Desert Wandering

Numbers 10-15

The importance of Israel’s actual departure from the mountain is underscored by the date in 10:11 (“on the twentieth day of the second month of the second year” since their rescue from Egypt). The divine cloud rose over the tabernacle and Israel set out. Moses was overjoyed at the scene and prayed (vs.35). But unfortunately this is only a prelude to failure.

The Israelites had trouble all along the way. Chapter 11 sets the unfortunate tone for the next several chapter “Now when the people complained in hearing the Lord about their misfortunes, the Lord heard it and his anger was kindled”
The Israelites had complained from the moment they left Egypt about lack of food in the desert. So God had miraculously provided, but their rebellious attitude resulted in desert fires and plagues.
There is something ironic about the Israelites complaining over their desert diet and longing for the food of Egypt.
Had they forgotten they were slaves in Egypt? Is it possible they had so quickly forgotten how God had rescued them from severe pain and suffering? How could they rebuff his guidance? Their complaints were far more serious than merely whining about food.
The Israelites had inner attitude of rebellion, they were prone to reject God’s provisions and leadership for their lives, even after his miracles and deliverance from Egypt and provisions for their needs along the way.
As the Israelites left Hazaroth and moved farther into the desert of Paran, it was obvious they were not willingly following the Lord. Their destination was the Promised Land. But were they capable of following the promise?

Lord, is there any hidden rebellion in my life? Am I capable of following your will?

Israel’s ultimate failure was her refusal to enter the Promised Land when God offered it. When God commanded Moses to send spies into the Promised Land, he intended this reconnaissance mission to prepare Israel for conquering the land. God was already in the process of “giving” the land to his people.
But the spies brought back mixed report. The majority opinion was the task was impossible (apparently Joshua and Caleb were the only ones to demur, 14:6-8). When they heard report, incredibly, the Israelites regretted ever leaving Egypt.
Disaster was narrowly averted when God appeared at the tabernacle in all of His glory and Moses interceded for the people.
As punishment for their distrust and disobedience, the Lord declared that everyone 20yrs and older would die in the desert. They would never see the Promised Land!

Lord, am I accepting all you have to give me?

The next chapters tell us little about events of those years.
They don’t relate the course of the Israelites travels nor any particular timetable for traveling, as the author did for the rest of the book.
Instead, these chapters contain laws the Israelites were to obey once they were in Canaan and a few selected stories of failure and disobedience.
The location of the laws on offering to be observed in Canaan is curious.
The movement from the previous chapter to these cultic and ritualistic laws seems abrupt, and I wonder why they are here instead of Leviticus. But coming immediately after the revolt in Kadash these laws may be intended as a striking statement that God’s purposes would continue, with or without Moses’ generation of Israelites. They had refused to obey God’s direction to enter and occupy the land. They were going to die in the desert. But God intended these laws for worship, and their children were to learn them in anticipation of that future day when they would live in Canaan-a day that would certainly come.

Lord, I know your plan is going to happen with or without me. Give me a heart of obedience and willingness to follow your call on my life. Whatever it may be. Amen