Israelites complaining

Num 21:4  And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 

In this passage, we find the Israelites complaining again. They had spent many years in the wilderness; some suggested they were nearing the end of their forty years of wandering. They had met with many obstacles. The king of Edom refused to grant them a safe passage through his land. They were forced to take a long and arduous detour through the very harsh and inhospitable Arabah desert. It was mountainous, rough, and desolate. The people didn’t like it. Verse 4 says “the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.”

The word “discouraged,” had the idea of something “being shortened.” Their tempers were short, they were frustrated, and they were out of patience with the whole process of getting to Canaan.

How did they vent their frustrations? Read Numbers 21:5

1. They complained about the leadership. They complained that God and Moses brought them out of Egypt just to have them die in the wilderness. They had forgotten it was their unbelief that caused them this misery (Hebrews 3:19).

2. They complained about the lack of food and water although they had never gone a day hungry or thirsty.

3. They complained about the Manna. They complained about the Manna God was sending them every day. It was free, tasty and nutritious. It was a gracious gift from God. They had been eating it for so many years without complaint. But today, they said: “Our soul loatheth this light bread” (Number 21:5b). In today’s English, it means: “We hate this awful bread.” Thus, they spoke contemptuously about the Manna given by God.

Those that are disposed to quarrel will find fault where there is no fault to be found. It wasn’t Moses’ fault they had to spend forty years in the wilderness. They had enough food but they complained they had none. They had angels’ food but they despised it (Psalm 78:25).

To become discouraged is natural; and Christians are not spared from it. Yet it is neither glorifying to God, useful to ourselves, nor helpful to our brethren. Here we are plainly told the Israelites were discouraged “because of the way.” Indeed, the journey was long; they had spent many years wandering in this harsh wilderness. It is natural that fatigue and impatience set in and they became discouraged.

We also can become discouraged in the Christian walk. Our walk for the Lord can be difficult at times. Some days we would choose not to live if we had our choice. But, as people of God, we have  a peace that restores our sanity: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

How can we have this peace?

1.    Distinguish between changeables and non-changeables in our lives. Non-changeables are conditions in our lives that God is allowing for His purposes. Trust that God is right and good, no matter what the situation seems to us (Romans 8:28).

2.    Keep our eyes focused on God's power and attributes (Hebrews 12:1-2).

3.    Trust in God’s promises (Proverbs 3:5-6). Realize that what seems like a set-back to us may be God's way of showing us greater plans (Isaiah 41:10). If your prayers aren’t answered, it may be that because God has a better plan for you.

4.    Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Think of his goodness and love.

5.    Wait for the Lord's time (Isaiah 40:31). Be patient; good things come to those who can wait.

We may be disappointed; but let us not be discouraged. It is the work of the devil to make us discouraged and complain and quit. Let us have faith in God and trust that He cares and loves us: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.