11:31 two cubits high. Critics contend this ironic miracle of the quail, sent in response to the complaint of the people wanting flesh to eat (Numbers 11:4), is physically absurd. The picture, however, is not what it seems at first, with quail stacked three feet high for miles all around. The language permits the more understandable rendering that the quail were easily accessible, flying two cubits about the ground. This was the second time God had providentially directed quail to the camp in great numbers (see Exodus 16:13).

11:33 the wrath of the LORD. Compare Exodus 16:11-13. In the earlier experience the Lord had graciously supplied quail when the people complained, without rebuking them for questioning Him. Now, however, there was no excuse for their lack of faith. In addition, He had given them the law since that first experience, and they had covenanted to obey it. Thus discipline was doubly justified at this point.

11:34 buried the people. The name Kibroth-hattaavah means “graves of lust.” An ancient cemetery was found in the eighteenth century atop a mountain in this region. It had been mentioned also by a Byzantine monk in the fourth century. The tomb inscriptions were in a form of hieroglyphics but had apparently not been made by Egyptians. Many contained engravings of quails.