“We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic”: - Numbers 11v5
When Numbers chapter 10 closes we could not imagine a better setting. The Tabernacle had been built, the Law had been given, and their tribes had received their marching orders. God had confirmed His presence in the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. The silver trumpets had sounded and they were on their way!
Then we read chapter 11, verse 1 – “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord…” Why would the people complain? The had food and water, they had God’s presence and protection, and they had God’s promises and blessings.
The problem is simple. They were not content with their manna and fresh water. Forgetting the slavery from which they had cried for deliverance they thought about all of the wonderful food they were missing. “We miss the fish, the cucumbers, the leeks, the melons, the onions, and the garlic. All we have is this manna”
They wanted the world’s provision and were not content with what God had sent them. They were crying in their displeasure.. They wanted more than what God was giving them. Their desires of the flesh were more important to them than showing gratitude to God.
How often do we long after the cucumbers and leeks of the world? God meets our needs by providing His manna for us. We look around and see the cucumbers and leeks that others have and we want those for ourselves. How God’s heart must grieve when He sees the contempt with which we view what He has provided. Godliness with contentment is great gain. We must be content with whatever God chooses to give us. Covetousness is as idolatry.
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