King James Version
What Does Numbers 11:5 Mean?
“We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:”
Context
3
And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them. Taberah: that is, A burning
4
And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting : and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? fell: Heb. lusted a lust wept: Heb. returned and wept
5
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
6
But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
7
And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. colour thereof: Heb. eye of it as the eye of
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **We remember the fish . . . —**Classical writers and modern travellers agree in bearing testimony to the abundance of the fish in the Nile and in the neighbouring canals and reservoirs. The cucumbers in Egypt are of great size and finely flavoured. The watermelons serve to moderate the internal heat which the climate produces. (See *The Land and the Book, *p. 508.) The word rendered *leeks *(in Psalm 104:14, *grass *for cattle) is supposed by some to denote a species of clover which is peculiar to Egypt, and of which the young and fresh shoots are said to be used as food and to be an excellent stomachic. The onions of Egypt are said to be the sweetest in the world, and they constitute the common food of the lowest class of the people. Garlic is still much used by the modern Arabs. It is only the fish, which was probably equally within the reach of all, of which the Israelites are said to have eaten *freely, i.e., *not *abundantly, *but *gratuitously. *It is probable, however, that many of them cultivated the land to a greater or lesser degree, and so procured vegetables for themselves.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 11:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 11:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge