Definition: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 16:3. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about the Israelites' initial experience after leaving Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: “And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Let’s unpack it: “And the children of Israel said unto them…” : This is a complaint from the Israelites. They're feeling really frustrated and upset about their situation. “…Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt…” : This means they were unhappy with how things were going before they left Egypt. They missed the comfort and abundance of their home country, and they wished they’d stayed there. “…when we sat by the flesh pots…” : This is a bit tricky. “Flesh pots” isn't meant to be taken literally. It refers to the food they were eating – bread and other provisions – that was provided by God. It symbolizes their desperate, uncomfortable situation. They were hungry and weren’t getting enough. “…and when we did eat bread to the full…” : This reinforces the feeling of being hungry and lacking. “for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” : This is the most shocking part. They're saying that God caused them to be in a state of starvation (hunger). They’re expressing their deep disappointment and feeling like they were abandoned by God. It’s a powerful statement about their resentment. What’s the bigger picture? This verse is a key part of understanding why God led the Israelites out of Egypt. It highlights: God's Sovereignty: God is in control, and He has a plan for His people, even when things are difficult. Disappointment & Rebellion (sort of): The Israelites were initially upset and rebellious, but God’s purpose was to provide them with sustenance – bread and food – so they could survive. In essence, the verse is a moment of intense longing and frustration from the Israelites, expressing their disappointment with God's actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you a different perspective on the verse’s meaning?