complained. Hebrew were as complainers, Psalms 78:19. In this word another inverted nun (, n), to mark the fact of the People's turning back in their hearts. See note on Numbers 10:35.
it displeased the LORD. Hebrew "was evil in the ears of Jehovah". Some codices, with Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Septuagint, and Syriac, read "eyes" instead of "ears".
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
the fire. Those before the Law not punished, Exodus 14:11-15; Exodus 15:24-26; Exodus 16:2-4; Exodus 16:9; Exodus 16:20; Exodus 16:27; Exodus 16:28; Exodus 17:2-4. Punished after Law given. Exodus 32:27-35. Compare Romans 4:15.