Grumbling

I have a confession to make.  I am a grumbler.  It was recently pointed out to me that the words I use sound like I am complaining and grumbling about my situation.  Of course, I vehemently denied this!  After all I was just stating facts about the situation.  Well, God had some training and correction in mind!

I happen to be reading through the book of Numbers and found a number of references to grumbling. Having just finished reading Exodus I remembered the Israelites were also grumbling on their way out of Egypt towards the promised land. ""How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me."  (Numbers 14:27 ESV) As  I studied Numbers 14-17 I became quite aware of the seriousness of grumbling.  Grumbling in the Old Testament time was such an offense to God that he killed those responsible as noted in Chapter 17 "and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods." (Numbers 16:32 ESV)

I think I shall work hard at learning to not grumble and I am very thankful that we are now under the grace of Jesus Christ!

Death was not always God's response to grumbling.  In Exodus he did not slay those who crumbled but he ...
did not allow them to enter into the Promised Land.  I have listed a number of verses in chronological order from Exodus and Numbers relating to grumbling.

and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?" And Moses said, "When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him--what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD." Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, 'Come near before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.'" And as soon as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the people of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud. And the LORD said to Moses, "I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'" (Exodus 16:7-12 ESV)

Him And the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation grumble against him by bringing up a bad report about the land-- (Numbers 14:36 ESV)

Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?" (Numbers 16:11 ESV)

And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you." (Numbers 17:5 ESV) him