• Torah (T): Bemidbar (Numbers) 11:1-35
• Prophets (P): Judges 6:1-16
• Apostolic (A): Matthew 6:25-34
• Additional (ADD): 2 Maccabees 12:1-16

RELATED SCRIPTURES

• Deuteronomy 9:15-29; Psalms 105:38-43; Psalms 106:1-15 (T)
• Psalms 78:1-32 (T)
• Exodus 12:35-38; Numbers 11:4-6; Nehemiah 13:1-3; Ezekiel 30:5; Ezekiel 16:35-38, 16:37 LXX (T)
• 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 (T)
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (T)
• Exodus 16:1-36 (T)
• John 6:1-71 (T)
• Nehemiah 9:6-20 (T)
• Isaiah 50:1-2; Isaiah 59:1-3 (T)
• Ya’aqov (James) 4:1-17 (T)
• Matthew 16:5-12 (T)
• John 9:38-41 (T)
• Acts 2:1-21 (T)
• 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 (T)
• Exodus 21:7-11 (A)

RELATED ADDITIONAL REA.D.INGS

• Wisdom of Solomon 16:20-21 (T)
• Numbers 11:1-35 from the Jerusalem Targum aka Targum Pseudo-Jonathan (T)
• Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus 3.1.4-6; 3.13.1 (T)

Note: (T) means the verse relates to that week’s Torah portion. (P) means the verse relates to that week’s Prophets portion. (A) means the verse relates to that week’s Apostolic portion. (ADD) means the verse relates to that week’s Additional portion.

Torah Portion (T)

11:1 The people were complaining in the ears of YHWH. When YHWH heard it, his anger burned; and YHWH’s fire burned among them, and consumed at the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to YHWH, and the fire abated. 3 The name of that place was called Taberah, because YHWH’s fire burned among them. 4 The mixed multitude that was among them will desire a desiring; and the sons of Israel also will turn back and weep, and they will say, “Who will give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we freely ate in Egypt; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic; 6 now our souls are dry, without anything except for the manna before our eyes.” 7 The manna, he is like coriander seed, and his eye is like the eye of the bedolach. 8 The people went around, gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of him. His taste was like the taste of fresh oil. 9 When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it. 10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent; and the anger of YHWH burned greatly; and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to YHWH, “Why have you done evil to your servant? Why haven’t I found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Have I conceived all this people? Have I brought them out, that you should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which you swore to their fathers?’ 13 Where could I get flesh to give all these people? For they weep before me, saying, ‘Give us flesh, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 If you treat me this way, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in your sight; and don’t let me see my evil.” 16 YHWH said to Moses, “Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; and bring them to the Appointed Tent, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they will bear the burden of the people with you, that you don’t bear it yourself alone. 18 “Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, and you will eat flesh; for you have wept in the ears of YHWH, saying, “Who will give us flesh to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore YHWH will give you flesh, and you will eat. 19 You will not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole new moon, until it comes out at your nostrils, and it is loathsome to you; because you have rejected YHWH who is among you, and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?” ‘ ” 21 Moses said, “The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand men on foot; and you have said, ‘I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole new moon.’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?” 23 YHWH said to Moses, “Has the hand of YHWH grown short? Now you will see whether my word will happen to you or not.” 24 Moses went out, and told the people the word of YHWHs; and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them around the Tent. 25 YHWH came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit rested on them, they prophesied, and they did not add. 26 But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad; and the spirit rested on them. They were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!” 28 Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!” 29 Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? I wish that all the people of YHWH were prophets, that YHWH would put his spirit on them!” 30 Moses went into the camp, he and the elders of Israel. 31 A spirit from YHWH went out and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, about a day’s journey on this side, and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the land. 32 [All the people]^(DSS) rose up that day, and all night, and [all the next],^(DSS) and gathered the quails. He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all out for themselves around the camp. 33 While the flesh was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of YHWH burned against the people, and YHWH struck the people with a very great hitting. 34 The name of that place was called Qibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who coveted. 35 From Qibroth Hattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth; and they stayed at Hazeroth.

Prophets Portion (P)

6:1 The sons of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of YHWH, so YHWH delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. 2 The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the sons of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, the caves, and the strongholds. 3 So it was, when [the sons of]^(LXX)  Israel had sown, that the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the sons of the east came up against them. 4 They encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the land, until you come to Gaza. They left no sustenance in [the land of]^(LXX) Israel, and no sheep, ox, or donkey. 5 For they came up with their livestock and their tents [and their camels].^(LXX)(DSS) They came in as locusts for multitude, and they were without number. And they came into the land to destroy it. 6 Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the sons of Israel cried to YHWH. 7 When the sons of Israel cried to YHWH because of Midian, 8 YHWH sent a prophet to the sons of Israel; and he said to them, “YHWH, the Elohim of Israel, says, ‘I brought you up from [the land of]^(LXX) Egypt, and brought you out of the house of bondage. 9 I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land. 10 I said to you, “I am YHWH your Elohim. You will not fear the Elohim of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not listened to my voice.’ ” 11 the angel of YHWH came and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites. 12 the angel of YHWH appeared to him, and said to him, “YHWH is with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13 Gideon said to him, “Oh, my lord, if [Elohim]^(DSS) is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, ‘Didn’t YHWH bring us up from Egypt?’ But now [he]^(LXX) has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” 14 YHWH looked at him, and said, “Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. [Look,]^(LXX) haven’t I sent you?” 15 [Gideon]^(LXX) said to him, “O Lord, how will I save Israel? Behold, my family is the helpless in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16 [And the angel of]^(LXX) YHWH said to him, “Surely [YHWH]^(LXX) will be with you, and you will strike the Midianites as one man.”

Apostolic Portion (A)

6:25 Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 See the birds of the heavens, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they? 27 “Which of you by being anxious, can add one cubit to his lifespan? 28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin, 29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. 30 But if Elohim so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith? 31 “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ 32 For the Nations seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the reign of Elohim and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.

Additional Portion (ADD)

1 and 2 Maccabees are set during the reign of the Seleucid Greek empire (the part of the Greek empire that found its roots in Syria). It tells the story of how the Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes attested to suppress Temple worship and to destroy the practice of Jewish law. This caused the Maccabean revolt, led by Mattathias and his sons. As a part of the revolt, the Temple was freed from the control of the Greek empire and rededicated (an act that is still commemorated yearly in the festival of Hanukkah). The Maccabees then ruled over Israel, first as High Priests and then as High Priests and Princes of Israel. 2 Maccabees recaps some of the story (until the events of 161 B.C.) and adds in details about Elohim’s intervention into the events reports. 2 Maccabees, the first work to pose an opposition between Judaism and Hellenism, sees Hellenism as a new kind of threat in Jewish history. Previously, foreign cultures were perceived as dangerous because of the trial posed by their elohim. But for 2 Maccabees, Hellenism involves a system of values distinct from idolatry, the values associated with the gymnasium. 2 Maccabees condemns Jews who adopt these values even as they remain loyal to the Elohim of Israel.

12:1 So when these covenants had been made, Lysias departed to the king, and the Jews went about their husbandry. 2 But certain of the governors of districts, Timotheus and Apollonius the son of Gennaeus, and Hieronymus also and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to enjoy tranquility and live in peace. 3 And men of Joppa perpetrated this great impiety: they invited the Jews that lived among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had provided, as though they had no ill will toward them; 4 they also after, relying on the common decree of the city, accepted the invitation, as men desiring to live in peace and suspecting nothing, they took them out to sea and drowned them, in number not less than two hundred. 5 But when Judas heard of the cruelty done to his fellow-countrymen, giving command to the men that were with him 6 and calling upon Elohim the righteous Judge, he came against the murderers of his kindred, and set the haven on fire by night, and burned the boats, and put to the sword those that had fled there. 7 But when the town was closed against him, he withdrew, intending to come again to root out the whole community of the men of Joppa. 8 But learning that the men of Jamnia were minded to do in like manner to the Jews that sojourned among them, 9 he fell upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire to the haven together with the fleet, so that the glare of the light was seen at Jerusalem, two hundred and forty furlongs distant. 10 Now when they had drawn off nine furlongs from thence, as they marched against Timotheus, an army of Arabians attacked him, no fewer than five thousand footmen and five hundred horsemen. 11 And when a sore battle had been fought, and Judas and his company by the help of Elohim had good success, the nomads being overcome implored Judas to grant them friendship, promising to give him cattle, and to help them in all other ways. 12 So Judas, thinking that they would indeed be profitable in many things, agreed to live in peace with them; and receiving pledges of friendship they departed to their tents. 13 And he also fell upon a certain city Gephyrun, strong and fenced about with walls, and inhabited by a mixed multitude of various nations; and it was named Caspin. 14 But those who were within, trusting to the strength of the walls and to their store of provisions, behaved themselves rudely toward Judas and those who were with him,railing, and furthermore blaspheming and speaking impious words. 15 But Judas and his company, calling upon the great sovereign of the world, who without rams and cunning engines of war hurled down Jericho in the times of Joshua, rushed wildly against the wall; 16 and having taken the city by the will of Elohim, they made unspeakable slaughter, insomuch that the adjoining lake, which was two furlongs broad, appeared to be filled with the deluge of blood.

Related Scriptures

Deuteronomy 9:15 So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire. The two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. 16 I looked, and behold, you had sinned against YHWH your Elohim. You had made yourselves a molded calf. You had quickly turned away from the way which YHWH had commanded you. 17 I took hold of the two tablets, and threw them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes. 18 I fell down before YHWH, as at the first, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water, because of all your sin which you sinned, in doing that which was evil in the sight of YHWH, to provoke him to anger. 19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which YHWH was angry against you to destroy you. But YHWH listened to me that time also. 20 YHWH was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him. I prayed for Aaron also at the same time. 21 I took your sin, the calf which you had made, and burned it with fire, and crushed it, grinding it very small, until it was as fine as dust. I threw its dust into the brook that descended out of the mountain. 22 At Taberah, at Massah, and at Qibroth Hattaavah you provoked YHWH to wrath. 23 When YHWH sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, “Go up and possess the land which I have given you,” you rebelled against the commandment of YHWH your Elohim, and you didn’t believe him or listen to his voice. 24 You have been rebellious against YHWH from the day that I knew you. 25 So I fell down before YHWH the forty days and forty nights that I fell down, because YHWH had said he would destroy you. 26 I prayed to YHWH, and said, “Lord YHWH, don’t destroy your people and your inheritance that you have redeemed through your greatness, that you have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 27 Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Don’t look at the stubbornness of this people, nor at their wickedness, nor at their sin, 28 lest the land you brought us out from say, ‘Because YHWH was not able to bring them into the land which he promised to them, and because he hated them, he has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’ 29 Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.”

Psalms 105:38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen on them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, fire to give light in the night. 40 They asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of the heavens. 41 He opened the rock, and waters gushed out. They ran as a river in the dry places. 42 For he remembered his holy word, and Abraham, his servant. 43 He brought his people out with joy, his chosen with singing.

Psalms 106:1 Halleluyah! Give thanks to YHWH, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of YHWH, or fully declare all his praise? 3 Blessed are those who guard justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times. 4 Remember me, YHWH, with the favor that you show to your people. Visit me with your salvation, 5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance. 6 We have sinned with our fathers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers didn’t understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn’t remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Sea of Reeds. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Sea of Reeds also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert. 10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 The waters covered their adversaries. There was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed his words. They sang his praise. 13 They soon forgot his works. They didn’t wait for his counsel, 14 but coveted exceedingly in the desert, and tested Elohim in the wasteland. 15 He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

78:1 Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their sons, telling to the generation to come the praises of YHWH, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done. 5 For he established a covenant in Jacob, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their sons; 6 that the generation to come might know, the sons who should be born; who should arise and tell their sons, 7 that they might set their hope in Elohim, and not forget Elohim’s deeds, but guard his commandments, 8 and might not be as their fathers— a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn’t make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was not steadfast with Elohim. 9 The sons of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They didn’t keep Elohim’s covenant, and refused to walk in his Torah. 11 They forgot his doings, his wondrous deeds that he had shown them. 12 He did marvelous things in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He split the sea, and caused them to pass through. He made the waters stand as a heap. 14 In the daytime he also led them with a cloud, and all night with a light of fire. 15 He split rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths. 16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. 17 Yet they still went on to sin against him, to rebel against Elyon in the desert. 18 They tested Elohim in their heart by asking food according to their desire. 19 Yes, they spoke against Elohim. They said, “Can Elohim prepare a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, he struck the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed. Can he give bread also? Will he provide flesh for his people?” 21 Therefore YHWH heard, and was angry. A fire was kindled against Jacob, anger also went up against Israel, 22 because they didn’t believe in Elohim, and didn’t trust in his salvation. 23 Yet he commanded the heavens above, and opened the doors of the heavens. 24 He rained down manna on them to eat, and gave them grain from the heavens. 25 Man ate the bread of angels. He sent them provision to the full. 26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens. By his power he guided the south wind. 27 He also rained flesh on them as the dust, winged birds as the sand of the seas. 28 He let them fall in the middle of their camp, around their habitations. 29 So they ate, and were well filled. He gave them their own desire. 30 They didn’t turn from their cravings. Their food was yet in their mouths, 31 when the anger of Elohim went up against them, killed some of their strongest, and struck down the young men of Israel. 32 For all this they still sinned, and didn’t believe in his wondrous works. 33 Therefore he consumed their days in vanity, and their years in terror. 34 When he killed them, then they inquired after him. They returned and sought Elohim earnestly. 35 They remembered that Elohim was their rock, El Elyon, their redeemer. 36 But they flattered him with their mouth, and lied to him with their tongue. 37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they faithful in his covenant. 38 But he is compassionate, he will atone iniquity, and he will not destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away, and doesn’t come again.

Exodus 12:35 The sons of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 YHWH gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They plundered the Egyptians. 37 The sons of Israel traveled from Rameses to Sukkot, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, in addition to little ones. 38 A mixed multitude** went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock.

Nehemiah 13:1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and it was found written in it that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of Elohim forever, 2 because they didn’t meet the sons of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them; however, our Elohim turned the curse into a blessing. 3 It came to pass, when they had heard the Torah, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.^†

Ezekiel 30:1 the word of YHWH came again to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘The Lord YHWH says: “Wail, ‘Alas for the day!’ 3 For the day is near, even the day of YHWH is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of the nations. 4 A sword will come on Egypt, and anguish will be in Cush, when the slain fall in Egypt. They take away her multitude, and her foundations are broken down. 5 “Cush, Put, Lud, all the mixed people,^† Chub, and the sons of the land that is allied with them, will fall with them by the sword.”

Ezekiel 16:35 “Therefore, whore, hear the word of YHWH: 36 ‘The Lord YHWH says, “Because your filthiness was poured out, and your nakedness uncovered through your prostitution with your lovers; and because of all the idols of your abominations, and for the blood of your sons, that you gave to them; 37 therefore see, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure,^‡ and all those whom you have loved, with all those whom you have hated. I will even gather them against you on every side, and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness. 38 I will judge you as women who break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and zeal.

Ezekiel 16:37 Septuagint (LXX) Therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you have intermixed,^§ and all whom you have loved, with all whom you did hate; and I will gather them against you round about, and will expose your wickedness to them, and they will see all your shame.

• • ** Hebrew אֲסַפְסֻף aspesuph (H628) – A gathering of people; collection, rabble, collected multitude
  • ** עֵרֶב רַב erev rav (H6154 + H7227) – “great mixture”
  • † Hebrew עֵרֶב erev (H6154) – mixture of cords when weaving (weft or weft), mingled, mixed people, mixed company; also translated as Arabia in some versions of Ezekiel 30:5
  • ‡ Hebrew עָרַב arav (H6149) – to be pleasant, be sweet, be pleasing
  • § Greek επίμικτος epímiktos – intermixed or mixed multitude

In the Greek Septuagint (LXX), both אֲסַפְסֻף (aspesuph) and עֵרֶב (erev) are translated to the same Greek word επίμικτος (epímiktos) meaning intermixed or mixed multitude.

10:1 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 and were all immersed into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Messiah. 5 However with most of them, Elohim was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not covet after evil things as they also coveted. 7 Don’t be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Let’s not commit whoring, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. 9 Let’s not test [YHWH],^(mss) as some of them tested, and perished by the nachashim. 10 Don’t grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.

6:14 Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What agreement does Messiah have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement does a temple of Elohim have with idols? For you are a temple of the living Elohim. Even as Elohim said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their Elohim and they will be my people.” (cf. Leviticus 26:12) 17 Therefore Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says YHWH. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. 18 I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says YHWH Almighty.”

16:1 They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second new moon after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 The whole congregation of the sons of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness; 3 and the sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of YHWH in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4 Then YHWH said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the heavens for you, and the people will go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my Torah or not. 5 It will come to pass on the sixth day, that they will prepare that which they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” 6 Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, “At evening, you will know that YHWH has brought you out from the land of Egypt. 7 In the morning, you will see the glory of YHWH; because he hears your murmurings against YHWH. Who are we, that you murmur against us?” 8 Moses said, “Now YHWH will give you flesh to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you, because YHWH hears your murmurings which you murmur against him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against YHWH.” 9 Moses said to Aaron, “Tell all the congregation of the sons of Israel, ‘Come close to YHWH, for he has heard your murmurings.’ ” 10 As Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of YHWH appeared in the cloud. 11 YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “I have heard the murmurings of the sons of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At evening you will eat flesh, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am YHWH your Elohim.’ ” 13 In the evening, quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. 14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 15 When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “what is he?” For they didn’t know what he was. Moses said to them, “He is the bread which YHWH has given you to eat. 16 This is the thing which YHWH has commanded: ‘Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, you will take it, every man for those who are in his tent.’ ” 17 The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered more, some less. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They each gathered according to his eating. 19 Moses said to them, “Let no one leave of it until the morning.” 20 Notwithstanding they didn’t listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, so it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21 They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to his eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one; and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 He said to them, “This is that which YHWH has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a rest, a Sabbath holy to YHWH. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’ ” 24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses ordered, and it didn’t become foul, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to YHWH. Today do not find him in the field. 26 Six days you will gather him, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. He will not exist in him*.” 27 On the seventh day, certain ones of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 YHWH said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to guard my commandments and my Torot? 29 Behold, because YHWH has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone sit in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people ceased on the seventh day. 31 The house of Israel called his name “Mahn”, and he was like coriander seed, white; and his taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Moses said, “This is the thing which YHWH has commanded, ‘Fill an omer with him to be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’ ” 33 Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot, and put an omer of the Manna in it, and lay him up before YHWH, to be kept throughout your generations.” 34 As YHWH commanded Moses, so Aaron laid him up before the Witness, to be kept. 35 The sons of Israel ate the Manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the Manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is one tenth of an ephah.

6:1 After these things, Yeshua went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick. 3 Yeshua went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples. 4 Now the Pesach, the Jewish festival, was at hand. 5 Yeshua therefore, lifting up his eyes and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may receive a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Shimon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?” 10 Yeshua said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Yeshua took the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down, likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. 12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Yeshua did, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who comes into the world.” 15 Yeshua therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea. 17 They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Yeshua had not come to them. 18 The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing. 19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Yeshua walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 21 They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. 22 On the next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one in which his disciples had embarked, and that Yeshua hadn’t entered with his disciples into the boat, but his disciples had gone away alone. 23 However, boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 When the multitude therefore saw that Yeshua wasn’t there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Yeshua. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Yeshua answered them, “Amen, amen, I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For Elohim the Father has sealed him.” 28 They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of Elohim?” 29 Yeshua answered them, “This is the work of Elohim, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 They said therefore to him, “What then do you do for a sign, that we may see and believe you? What work do you do? 31 Our fathers ate the Manna in the wilderness. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of the heavens to eat.’ ” 32 Yeshua therefore said to them, “Amen, amen, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of the heavens, but my Father gives you the true bread out of the heavens. 33 For the bread of Elohim is that which comes down out of the heavens and gives life to the world.” 34 They said therefore to him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Yeshua said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don’t believe. 37 All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out. 38 For I have come down from the heavens, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day. 40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” 41 The Judeans therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, “I am the bread which came down out of the heavens.” 42 They said, “Isn’t this Yeshua, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of the heavens?’ ” 43 Therefore Yeshua answered them, “Don’t murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up in the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘They will all be taught by Elohim.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father and has learned, comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from Elohim. He has seen the Father. 47 Amen, amen, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the Manna in the wilderness and they died. 50 This is the bread which comes down out of the heavens, that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down out of the heavens. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52 The Judeans therefore contended with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 Yeshua therefore said to them, “Amen, amen, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves. 54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on me will also live because of me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of the heavens—not as our fathers ate the Manna and died. He who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” 61 But Yeshua knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. 64 But there are some of you who don’t believe.” For Yeshua knew from the beginning who they were who didn’t believe, and who it was who would betray him. 65 He said, “For this cause I have said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.” 66 At this, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. 67 Yeshua said therefore to the twelve, “You don’t also want to go away, do you?” 68 Shimon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim.” 70 Yeshua answered them, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 Now he spoke of Judah, the son of Shimon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.

9:6 You are YHWH, even you alone. You have made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, with all their army, the land and all things that are on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. The army of the heavens worships you. 7 You are YHWH, the Elohim who chose Abram, brought him out of Ur of the Chaldees, gave him the name of Abraham, 8 found his heart faithful before you, and cut a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, to give it to his seed, and have performed your words, for you are righteous. 9 “You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Sea of Reeds, 10 and showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants, and against all the people of his land, for you knew that they dealt proudly against them, and made a name for yourself, as it is today. 11 You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the middle of the sea on the dry land; and you cast their pursuers into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover, in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go. 13 “You also came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from the heavens, and gave them right judgments and Torah of truth, good statutes and commandments, 14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, statutes, and a Torah, by Moses your servant, 15 and gave them bread from the heavens for their hunger, and brought water out of the rock for them for their thirst, and commanded them that they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them. 16 “But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, 17 and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are an Elohim ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them. 18 Yes, when they had made themselves a molded calf, and said, ‘This is your Elohim who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed awful blasphemies, 19 yet you in your manifold mercies didn’t forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud didn’t depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither did the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go. 20 You gave also your good spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.

Isaiah 50:1 YHWH says, “Where is the bill of your mother’s divorce, with which I have put her away? Or to which of my creditors have I sold you? Behold, you were sold for your iniquities, and your mother was put away for your transgressions. 2 Why, when I came, was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can’t redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water, and die of thirst.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the hand of YHWH is not shortened, that it can’t save; nor his ear dull, that it can’t hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you and your Elohim, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters wickedness.

4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? 2 You covet, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. 3 You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward Elohim? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of Elohim. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns zealously”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “Elohim resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Be subject therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to Elohim, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you. 11 Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another? 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” 14 Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” 16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. 17 To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.

5:5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 6 Yeshua said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 Yeshua, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, because you have brought no bread? 9 Don’t you yet perceive or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up, 10 or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

9:38 John said to him, “Rabbi, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” 39 But Yeshua said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name because you are Messiah’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

2:1 Now when the day of Shavu’ot had come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 Suddenly there came from the heavens a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the heavens. 6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans? 8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians—we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of Elohim!” 12 They were all amazed and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 15 For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘It will be in the last days, says Elohim, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the land beneath: blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and apparent day of YHWH  comes. 21 It will be that whoever will call on the name of YHWH will be saved.’ (cf. Joel 2:28-32)

14:1 Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to Elohim, for no one understands, but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. 5 Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but even more that you would prophesy. For he is greater who prophesies than he who speaks with other languages, unless he interprets, that the assembly may be built up. 6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching? 7 Even lifeless things that make a sound, whether pipe or harp, if they didn’t give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war? 9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I don’t know the meaning of the language, I would be to him who speaks a foreigner, and he who speaks would be a foreigner to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly. 13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What should I do? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he doesn’t know what you say? 17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up. 18 I thank my Elohim, I speak with other languages more than you all. 19 However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. 20 Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. 21 In the law it is written, “By men of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. They won’t even listen to me that way, says the Lord.” (cf. Isaiah 28:11-12) 22 Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won’t they say that you are crazy? 24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship Elohim, declaring that Elohim is among you indeed. 26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If any man speaks in another language, let there be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the assembly, and let him speak to himself and to Elohim. 29 Let two or three of the prophets speak, and let the others discern. 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be exhorted. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for Elohim is not an Elohim of confusion but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the holy ones. 34 Let the wives be quiet in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to be talking except in submission, as the law also says, 35 if they desire to learn anything. “Let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to be talking in the assembly.” 36 What!? Was it from you that the word of Elohim went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking with other languages. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Exodus 21:7-11 (A)

21:7 “If a man sells his daughter to be a maid, she will not go out as the male servants do. 8 If she doesn’t please her master, who has married her to himself, then he will let her be redeemed. He will have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. 9 If he marries her to his son, he will deal with her as a daughter. 10 If he takes another, he will not diminish her food, her clothing, and her conjugal rights. 11 If he doesn’t do these three things for her, she may go free without paying any money.

Related Additional Readings​

Wisdom of Solomon 16:20-21 (T)

The Wisdom of Solomon, or Book of Wisdom, is a Jewish work, written in Greek, and most likely composed in Alexandria, Egypt. Generally dated to the mid first century B.C. It is uncertain whether the book has a single author or comes from a school of writers, but recent scholarship has favored regarding it as a unified work. Fragments of the Wisdom of Solomon were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the first discovered and excavated cave at Qumran in 1949.

16:20 Instead of these things, you gave your people angels’ food to eat, and you provided ready-to-eat bread for them from heaven without toil, having the virtue of every pleasant flavor, and agreeable to every taste. 21 For your nature showed your sweetness toward your children, while that bread, serving the desire of the eater, changed itself according to every man’s choice.

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Josephus was born Joseph ben Mattathias in 37 AD in Jerusalem of a priestly and royal family. He excelled in his studies of Jewish law and studied with the Sadducees, Pharisees, and the Essenes, eventually aligning himself with the Pharisees. In 62 AD he went to Rome to free some imprisoned priests. After accomplishing this mission through the intercession of Nero’s wife, Poppaea, he returned to Jerusalem in 65 AD to find the country in revolt against Rome. Josephus shrewdly reinterpreted the Messianic prophecies. He predicted that Vespasian would become the ruler of the ‘entire world’. His prophecy became true in 68 AD when Nero committed suicide and Vespasian became Ceasar. As a result, Josephus was freed; he moved to Rome and became a Roman citizen, taking the Vespasian family name Flavius. Vespasian commissioned Josephus to write a history of the war, which he finished in 78 AD, the Jewish War. His second major work, the Antiquities of the Jews, was completed in 93 AD. The extant manuscripts of the book Antiquities of the Jews contain two references to Yeshua of Nazareth (18.3.3. and 20.9.1.) and one reference to the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist (18.5.2.).

3.1.4. But as for Moses himself, while the multitude were irritated and bitterly set against him, he cheerfully relied upon Elohim, and upon his consciousness of the care he had taken of these his own people; and he came into the midst of them, even while they clamored against him, and had stones in their hands in order to despatch him. Now he was of an agreeable face, and very able to persuade the people by his speeches; accordingly he began to mitigate their anger, and exhorted them not to be over-mindful of their present adversities, lest they should thereby suffer the benefits that had formerly been bestowed on them to slip out of their memories; and he desired them by no means, on account of their present uneasiness, to cast those great and wonderful favors and gifts, which they had obtained of Elohim, out of their minds, but to expect deliverance out of those their present troubles which they could not free themselves from, and this by the means of that Divine Providence which watched over them. Seeing it is probable that Elohim tries their virtue, and exercises their patience by these adversities, that it may appear what fortitude they have, and what memory they retain of his former wonderful works in their favor, and whether they will not think of them upon occasion of the miseries they now feel. He told them, it appeared they were not really good men, either in patience, or in remembering what had been successfully done for them, sometimes by contemning Elohim and his commands, when by those commands they left the land of Egypt; and sometimes by behaving themselves ill towards him who was the servant of Elohim, and this when he had never deceived them, either in what he said, or had ordered them to do by Elohim’s command. He also put them in mind of all that had passed; how the Egyptians were destroyed when they attested to detain them, contrary to the command of Elohim; and after what manner the very same river was to the others bloody, and not fit for drinking, but was to them sweet, and fit for drinking; and how they went a new road through the sea, which fled a long way from them, by which very means they were themselves preserved, but saw their enemies destroyed; and that when they were in want of weapons, Elohim gave them plenty of them;-and so he recounted all the particular instances, how when they were, in appearance, just going to be destroyed, Elohim had saved them in a surprising manner; and that he had still the same power; and that they ought not even now to despair of his providence over them; and accordingly he exhorted them to continue quiet, and to consider that help would not come too late, though it come not immediately, if it be present with them before they suffer any great misfortune; that they ought to reason thus: that Elohim delays to assist them, not because he has no regard to them, but because he will first try their fortitude, and the pleasure they take in their freedom, that he may learn whether you have souls great enough to bear want of food, and scarcity of water, on its account; or whether you rather love to be slaves, as cattle are slaves to such as own them, and feed them liberally, but only in order to make them more useful in their service. That as for himself, he will not be so much concerned for his own preservation; for if he die unjustly, he will not reckon it any affliction, but that he is concerned for them, lest, by casting stones at him, they should be thought to condemn Elohim himself.

3.1.5. By this means Moses pacified the people, and restrained them from stoning him, and brought them to repent of what they were going to do. And because he thought the necessity they were under made their passion less unjustifiable, he thought he ought to apply himself to Elohim by prayer and supplication; and going up to an eminence, he requested of Elohim for some succor for the people, and some way of deliverance from the want they were in, because in him, and in him alone, was their hope of salvation; and he desired that he would forgive what necessity had forced the people to do, since such was the nature of mankind, hard to please, and very complaining under adversities. Accordingly Elohim promised he would take care of them, and afford them the succor they were desirous of. Now when Moses had heard this from Elohim, he came down to the multitude. But as soon as they saw him joyful at the promises he had received from Elohim, they changed their sad countenances into gladness. So he placed himself in the midst of them, and told them he came to bring them from Elohim a deliverance from their present distresses. Accordingly a little after came a vast number of quails, which is a bird more plentiful in this Arabian Gulf than any where else, flying over the sea, and hovered over them, till wearied with their laborious flight, and, indeed, as usual, flying very near to the land, they fell down upon the Hebrews, who caught them, and satisfied their hunger with them, and supposed that this was the method whereby Elohim meant to supply them with food. Upon which Moses returned thanks to Elohim for affording them his assistance so suddenly, and sooner than he had promised them.

3.1.6. But presently after this first supply of food, he sent them a second; for as Moses was lifting up his hands in prayer, a dew fell down; and Moses, when he found it stick to his hands, supposed this was also come for food from Elohim to them. He tasted it; and perceiving that the people knew not what it was, and thought it snowed, and that it was what usually fell at that time of the year, he informed them that this dew did not fall from the heavens after the manner they imagined, but came for their preservation and sustenance. So he tasted it, and gave them some of it, that they might be satisfied about what he told them. They also imitated their conductor, and were pleased with the food, for it was like honey in sweetness and pleasant taste, but like in its body to bdellium, one of the sweet spices, and in bigness equal to coriander seed. And very earnest they were in gathering it; but they were enjoined to gather it equally 3—the measure of an omer for each one every day, because this food should not come in too small a quantity, lest the weaker might not be able to get their share, by reason of the overbearing of the strong in collecting it. However, these strong men, when they had gathered more than the measure appointed for them, had no more than others, but only tired themselves more in gathering it, for they found no more than an omer apiece; and the advantage they got by what was superfluous was none at all, it corrupting, both by the worms breeding in it, and by its bitterness. So divine and wonderful a food was this! It also supplied the want of other sorts of food to those that fed on it. And even now, in all that place, this manna comes down in rain, 4 according to what Moses then obtained of Elohim, to send it to the people for their sustenance. Now the Hebrews call this food manna: for the particle man, in our language, is the asking of a question. What is this? So the Hebrews were very joyful at what was sent them from the heavens. Now they made use of this food for forty years, or as long as they were in the wilderness.

3.13.1. A Little while afterwards he rose up, and went from Mount Sinai; and, having passed through several mansions, of which we will speak he came to a place called Hazeroth, where the multitude began again to be mutinous, and to Moses for the misfortunes they had suffered their travels; and that when he had persuaded to leave a good land, they at once had lost land, and instead of that happy state he had them, they were still wandering in their miserable condition, being already in want water; and if the manna should happen to fail, must then utterly perish. Yet while they spake many and sore things against there was one of them who exhorted them to be unmindful of Moses, and of what great pains he had been at about their common safety; not to despair of assistance from Elohim. The multitude thereupon became still more unruly, and mutinous against Moses than before. Hereupon Moses, although he was so basely abused by them encouraged them in their despairing conditioned and promised that he would procure them a quantity of flesh-meat, and that not for a few days only, but for many days. This they were not to believe; and when one of them asked, whence he could obtain such vast plenty of what he promised, he replied, “Neither Elohim nor I, we hear such opprobrious language from will leave off our labors for you; and this soon appear also.” As soon as ever he had this, the whole camp was filled with quails, they stood round about them, and gathered great numbers. However, it was not long ere Elohim punished the Hebrews for their insolence, those reproaches they had used towards him, no small number of them died; and still to this day the place retains the memory of this destruction and is named Qibrothhattaavah, which is, Graves of Lust.