Stiffnecked People to the Point of Mutiny
Another article and Bible study of the book of Exodus continues with the journey of Israel into the wilderness after the parting of the Red Sea. Despite miracles shown to the people of Israel in Egypt, leaders Moses and Aaron are faced with stiffnecked people to the point of mutiny.
The lesson for Christians in the article Israel Murmuring Against Moses and Aaron is to recognize the tiny miracles and thank God for what you do have instead of worrying about what you lack.
Hebrew words including place names as used in Exodus that were not translated to English, are explained for clearer meaning of some verses. One in particular is interesting. Manna, food from heaven, literally means "What is that?".
Complaints to the point of mutiny are unnecessary for Christians. God will never leave you or forsake you. In times of trouble when all seems hopeless, He may be forming some aspect of your character in preparation for eternal life, yet He promises that there will always be a way out. Be patient and have faith by putting full trust in Jesus Christ.
TAGS: article Bible Exodus God Moses Sinai study
The lesson for Christians in the article Israel Murmuring Against Moses and Aaron is to recognize the tiny miracles and thank God for what you do have instead of worrying about what you lack.
Hebrew words including place names as used in Exodus that were not translated to English, are explained for clearer meaning of some verses. One in particular is interesting. Manna, food from heaven, literally means "What is that?".
Complaints to the point of mutiny are unnecessary for Christians. God will never leave you or forsake you. In times of trouble when all seems hopeless, He may be forming some aspect of your character in preparation for eternal life, yet He promises that there will always be a way out. Be patient and have faith by putting full trust in Jesus Christ.
TAGS: article Bible Exodus God Moses Sinai study
Labels: article, Bible, Christian, Exodus, God, Jesus, study
Permalink posted by Jim Degerstrom @ 5:03 AM
2 Comments:
At May 24, 2008 6:18 PM ,
John Mannion said...
Hey Jim- Could not agree more about the "stiff-necked people"! It has amazed me that the children of Israel in such short time right after seeing the 10 plagues, parting of the sea, they complain about no water. How about when they complained about food, manna was not good enough for them, they wanted meat. So what did God do, gave the quail, so much so that the scriptures say, "it oozed out their noses” Not only did they murmur, but actually ridiculed Moses, they said as I paraphrase "What, where there not enough graves in Egypt, you brought us out to the desert to die". But what this has taught me is how Moses' reacted; most times he would fall down on his face and pray for their forgiveness. He asked God that his name be removed from the book of life and to forgive them. It has taught me a true character trait of Christ, I see Moses typified as Christ, and how I must act in similar circumstances. I also learned that the murmuring was not against Moses but against God, so that goes for us today. If we profess Christ then when we complain we are doing so against God! I see the children of Israel as the local congregation today in the cooperate church. I could go on, but better cut it short. Thanks for your site.
Peace
John
At May 25, 2008 5:51 AM ,
Jim Degerstrom said...
Hi, John. Thank you for visiting and providing the insightful comments.
The reference by type comparing OT and NT and people today is a subtle lesson often overlooked. Yes, the church today is Israel referenced in the Bible just as Isaac (and Moses) were by type Christ. Isaac, Abram's only son, was nearly sacrificed until God provided the ram, and the tree that sweetened the water at Marah to rescue God's people (including us) by type references the cross. The extreme lack of faith is epitomized in this verse:
And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. Exodus 17:4
The verse in Exodus 16:6 confirms your comment that they were "murmuring against God", not Moses and Aaron. As Bible students read the Old Testament, each must realize that His Word addresses them, and often. We are Israel, and the lessons of the OT and NT are equally important and not merely historical references to ancient people to teach history or entertain.
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