The Rabble

In the book of Numbers, the Israelites start complaining about their food, what God had provided. Now keep in mind, God had just freed them from slavery out of Egypt and gave them a new land. But instead of praising and being thankful, all they could think about was the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind. Why is it easier sometimes to focus on what we don’t have than what we do? How do we get to this point?

Look at what Numbers 11:4 says; “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing …”  Another translation says, “Contemptible people among them had a strong craving for other food. The Israelites cried again and….” Even after all the Israelites had witnessed what God had done for them, they easily were distracted and somehow forgot the torture they had endured.

Notice how scriptures tell us “the rabble or contemptible people” were with the Israelites. Why point that out? The rabble most likely refers to an “ethnically diverse crowd who had followed the Israelites out of Egypt. This worldly crowd impacted God’s chosen people. But it was the Israelites who chose to complain.  Israel remembered the food but forgot being enslaved. How is that possible? Do you think while they were being whipped as a slave, they were thinking about food? And now they are free, and provisions made, and yet, it is still not enough. Unfortunately, I see the Israelite in me.

As Christians, we are to give thanks and be content, but instead, we spend our time listening to “subjective truth” as opposed to “objective truth.” God’s word is absolute truth (objective).  

What “rabble-contemptible people” has your ear? We don’t need anybody igniting the complaining fuse- we need God and His Word, His people, reminding us who He is and who we are in Him. As Christians, we are to positively influence the rabble and not let the rabble influence us in negative ways.

Let’s give thanks for the many blessings, protection, and eternal life,    given to us from our good God.

Lord, I thank you! Father, you are a good good Father. Thank you for providing what I need, and in your goodness, giving immeasurable more.  Thank you for my family and friends. Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy and having your Son be the sacrifice so that I may live here on earth in faith over fear, and then eternally with no sin or sorrow and with You.  In Your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.