Similarly (Bamidbar 11:22) "Will flocks and herds be slaughtered for them? Will it be found for them? Will all the fish of the sea be gathered for them? Will it be found for them?" This is to be taken literally. These are the words of R. Akiva. And I understand it as: Even if you gather for them all the flocks and herds in the world they will not be satisfied (i.e., even if you give them what they ask, they will not be satisfied, for they are simply seeking a pretext against You. But let me go and attempt to conciliate them) — whereupon the Holy Spirit answered (Ibid. 23) "Now you will see whether My word (that they will not heed you) will befall you or not." And my view seems more cogent than his.