2. The people cried out to Moses for help; he prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down.
3. So the place was named Taberah, because there the fire of the Lord burnt among them.
4. There were some foreigners travelling with the Israelites. They had a strong craving for meat, and even the Israelites themselves began to complain: “If only we could have some meat!
5. In Egypt we used to eat all the fish we wanted, and it cost us nothing. Remember the cucumbers, the watermelons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic we had?
6. But now our strength is gone. There is nothing at all to eat — nothing but this manna day after day!”
7. (Manna was like small seeds, whitish yellow in colour.
8-9. It fell on the camp at night along with the dew. The next morning the people would go round and gather it, grind it or pound it into flour, and then boil it and make it into flat cakes. It tasted like bread baked with olive oil.)
10. Moses heard all the people complaining as they stood about in groups at the entrances of their tents. He was distressed because the Lord was angry with them,
11. and he said to the Lord, “Why have you treated me so badly? Why are you displeased with me? Why have you given me the responsibility for all these people?
12. I didn't create them or bring them to birth! Why should you ask me to act like a nurse and carry them in my arms like babies all the way to the land you promised to their ancestors?
13. Where could I get enough meat for all these people? They keep whining and asking for meat.
14. I can't be responsible for all these people by myself; it's too much for me!
15. If you are going to treat me like this, take pity on me and kill me, so that I won't have to endure your cruelty any longer.”