Pushing Forward in Faith

Numbers 14:1-9

Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. 2And all the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron; the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become booty; would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4So they said to one another, “Let us choose a captain, and go back to Egypt.”

5Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the Israelites. 6And Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7and said to all the congregation of the Israelites, “The land that we went through as spies is an exceedingly good land. 8If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9Only, do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are no more than bread for us; their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”

Historical Context

Most of the events of the Book of Numbers take place in the wilderness, primarily between the second and fortieth years of the wandering of the Israelites. The first 25 chapters of the book chronicle the experiences of the first generation of Israel in the wilderness, while the rest of the book describes the experiences of the second generation. The theme of obedience and rebellion followed by repentance and blessing runs through the entire book, as well as the entire Old Testament. The theme of the holiness of God is continued from the book of Leviticus into the book of Numbers, which reveals God’s instruction and preparation of His people to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. The importance of the Book of Numbers is indicated by its being referred to in the New Testament many times

Theme: Pushing Forward in Faith

Often when we hear about the Israelites’ rebellion, we think of plain disobedience. But a closer look reveals much more. In the heart of this rebellious act, we find a myriad of human emotions, reactions, and teachings. The passage begins, “that all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night.” Such expression of unified dismay and sorrow reflects not just disobedience, but also deep-seated fear, doubt, and distrust in God’s promises.

The Israelites’ rebellion further expands as they express wistful nostalgia, thinking “If only we had died in Egypt! Or even in this desert!”  They even considered assigning a new leader and going back to Egypt, willingly ignoring God’s miraculous acts and deliverance to this point. It is easy to harshly judge the Israelites here, but isn’t this relatable? We too, in moments of suffering and fear, often wish to retreat to our old, worldly comforts instead of pushing forward in faith.

It is human nature to yearn for what is familiar in moments of apprehensive uncertainty. The rebellion further questions – Are we focused on God’s promises or the challenges in front of us? We must develop our God-directed resilience for our faith journey.