February 22 - Nº 53 Numbers 10:11-28; 11; 12
All the Israelites were descendants of Jacob (whom God later renamed Israel). While they were still camped at Mount Sinai, they were divided into twelve tribes according to which of Jacob’s twelve sons was their ancestor. The descendants of Levi, however, were set apart. God gave them a special role since they stood with Moses and did not worship the golden calf at Mount Sinai (see #49 - February 18). God appointed Aaron (a descendant of Levi) and his sons to be the priests. Then He assigned the other Levites to assist them with all the duties in and around the Tabernacle.
Since they ministered to all the Israelites, the Levites were no longer considered a separate tribe. This left only eleven tribes. However, God had already decided to give Joseph a double honor (see #34 - February 3). Instead of having one tribe named after him, his sons Ephraim and Manasseh each had a tribe named after them. So, even with the Levites removed, the total number of tribes remained twelve.
When the cloud began to move, the Israelites set off from Mount Sinai. They left tribe by tribe according the plan that God had given Moses. But the journey was tough, and they began to complain. This made God angry, so He sent fire that burned around the edges of the camp. Moses cried out on behalf of the people, and God stopped the fire. But that didn’t stop the grumbling.
Once again, the people became tired of eating manna. They longed for the meat and vegetables they had eaten in Egypt. Moses grew upset. “God, what am I supposed to do?” he questioned. “I can’t get enough meat for all these people. Besides, they are really Your people, not mine! If this is how it’s going to be, just kill me now!”
Instead, God sent Moses help. Seventy men received power from the Holy Spirit to assist him. Then God sent a wind that blew quail in from the sea. Soon quail were scattered all over the ground. Each family frantically collected bushel after bushel. But it made God angry that they were not satisfied with His previous provision for their needs. So, as a punishment and a warning to the others, He sent a plague that killed everyone who had complained.
Even after that, people kept getting upset with God. No one seemed exempt from grumbling. Even Miriam (Moses’ sister) and Aaron (Moses’ brother) began to question why their younger brother was the one God had chosen to be the leader of the nation.They didn’t think Moses was the right choice since he was married to an Ethiopian--not a Hebrew!
God heard them complaining. He loved Moses and knew that he was a quiet, humble man who would never confront his siblings. So, He brought all three siblings together. Speaking from a cloud in front of the Tabernacle, He challenged Aaron and Miriam, “How dare you talk against my servant Moses?” Then God turned away in anger and left.
When Aaron looked over at Miriam, he saw that her skin was covered with leprosy. He was shocked! He begged Moses not to let her die the horrible death of an outcast leper. Moses cried out for God to heal her. God chose to honor Moses’ request, but He instructed Moses to confine her outside the camp for seven days to punish her disgraceful behavior. The whole nation remained camped at that location until Miriam was allowed to return. Then they continued their journey toward the Promised Land.
Is there things in your life that are causing you to grumble?
Have you taken the time to look back at all the amazing things God has already done for you? We forget so easily all the ways that He shows His love for us.
We can only really be happy when we stop complaining and find reasons to thank and praise Him.
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