When the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel broke camp in the order prescribed by God through Moses. They began to follow the cloud from Sanai to the Wilderness of Paran. Moses would announce the movement of the people as follows In Numbers 10:
35 So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said:“Rise up, O Lord!
Let Your enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate You flee before You.”
36 And when it rested, he said:
“Return, O Lord,
To the many thousands of Israel.”
As the Israelites journeyed to Paran, the people complained against God. He sent a fire to consume some of them on the outskirts of the camp. Moses prayed to God in intercession and the fire ceased. When this happened, the complaining ceased for a time and Moses called the place Taberah, which means burning. Later, the children of Israel complained again, asking for meat. There is a description of manna inserted here, saying that it resembled coriander seed and could be baked or ground up like flour with which to bake. They grew tired of the manna, and longed for the fish and cucumbers they had to eat in Egypt. Moses went to God, weary of their complaints, and asked to just die if this had to continue. God told Moses to call the elders of the people together for a meeting. The rest of the story will be in the next blog.
The people had just seen the demonstration of God’s divine leadership in action in the form of the cloud, yet they complained. They knew that God was leading them to the promised land, a fruitful and blessed land, yet they complained. Does that sound like Christians today? We have seen the mighty blessings of God, we have seen His leadership in action, and we know His promises for future blessings, yet we complain. Perhaps we worry, or live in fear. Understand that God is in control and He will not fail. That truth can motivate and inspire the child of God in times of discouragement. It is normal to be discouraged at times. Even Moses was ready to die because of his sorrow,over the people. God always has something in store on the other side of your grief. Trust Him and keep pressing on!
Devoted To You 