Definition: And while the flesh [was] yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:33. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is incredibly angry at the people because they were being disrespectful. Let’s unpack that: “Numbers 11”: This refers to a specific story in the Old Testament – a group of Israelites (a large portion of the population) refusing to follow Moses and wandering into the wilderness. “While the flesh [was] yet between their teeth…” This is a metaphorical way of saying they were being uncontrolled or disruptive . It’s like a situation where something was happening that was causing problems, but wasn't yet fully manifesting as trouble. Think of it as a little bit of mischief or disobedience bubbling up. “Ere it was chewed…” This is the key part. "Chewed" means broken or damaged. The verse suggests that this disruption was about to become a big problem. It's like a tiny crack in a wall, and it’s about to widen and cause damage. “The wrath of the LORD was kindled…” “Wrath” means intense anger and displeasure. The Lord was feeling very upset. It wasn't just a normal angry feeling; it was a deep, powerful anger. “…against the people…” This is the result of God’s anger – He was punishing the people. “And the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.” This is the action God took – He inflicted a terrible misfortune upon them. It wasn't just a bad day; it was a significant and devastating disaster. In short, this verse describes a moment when the Israelites’ disobedience led to a severe punishment from God. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a warning about: The consequences of disrespecting God: It highlights that disobeying God's commands can lead to serious repercussions. God’s justice and power: It shows God’s ability to punish those who stray from his path. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps talk about its significance in a broader context within the Bible? For example, we could discuss: What caused the Israelites to be disobedient? How does this story relate to other stories about God's judgment?