Numbers 11 is the only place in the Bible where favorite foods enjoyed by the Israelites in Egypt are mentioned. They longed for them while traveling in the desert. Watermelon was grown along the Nile on its banks and was a chief food of poor Egyptians. It thrived in this locale and the fruit weighed up to 30 pounds.
This yellow-flowered trailing plant seems to grow easily in dry or moist climates. It has lengthy leaves that are deeply gashed into long lobes. The ripened fruit is orange-ruby colored inside. Its outer rind is hard and leathery green, speckled with lemon-colored dots.
Its juicy pulp is quite refreshing and today hundreds of watermelons may be seen on sale outside the Damascus Gate at Jerusalem. The Jaffa ones, at one time, were especially prized.
Numbers 11:5 (KJV) We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
Numbers 11:6 (KJV) But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
Numbers 11:10 (KJV) Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.
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