Bible in 365 Days

Numbers 11-13

Numbers 11

Here we enter upon the second section in the Book of Numbers, in which is revealed the failure of man. The first evidence was discontent, resulting unquestionably from the hardship of life.

This was immediately rebuked by the burning of the fire of the Lord. Moses became an intercessor and the fire abated.

The next incident was more pronounced rebellion. The occasion was the mixed multitude. The explanation of the presence of these people is found in Exodus 12:38. These people hankered after things left behind in Egypt and the people of God were infected by this discontent. Moses, in perplexity, poured out his complaint into the listening ear of Jehovah. The answer of Jehovah to Moses was to appoint elders to assist him in oversight and their equipment by the Spirit. To the people He gave quails. An added comment by a psalmist on this story long after was:

And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their souls.

Here a principle emerges which is of perpetual application and importance. It is that there are times when God grants an unwarranted request in order that men may learn through experience the folly of their desires.

Numbers 12

A third manifestation of discontent and rebellion arose among individuals and leaders. The marriage of Moses to a Cushite woman was the occasion of the revelation of an element of jealousy in the hearts of Miriam and Aaron. They resented the exercise of Moses' authority, evidently desiring to share it with him in greater degree.

Once more the story illustrates a principle. If there be hidden evil, circumstances will sooner or later occur in which it will be outwardly manifest.

The divine method of dealing with this outbreak was stern and majestic. The offenders were summoned to appear before Jehovah and in plainest terms He vindicated His servant. Evidently the chief blame attached to Miriam, Aaron being here, as constantly, weak and easily influenced. The stroke fell upon her. After seven days she was restored. God is ever ready to pardon. Nevertheless, the warning was solemn and severe, showing that rebellion of the leaders of the nation could not be tolerated.

Numbers 13

Here we have another story of failure. It is closely associated with the movement of the people toward the promised land. The hour had come in which they should go forward. In this account in Numbers it is stated sending the spies was in obedience to the divine command. However, a comparison of this with the reference to the matter in the first chapter of Deuteronomy will show that the command followed the people's determination to do this very thing. This was in itself an act of suspicion and of practical unbelief. However, as they had decided, so they were commanded to do.

After forty days the men returned. Here perhaps we have the first occasion in history of two reports resulting from one commission, a majority report, and a minority report. Here, as has so often been the case, it was the minority report, rather than the majority report, that was right.

All were agreed on the desirability of the land on which they had looked. The emphasis of the majority, however, is gathered from the word, "Howbeit" They had seen the excellencies of the country, but they had seen the difficulties and beyond these they had seen nothing. The minority had seen, fist Jehovah, and then the excellencies, and finally the difficulties. The essential difference is the vision of God. In the one case it was lacking and men were shut out from of the desirable by the foes of whom they were afraid. In the other it was present and obstacles were accounted as nothing.