Numbers 11:4-6 – Ungrateful

Daily Devotional Bible Verses

Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” (Numbers 11:4-6 ESV)

There are few things in life more repulsive than ungratefulness. Whether it’s a spoiled child screaming for more, or an individual who is unappreciative of another’s painstaking service, ungratefulness is ugly! Remember God’s provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness? This miraculous food appeared every morning (except on the Sabbath) in enough supply to feed the entire people. If the Lord had not graciously produced the manna, countless people would have starved.

Oddly enough, we don’t read of a grateful sentiment peppering the Israelite’s speech. We read of their longing again for Egypt, for slavery! They bemoaned that the “fish [they] ate in Egypt cost nothing”, they were revising their very history. That fish had cost them everything, they were slaves in Egypt. Here God had provided everything they needed, almost labor free, yet they still complained. This is ugly living. Gratefulness should abound when we witness God’s provision in our lives. Next time you are compelled to complain about something, like your job, family, or anything in between, look at it in the light of God’s provision.

Don’t complain about your manna.