Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. The flesh pots] As the Hebrews were in a state of slavery in Egypt, they were doubtless fed in various companies by their task masters in particular places, where large pots or boilers were fixed for the purpose of cooking their victuals. To these there may be a reference in this place, and the whole speech only goes to prove that they preferred their bondage in Egypt to their present state in the wilderness; for they could not have been in a state of absolute want, as they had brought an abundance of flocks and herds with them out of Egypt.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - The provisions of Israel, brought from Egypt, were spent by the middl of the second month, and they murmured. It is no new thing for the greatest kindness to be basely represented as the greatest injuries They so far undervalue their deliverance, that they wished they ha died in Egypt; and by the hand of the Lord, that is, by the plague which cut off the Egyptians. We cannot suppose they had plenty i Egypt, nor could they fear dying for want in the wilderness, while the had flocks and herds: none talk more absurdly than murmurers. When we begin to fret, we ought to consider, that God hears all our murmurings God promises a speedy and constant supply. He tried whether they woul trust him, and rest satisfied with the bread of the day in its day Thus he tried if they would serve him, and it appeared how ungratefu they were. When God plagued the Egyptians, it was to make them know he was their Lord; when he provided for the Israelites, it was to make them know he was their God.
Original Hebrew ויאמרו559 אלהם413 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 מי4310 יתן5414 מותנו4191 ביד3027 יהוה3068 בארץ776 מצרים4714 בשׁבתנו3427 על5921 סיר5518 הבשׂר1320 באכלנו398 לחם3899 לשׂבע7648 כי3588 הוצאתם3318 אתנו853 אל413 המדבר4057 הזה2088 להמית4191 את853 כל3605 הקהל6951 הזה2088 ברעב׃7458
