Definition: And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for [it was] well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:18. It's a really intense and dramatic passage about a plague of insects – specifically locusts – that is devastating a people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is deeply concerned about the Israelites’ well-being and feels they are in distress. He sees them as crying out to him, pleading for food, essentially asking for a way to survive. He then tells them to take extreme precautions – to sanctify themselves (meaning, prepare for a difficult situation) and be ready to eat flesh. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And say thou unto the people…” : This is a direct instruction from God to the Israelites. He’s telling them what they must do. “…Sanctify yourselves against to morrow…” : This means “prepare for tomorrow.” It's a warning – don’t be complacent or lazy. The locusts are coming, and you need to be ready. “Sanctify” here implies being prepared, vigilant, and watchful. “…and ye shall eat flesh:” : This is the shocking part. The verse immediately states that they must eat flesh. It's not just a warning; it’s a command – a requirement to survive. The Context - Why is this happening? This passage comes from a time when the Israelites were in a terrible situation: They were enslaved in Egypt, and there was no food available for them. God is showing his displeasure with their lack of preparation and their desperate pleas for help. He’s essentially saying, “I’m watching you. I’m concerned about your well-being.” The Significance & Interpretation: A Test of Faith: This verse is a powerful test of faith. It demonstrates that God isn't just concerned with the immediate crisis – the locusts themselves – but also with the Israelites' response to his judgment. God’s Sovereignty: It highlights God’s absolute control and power. He is not simply reacting to events; he is actively intervening to ensure their survival. A Call to Action: It's a call to be proactive, prepared for difficult situations, and to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems impossible. Important Note: This passage isn’t meant to be taken lightly. It’s a dramatic example of God’s power and his concern for his people. --- Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/11-18](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/11-18) – This has a detailed explanation and commentary on the verse. GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-11-18-verse.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Numbers-11-18-verse.html) - Provides context and different interpretations of the passage. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the theological significance of this passage?