Numbers 11 -Moses' "Staff Meeting"

This is an odd story. Not only for the strange miracle that God sets up,- but also because it seems unnecessary in the context of the larger narrative• the people of Israel were disappointed and discouraged◦ their situation was primed for discontent and insurrection• four rebellions had been staged and subdued:◦ Moses’ sister and brother (ch. 12)◦ the whole nation turned from God at the border of Canaan (ch. 14)◦ a clan of rebels that refused to follow Moses any further (16:1-3, 12-34)◦ a crew of Levites, who claimed rights to the priesthood (16:4-11, 35)- in each instance, God intervened and punished the rebels• so God's choice for priesthood and service in the sanctuary would seem obvious • however, considering Israel’s state of mind, and history of complaint and stubbornness,◦ extra evidence for God’s choice may have been required