1 AND THE people grumbled and deplored their hardships, which was evil in the ears of the Lord, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burned among them and devoured those in the outlying parts of the camp. 2 The people cried to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire subsided. 3 He called the name of the place Taberah [burning], because the fire of the Lord burned among them.
4 And the mixed multitude among them [the rabble who followed Israel from Egypt] began to lust greatly [for familiar and dainty food], and the Israelites wept again and said, Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt and without cost, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. 6 But now our soul (our strength) is dried up; there is nothing at all [in the way of food] to be seen but this manna.
7 The manna was like coriander seed and its appearance was like that of bdellium [perhaps a precious stone]. 8 The people went about and gathered it, and ground it in mills or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it; and it tasted like cakes baked with fresh oil. 9 And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.
10 And Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent; and the anger of the Lord blazed hotly, and in the eyes of Moses it was evil. 11 And Moses said to the Lord, Why have You dealt ill with Your servants? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Have I conceived all this people? Have I brought them forth, that You should say to me, Carry them in your bosom, as a nursing father carries the sucking child, to the land which You swore to their fathers [to give them]? 13 Where should I get meat to give to all these people? For they weep before me and say, Give us meat, that we may eat. 14 I am not able to carry all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. 15 And if this is the way You deal with me, kill me, I pray You, at once, and be granting me a favor and let me not see my wretchedness [in the failure of all my efforts].