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The Mixed Multitude

Text: Numbers 11
6 July 2015

THE MIXED MULTITUDE

1. The Children of Israel

2. Others who came out of Egypt with them   (Exodus 12:38; Numbers 11:4)

3. Their problem

a) Intense craving   (Numbers 11:4)
b) Weeping
c) Their grouses
i) Remembering the fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, garlic
ii) Despising the manna   (Numbers 11:5)
iii) Exaggeration of their health problem
“Our whole being is dried up”   Numbers 11:6

MANNA

1. Provision

It fell like dew   (Numbers 11:7)

2. Description

Like coriander seed   (Numbers 11:7)

3. Use   (Numbers 11:8-9)

a) Gathered
b) Grounded on millstones
c) Beat in a mortar
d) Cooked in pans
e) Made cakes
f) Pastry with oil

ANGRY REACTION

1. The Lord was angry   (Numbers 11:10)

2. Moses was displeased   (Numbers 11:10)

FRUSTRATION OF MOSES

1. Misgiving expressed in a series of questions   (Numbers 11:11-13)

a) Why have You afflicted Your servant?
b) And why have I not found favour in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of these people on me?
c) Did I conceive all these people?
d) Did I beget them, that You should say to me, “Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child, To the land which You swore to their fathers?”
e) Where am I to get meat to give to all the people?
f) They weep all over me, saying, “Give us meat, that we may eat.”

2. Desperation expressed   (Numbers 11:14-15)

a) I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me.
b) If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now- if I have found favour in Your sight- and do not let me see my wretchedness.