, even when things aren't perfect.
Q: How does the complaint in Numbers 21:5 relate to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites took their blessings for granted, we too might overlook Hashem's daily kindnesses. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:26) compares this to a child who rebels against a loving parent. This reminds us to focus on our blessings rather than complaints, especially during challenging times.
Q: Why does the verse mention complaining against both Hashem and Moshe?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) explains that speaking against Moshe is akin to speaking against Hashem, since Moshe was Hashem's faithful messenger. This teaches the severity of speaking against righteous leaders who carry out Hashem's will. Rashi notes that their complaint against Moshe was particularly inappropriate after all he did for them.