Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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the more inexcusable. Now a fire was kindled against Jacob (Ps 78:21), but, to show how unwilling God was to contend with them, it fastened on those only that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. Thus God's judgments came upon them gradually, that they might take warning.
IV. Their cry to Moses, who was their tried intercessor, Nu 11:2. When he slew them, then they sought him, and made their application to Moses to stand their friend. Note, 1. When we complain without cause, it is just with God to give us cause to complain. 2. Those that slight God's friends when they are in prosperity would be glad to make them their friends when they are in distress. Father Abraham, send Lazarus.
V. The prevalency of Moses's intercession for them: When Moses prayed unto the Lord (he was always ready to stand in the gap to turn away the wrath of God) God had respect to him and his offering, and the fire was quenched. By this it appears that God delights not in punishing, for, when he has begun his controversy, he is soon prevailed with to let it fall. Moses was one of those worthies who by faith quenched the violence of fire.
VI. A new name given hereupon to the place, to perpetuate the shame of a murmuring people and the honour of a righteous God; the place was called Taberah, a burning (Nu 11:3), that others might hear, and fear, and take warning not to sin as they did, lest they should smart as they did, 1Co 10:10.
3 And he called the name of the place Taberah [a burning]: because
the fire of the Lord burnt among them.
4 And the mixed 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?
These verses represent things sadly unhinged and out of order in Israel, both the people and the prince uneasy.