The Pulpit Commentary — Numbers — Section 143

strange cairns in the wilderness, 1 "the graves of lust," we hear n voice (1 Cor. x, 6 ). l. THE DISCONTENT OF THE ISRAELITES. II. ITS DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES. I. 1. Jt;s disgraceful origin: "the mixed multitude,"" hangers-on," 11 riff-re.ff." The chosen people of God listened and sympathised with them rather than with Moses and God. Apply to worldlings grumbling about weather, homes, situations, incomes, &c. (~rov: i. 10; :8om. xii. 2; 2 Co~. vi. 14). 2. The gross ingratitude of it. They were chsse.tisfied with the manna, which was wholesome, abundant, and adapted to various uses (vers. 7-9), as though Hindoos should quarrel with their rice or the English with their wheat (1 Tim. vi. 8). They recollect certain casual sensual advantages of past bondage, but forget its cruelties and degradation (vers. 4-6). Why not remember the whips and fetters and infanticide? They think of suppers more than sufferings, of full stomachs rather than of famished souls. Let Christians beware of hankering after the indulgences of their old life (Prov. :x.xiii. 3; 1 John ii. 15). And they complain of temporary deprivations, though hastening to e. home of permanent and abundant good. They were passing through " that great and terrible wilder- ness" (Pare.n) because it we.a the direct route to the promised land (Deut. i. 19; cf. 1 Pet. i. 13; ii. 11). 3. The aggravations of it. For they had seen God's power already (Exod. xvi. 13; Ps. Jxxviii. 19, 20). And have not we? (cf. Ps. :x.xii. 4, 5, '9, 10). And they overlooked recent chastisement (ver. 1). God forbid that Isa. xxvi. 11 should be true of us, lest Prov. xxix. 1 should be also. II. The disastrous results of their sin. 1. They angered Jehovnl1. Discontent in •the guests of his bounty dishonours their generous host, as though Reuben had com- plained because Joseph gave more to Benjamin (Gen. xliii. 34). 2. They grieved Moses, and even infected him with their own desponding spirit (vers. 11-15; see sketch below). Note how sin me.y become epidemic, spree.ding from the mixed multitude to the Israelites, and thence to Moses, like n disease introduced by foreign sailors spreading to our homes and palaces. Beware of carrying infection (Illustration, Asaph, Ps. Jxxiii. 11-15). 3. They got what they desired, but e.re ruined thereby. Moses' prayer for help is answered in mercy (vers. 16, 17); theirs for flesh, in judg- rnent (vers. 18-20). They probably added gluttony to lust, e.nd perished in the sight of plenty and at the moment of gratification (ci Job :x.x. 22, 23; Ps. lmiiL 30, 31). Lee.m-1. Prayers of discontent may bring answers of destruction. E. g. Rachel demanding children, ancl the Israelites e. king. Greater wealth but worse health (Eccles. vi. 1, 2); worldly prosperity, but leanness of soul (Ps. cvi. 15; 1 Tim. vi. 9; James iv. 4 ). 2. The blessedness of e. contented trust (Philip. iv. 11-13; Heb. xiii. 5).-P. Vera. 11-15.-The sin of deavondency in a servant of God. Moses is infected by the people's sin of discontent, ttiough in the milder fonn of despondency. The signs e.nd effects of it are e.s follows : - I. MOSES FORGETS THAT THE BURDENS OF RESPONSIBILITY AND TEE A!l'Jl'LICTIONB THEY JlRING WITH THEM, INSTEAD OF BEING A SIGN THAT HE BAB" NOT FOUND FAVOUR" IN GOD'S SIGHT, ARE A PROOF OF THE HONOUR PUT UPON BIM. Illustration; a diplomatist or a general (e. g. Sir Gamet Wolseley) selected out of nil the Queen's servants for some arduous enterprise. Christian wife honoured by God with the responsibilities e.nd burdens of motherhood. !L HE FORGETS THAT OUR DUTIES ARE NOT LIMITED DY OUR NATURAL RELATION• smrs (ver. 12). We are e.ll "members of one another" (Rom. xiv. 7; Philip. ii. 4). All are in danger of a selfish disregard of those afar off (savage Caffres, idolatrous Hincloos), or even of those e.t our doors, not our own kindred, respecting whose spiritual welfare we may be selfi8hly indifferent or despondent. Ill. HE SPEAKS AS THOUGH THE BURDEN WAS THROWN ENTIRELY ON BIMSELI!'. The questions in vers. 12, 13 are very unworthy of him. The cold fog of despondency cl1ills him and obscures the light of God's presence which w11e promised to liim (Exod. :x.xxiii. 14). IV. His DESPONDENCY LEADS TO UNWORTHY REFLECTIONS ON Goo AND EXAGGER- "'-TED STATEl'd&NTEl Al!OUT HIMSELF (vers. 13, 14). A ame.ller burden would have 1 ' Oar Work in Palestine,' pp. 284-6. OJI. xr. 4-85.J 'fHE BOOK OF NUMBERS. 123