The People Complained (Numbers 16; 20-21)
When we reflect on the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, nothing seems to more greatly characterize the posture of their hearts than their complaints. Despite the signs, miracles, protection, and provision they experienced, they remained reluctant to trust the Lord. Today’s passage highlights the Israelites’ inclination to disobey and disbelieve God.
What led the Israelites to sin against God and Moses in today’s reading? How does the passage of the bronze snake foreshadow Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice?
Korah’s goal in the rebellion was to raise his own status by lowering the God-given calling of Moses. He believed that the people were holy enough and that God was near enough, deeming Moses’ leadership unnecessary and unfruitful. Continuing to blame Moses, the people’s same old complaints resurfaced: the Israelites expressed envy toward generations past and discontentment regarding their current state of wandering.
The people trusted in their own perceptions of their circumstances rather than persevering by faith in God’s Word and in their leader’s guidance. Their distrust and disobedience led them to be more characterized by complaints than by confidence in God.
Despite these complaints, God extended grace by miraculously intervening. He allowed Moses and Aaron to supply water to the Israelites from the rock. Yet time passed, and the people’s impatience came back into play. They persisted in complaining toward both God and Moses, expressing discontentment toward the provision they thought they lacked. Because of this, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many people died.
Moses interceded for the people, and God miraculously provided them rescue. By looking at the bronze snake mounted on a pole, the people would recover. This was a glimmer of the eternal salvation that would one day come through the Son of God lifted up on the cross to bear the consequences of sin. Though the Israelites did not deserve this rescue, God saved them by His grace. Likewise, the Son of Man lifted up on the cross provided a once-and-for-all sacrifice for those who look to Him for salvation. Pray for the kids in your family to sees God’s gracious provision, that they would put their confidence in Christ for salvation.
Christ Connection: Like the Israelites, we sin when we complain and do not trust God. The Israelites faced death for their sin, but when they looked to the bronze snake they were healed. The consequence for our sin is also death, but when we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we will be saved.