Old Testament
Numbers 11:18
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Then tell the people: 'Set yourselves apart for tomorrow, because you're going to eat meat. You've been weeping where the LORD can hear you, saying, "Who will give us meat? Life was better in Egypt!" So the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it.
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And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.
What Numbers 11:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to prepare themselves for a significant change. The people have been complaining about their diet, longing for the meat they had in Egypt. God acknowledges their cries and promises to provide them with meat. This moment highlights the tension between the Israelites' past comforts in Egypt and their current struggles in the wilderness. It shows God's willingness to respond to their needs, even when their complaints reflect a lack of faith in His provision. The call to 'sanctify yourselves' indicates that they should prepare spiritually and physically for what is to come. This preparation is essential as they are about to receive a blessing, but it also serves as a reminder of their need to trust in God's plan rather than longing for their past. The verse encapsulates themes of provision, complaint, and the need for spiritual readiness in the face of God's blessings.
How to apply Numbers 11:18 to your life
When we find ourselves longing for the past or complaining about our current situation, we should remember to prepare our hearts for God's blessings. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can trust that God hears our needs and will provide in His timing. Spiritual readiness is key.
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 11:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 11:18 mean?
Numbers 11:18 conveys God's message to the Israelites through Moses, instructing them to prepare for a significant change as He promises to provide meat in response to their complaints about their diet. It highlights their longing for the comforts of Egypt and God's willingness to meet their needs.
What is the significance of 'sanctify yourselves' in Numbers 11:18?
The phrase 'sanctify yourselves' in Numbers 11:18 indicates that the Israelites should prepare themselves both spiritually and physically for the blessings God is about to provide. It emphasizes the importance of readiness and trust in God's plan.
What does the verse reveal about the Israelites' attitude?
The verse reveals that the Israelites were complaining about their current situation and longing for the meat they had in Egypt, showing a lack of faith in God's provision. Their weeping indicates dissatisfaction with their circumstances.
How does Numbers 11:18 relate to God's provision?
Numbers 11:18 illustrates God's responsiveness to the needs of His people, as He promises to provide meat despite their complaints. It emphasizes that God hears their cries and is willing to meet their desires.
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