The riffraff among them had a strong craving for other food.
The Israelites wept again and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there’s nothing to look at but this manna!” (Numbers 11:4-6)
The word translated “riffraff” is an unusual word found only here in the Old Testament.
It possibly referred to some foreigners who had joined the Israelites on their departure from Egypt.
Whoever they were, one thing is clear: they were complainers who influenced others in a bad way and were a burden on Moses.
On the other hand, 70 of the Israelites were filled with God’s Spirit to be a support to Moses. And as Moses told Joshua, he wished all the people were Spirit-filled.
That was a wish God would grant years later at Pentecost. (Acts 2:14-18)
One thing I never want to be in God’s church is riffraff. Someone who’s constantly complaining, who influences others to do the same, burdening the leadership.
I want to be Spirit-filled, being used by God to touch and bless others’ lives, both inside the church and out.
How about you?
God has given you his Spirit.
Are you living a life filled and led by the Spirit?
Or are you living like riffraff?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 