Numbers 11.
The First March of the Army of Israel (Numbers 11:1-15)
Verse 1: "Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused.
Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp."
God delivered Israel, who had been enslaved in Egypt for nearly 400 years, and called them the army of the LORD.
He gathered them before Mount Sinai, established them as a people centered on the tabernacle (Christ), and in the book of Numbers,
organized them into an army and began their training. Finally, in Numbers chapter 10, the pillar of cloud rose, and with the resounding
sound of silver trumpets, over two million people set out, led by the priests carrying the ark of the covenant.
The great campaign to conquer Canaan had begun. The process of their march, full of hope, from their confident departure
from the Desert of Sinai until their arrival at their first stop in the Desert of Paran, is recorded in today's passage, chapter 11.
1. The March of the First Generation of the Exodus Towards Canaan
1) Just three days into their hopeful initial march, the situation took a drastic turn.
2) From Taberah, the flames of grumbling and complaining began to ignite.
3) The record of the march up to Numbers chapters 11-12 was a dismal situation.
4) The result of the first generation of the Exodus' unbelief due to grumbling and complaining.
2. Grumbling and Greed Destroy Unity.
1) What the devil listens to and uses best are our grumbling and complaining.
2) With Moses' prayer, the fire died down, and the place was called Taberah (verse 3).
3) The mixed multitude who came out of Egypt with Israel.
4) Greed, discontent, and unbelief are spread very quickly.
3. The Cries of the People Even Discouraged Moses.
1) Israel's grumbling and complaining, and Moses' discouragement.
2) God appointed 70 men who were suitable to be elders and leaders of the people.
3) Co-workers in the church are there to help the leaders build up the church unity firmly.
4) Quails covered the ground around the people to a depth of about 90 cm (two cubits).
Conclusion: 'Kibroth Hattaavah,' a Grave of Greed
1) The problem of the Israelites was their distrust in God's goodness.
2) In this way, grumbling and complaining spread quickly, and judgment follows.
3) There is no answer other than holding fast to the Lord Jesus Christ.
4) God's purpose in guiding this wilderness-like world.
Israel was afflicted with the severe illness of grumbling and complaining. There was no thanksgiving. They could not be thankful for what
they had and instead sought what was lacking, complaining and grumbling. This grumbling and complaining arose not because something
was missing, but because their hearts were sick and their way of thinking was misguided. If we consider what to be thankful for,
there is so much. How great is God's power experienced throughout, and how wonderful is His hand that fed us daily; it is something
to wake up to and be thankful for. Yet, they could not be thankful and instead sought things to complain about.
To us who are saved, the Lord says: Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV) May you take the failed first generation of the Exodus as a cautionary example and achieve victory,
in the name of the Lord.