Grumbling and Discontentment
We grumble when we are discontent. Sometimes we have a good reason to be unsatisfied. However, often it is with no reason. When God had enough, he would punish His people for their grumbling so that they would return to their God, return to the One who wanted to provide a good future for His people.
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”
6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
Numbers 21:4-9 (NIV)
In this passage, Israel left mount Hor and headed toward the Red Sea. They had to travel around Edom (they were not allowed to travel across Edom’s land). That detour was perhaps too much for them.
Impatience
When we can’t wait to get something we want, we become impatient. An impatient person goes into action. Sometimes it is justified action, when for example someone suffers injustice and this injustice doesn’t stop. However, usually our impatience arises because we feel that we should get something now and we are not willing or able to wait for it. Even though our motive is wrong, it is understandable. But what do we do with it?
Grumbling and Blaming
The Israelites expressed their impatience by grumbling and complaining, they blamed God and Moses. They acted like they knew better than God and they even complained about the food; food which God provided for them every day.
This complaining was sinful, because they insulted God. They were only busy with themselves instead of God’s plan for their lives. The complaining got worse and they started to blame God. We can always ask God to help us to mutter less. He wants to give us patience, as a fruit of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us (Galatians 5:22).
Moses could not convince the Israelites that their complaining was sin. More was needed to help them understand.
Punishment
God answered with snakes. This punishment had great consequences. Many of the complaining Israelites died that day of snake bites; it wasn’t until then that they understood. We read in verse 7 that they cried unto Moses: “We have sinned, because we have made accusations against you and God.”
God did not intend this punishment to condemn those who were dragging their heels. When God punishes, it is almost always intended to help people return to their Maker.
God Wants the Best for Us
The punishment seems merciless. Yet without the snakes, it would not have achieved its purpose. The people returned back to their God (with all their heart). They understood now, how dependent they were on His help and kindness.
God told Moses that he should make a bronze serpent and that he must raise it. Those who would look up to the raised snake would not die. Here the Lord alludes to the work of His Son Jesus, Who will be raised, on a cross. Anyone who looks up to Him for salvation will receive eternal life!
