Old Testament
Numbers 11:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep crying to me, 'Give us meat to eat!'
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Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.
What Numbers 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses expresses his frustration and helplessness in response to the Israelites' demands for meat. They are complaining and crying out for food, specifically meat, which highlights their dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God. Moses feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of feeding such a large group of people and questions how he can possibly meet their needs. This moment reveals the tension between the people's desires and the limitations of their leader. It also underscores the theme of reliance on God, as Moses is reminded that he cannot fulfill every need on his own. The verse illustrates the challenges of leadership, especially when faced with the complaints and expectations of others. It serves as a reminder that even leaders can feel inadequate and need to seek divine assistance in difficult situations.
How to apply Numbers 11:13 to your life
When faced with overwhelming demands, it's important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Like Moses, we can turn to God for guidance and support. Instead of trying to meet every need on our own, we should seek help and trust in God's provision for ourselves and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Seventy Elders and the Quail (Numbers 11:1–35)
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Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Numbers 11:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 11:13 mean?
In Numbers 11:13, Moses expresses his frustration about the Israelites' demands for meat, feeling overwhelmed by their complaints. He questions how he can provide for such a large group, highlighting the challenges of leadership and the need for divine support.
What is the meaning of 'Give us meat to eat' in Numbers 11:13?
The phrase 'Give us meat to eat' reflects the Israelites' dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God. It shows their longing for variety in their diet and their tendency to focus on immediate physical needs rather than trusting in God's provision.
How does Numbers 11:13 relate to leadership?
Numbers 11:13 highlights the difficulties leaders face when dealing with the demands and complaints of those they lead. It shows that even strong leaders like Moses can feel overwhelmed and need to seek help from God.
What themes are present in Numbers 11:13?
The themes in Numbers 11:13 include leadership, frustration, dependence on God, provision, and community needs. These themes illustrate the challenges of fulfilling the expectations of others while recognizing one's limitations.
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