Observations and Interpretations:
(1) Repeated words: God wanted to get rid of the complaints which were against Moses v.5, and a sign was set up to end the complaints so that they will not die10.
The rebellion to the leadership (starting in ch 16) was put to end by the budding of Aaron's staff among the 12 staffs of the tribal leaders. What they said in 16:3 was totally denied by the LORD. "And they assembled against Moses and Aaron, saying to them, “You take too much upon yourselves, seeing that the whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the community of the LORD?”
God stated very clearly about "who" is the one who leads. It will not change by our misunderstandings, arguing or complaining. Even when we did not like the result of the leadership (they were not going to the Promised Land because of their own sins, not because of any fault of Moses and Aaron), they still needed to follow.
Application: Do we complain because we did not see our own sins and focus on the result of our leaders? Do we complain because we think complain will change God? Do we complain because we do not like the idea of one person takes on a "superior" role over us?
(2) The rod of Aaron went through the 4 stages of life (from dead to sprouting, then budding, blossoming, and yielding almonds) over night. God is a god of creation and brings life. He ordered the staff be preserved as a sign so that the murmurings might be brought to an end that they will not die. God is a god of creation and of course He can take life back when people violates Him. Therefore, v.12-13 the Israelites realized of their sins of rebellion in ch 16 and cried for mercy.
Our worship affect our lives. God is serious about rebellion and so should we.
(3) He speaks for His servant, Moses when they murmur against him v.5. Scriptures repeatedly record how obedient was Moses. He did what the Lord commanded him v.11.
What can we learn in this relationship?
Audrey
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