MURMURS IN THE WILDERNESS
LESSON 2 THREE OCCASIONS OF MURMURS
"Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured..." (1 Corinthians 10:10, KJV).
"Nor complain, as some of them also complained..." (1 Corinthians 10:10, NKJV).
Continue studying the occasions of murmurings by the Israelites and consider:
the complaint, the reaction (or reactions), the reply (or replies), and the result.
C. The Israelites murmured because the water was bitter. Exodus 15:22-27
Please read Exodus 15:22-27 and answer the following questions (from these verses), giving the verse(s) with each answer.
1. What was the complaint and to whom was it made?
2. What was Moses’ reaction to the complaint?
3. What was God’s reply to Moses?
4. The result was that God tested the Israelites. What was the conditional promise God made?
5. What was another result?
What blessings we receive if only we wait on God and obey His word !
D. The Israelites murmured because of a lack of food. Exodus 16:1-36
6. What complaint was made against Moses and Aaron in Exodus 16:1-3?
It seemed the Israelites were doubting God would fulfill His promises. We must take care lest we also doubt God’s promises.
7. The reaction to this is seen in God’s promise to Moses in Exodus 16:4-5. What did God tell Moses?
The purpose of this was to _______ the people to see whether they would walk in God’s law.
8. In Exodus 16:6-7, Moses’ reply to the people was they would see the ______ ___ ____ _______ the next morning.
9. Moses also told the people in Exodus 16:8, "...Your complaints are not against us but _________________ ______ ___________."
When we murmur and complain, it is against God. We are doubting God’s ability and power to keep His promises. Yes, others make choices that we do not like, and that God does not like. These choices often affect us and cause problems for us. But God is always still in control, even when things happen that we do not like and that cause us to complain.
Please read Exodus 16:9-31 to see the result of this occasion of murmuring. The Israelites were given both meat and bread (manna) to eat. Yet in all this, they still did not obey God’s commandments and believe His promises.
E. Second murmuring because of a lack of water Exodus 17:1-7
10. Exodus 17: 1-2, The Israelites complaint was __________________________
What two things did Moses say to them?
Read also verse 7, "...they tempted the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?"
The word tempt in verses 2 and 7 has the meaning "to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof (Strong’s definitions)."
Perhaps we also at times test or try God. Do you think God is pleased if we do this?
11. The people complained against Moses. In Exodus 17:3, what did they ask Moses?
12. Describe Moses’ reaction in Exodus 17:4.
13. Give God’s reply and the result in Exodus 17:5-7.
14. How quickly do we forget the benefits of following God when the going becomes rough! Find a scripture in the New Testament which speaks of the benefits of following God.
FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
15. For this week, think daily on the verse you listed in question 14 speaking of the benefits of following God.
"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and
harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).
Dena
Send lesson to d_ivie_obc@hotmail.com