Numbers 11:4-5

New International Version

The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.

For Meditation

Life can get overwhelming and discouraging sometimes, especially for leaders. Moses knew that well and how one could fall under its weight.

To say that the Israelites were a complaining bunch of people would be the understatement of the century. From the Red Sea through the entire journey to the Promised Land, they wrestled with Moses about every problem they encountered. God showed His presence and power at each stage of their journey, yet the people never learned to trust Him. As their leader, Moses received the brunt of their complaints and brought them to God. He interceded for them when God’s anger broke out against their ungratefulness, but now he could not bear it anymore.

After Moses had interceded for them at Taberah and God had relented in His anger, the Israelites continued complaining (Numbers 11:1-3). You can always trust the rabble among any group to stir trouble when things calm down. It’s as if they hate calm and peace—there must be noise in the air to show disaffection with something. The troublemakers stirred a rebellion against their menu, which had just one item — manna bread and no meat. Egypt had enough fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic to delight their hearts. But now, they have lost their appetites. They demanded a menu change (4). Sounds familiar? Oh, yes, it does.

When has enough been sufficient for you? You prayed for a bicycle and told the Lord you would not be ungrateful to hound him for a car. Maybe you’ve forgotten how quickly your prayer changed when riding it became tedious, and you coveted your neighbor’s car. Your wardrobe got too small too soon, and you outgrew the one-bedroom apartment just as the Lord answered your prayers. The worst is when the constant badgering of a people overwhelms their leader. 

Poor Moses! He couldn’t carry their complaint bag any further. The intercessor of Israel became the chief complainant. Hear his heart in Numbers 11:11-15, and maybe you will feel for your leader if nothing he does pleases you. Moses desired death under the circumstances (15).

Israel’s deliverer suffered the same fate in Numbers 20:1-13. The people’s complaining got under his skin and caused him to dishonor God before them (12). He received a recall from the Lord. Regrettably, he had taken the people to the border of Canaan. His eyes saw the beautiful and fruitful land, but his feet never touched it, as God took him home (20:1-13; Deuteronomy  34:1-5).

Know what your complaining does to God and the leader He has set over you. Appreciate the Lord and trust His providence in season. Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6), so learn to enjoy what He has provided and give Him glory. The leader He has set over you is human and has needs, too, so support them and enjoy His grace together.