Definition: Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 11:22. It’s a really interesting story about a desperate situation with a lot of numbers! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: A group of Philistines (a people living to the east of Israel) – they were enemies – are starving and desperately needing food. They’re running out of resources, and they’ve decided to take a really extreme action. What They’re Asking: They're asking God: “Should we sacrifice the animals in our herds and flocks, or should we gather all the fish from the sea?” Let's unpack it: “Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them…” This means they’re telling God that they need to permanently kill off all their animals. It’s a huge sacrifice, a complete loss of life. "...to suffice them?" This is the crucial part. They're asking if it's okay to let the animals die so that they have enough food to survive. "...or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them?” This is the second part of their request – a huge, incredibly complex task. They want to gather every single fish from the ocean and put it in one place. The Implication: This passage highlights a few things: Extreme Desperation: It shows how desperate people can be when they are facing starvation. A Lack of Understanding: The Philistines aren’t thinking clearly about the consequences of their actions. They're focused on a solution that seems incredibly difficult and potentially devastating to all life – including the animals themselves. Overall Meaning: The story is a warning against taking drastic measures without considering the full impact on all life, especially those who are vulnerable or dependent on it. It’s a reminder that even when we're in a tough situation, we should always think about the consequences of our choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further with examples? Discuss the historical context (why might this have happened)? Talk about the symbolism behind the story?