Complaining about bread (1–9). God was leading them, so the people had all they needed; yet they complained again. (See Phil. 2:14–15.) Their grumbling was evidence of the unbelief that would keep them out of the Promised Land. Had they been grateful for God’s goodness and obedient to God’s guidance, they would have saved themselves a great deal of misery. Let’s remember that the next time we are tempted to complain about the providence of God. “The slaves of sin rarely grumble at that slavery; it is their slavery to God they grumble at,” said George MacDonald.
Complaining about burdens (10–25). Moses was grieved when they criticized both him and God. Could they improve upon the manna that came from heaven? Why did they crave food from Egypt? Had they forgotten their bondage in that land? Moses did what you must do when people disappoint you: he took it to God in prayer and told God just how he felt. God met the need, encouraged His servant, and punished the rebels.
Complaining about blessing (26–35). Zealous for Moses and his position, Joshua told him to stop the two men from prophesying. James and John made a similar mistake, and Jesus had to rebuke them (Luke 9:49–50). If all of God’s people were praising God by the Spirit, they would not be complaining! The Jews got what they asked for, but they lost the spiritual enrichment that comes when people walk by faith (Ps. 106:15). Have you learned to be grateful for unanswered prayer?
