In re: Did the Desert Generation Deserve Their Fate? -- This question also came up in parshat Beha’alotecha last week. Why were the Israelites worthy of escaping Mitzrayim, but had to be punished for desiring meat? Wasn't it enough that the quail they binged on came out their noses? -- As you suggest (I think), maybe G-d shows mercy once, but going forward, He expects you to elevate your character. (Then again, aren't we famous for complaining about how awful the food is -- and how the portions are too small?)
In re: Did the Desert Generation Deserve Their Fate? -- This question also came up in parshat Beha’alotecha last week. Why were the Israelites worthy of escaping Mitzrayim, but had to be punished for desiring meat? Wasn't it enough that the quail they binged on came out their noses? -- As you suggest (I think), maybe G-d shows mercy once, but going forward, He expects you to elevate your character. (Then again, aren't we famous for complaining about how awful the food is -- and how the portions are too small?)
Great point! God didn’t punish them for asking for food/water—He provided it graciously (Exodus 16-17). The issue was ingratitude:
* In Beha’alotecha, they had manna but framed their craving as nostalgia for Egypt (Numbers 11:5)—a slap in the face to their redemption.
* In Shelach, they rejected God’s promise after seeing His miracles, calling Canaan a death trap (Numbers 14:3).
The desert generation had their needs met—their failure was refusing to trust God.
I like how your reasoning is always "multifactorial." This is what makes you such a good teacher.
You are too kind 😌