Wilderness Wandering

It was God’s plan that the children of Israel should go straight into the land he had promised them, the land of Canaan, but the people would not. God said that all those at Kadesh over 20 years old, except Joshua and Caleb, would have to die. A new generation arose during a 40 year wandering, but at the end the nation was about as strong in numbers as the day they left Egypt.

At the start of this book we see the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. The law had been given, the Tabernacle had been built and the priests had been assigned to their service. Now God was going to prepare the nation for its work. In chapter 1 and 2, God numbered and arranged the tribes, choosing and assigning duties to the priests and Levites (Chapter 3, 4). Moses was commanded to take a census.

God gave his children a cloud to guide them by day and a pillar of fire by night. They were guided a step at a time. They did not know when they were to go and when to stop, but the Ark of the Covenant (signifying God’s presence) went on before, the pillar of cloud always leading (Numbers 10:33). Sin came into this camp life as well. The people began to murmur against God. God sent judgement of fire (Numbers 11:1-3). Then they complained about their food (Numbers 11:4). As a result of their complaining, God sent them quails for 30 days. Then we see the sin of Aaron and Miriam, the brother and sister of Moses. God had chosen Moses to be the leader of this great people and Aaron and Miriam were only his assistants. Jealousy crept into their hearts. They wanted more honor and Miriam got the punishment as she was smitten with leprosy for 7 days (Numbers 12:1-16).

After one year at Mount Sinai, the Israelites journeyed to Kadesh. This is at the southern border of the Promised Land.  Afraid to enter, they turned back and wandered in the wilderness to the south and east till that generation died. After 2 years in the wilderness, people could have gone into the land of promise immediately had it not been for the sin of unbelief. They listened to the discouraging words of most of the spies. When the spies came back and told them about the giants in the lands and the high-walled cities, their hearts failed them. They would not listen to Joshua and Caleb who agreed with all that was told, but added, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). When they refused to enter Canaan, the door was closed to them. It meant wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. God said that he would not allow any of those who were over 20 years old to enter Canaan, except Joshua and Caleb. 11 days from the land of promise. But they turned back. They could have made 11 days of progress, but they chose 40 years of wandering. God opens doors that no human can close, and he closes doors that no human can open (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:8). Their fear disqualified them to take over the land of promise. Oftentimes our fear keeps us from enjoying all that God wants to give us. We fear what others will say. We fear what might happen if we put our trust completely in Christ.

Chapter 20 describes how the people complained bitterly to Moses and Aaron and said they wished they had never been brought out of Egypt. Moses patience was at an end. The people had complained about everything. In a fit of anger he called the people rebels and instead of speaking to the rock he struck it. The water gushed out. Even though Moses disobeyed, God was faithful and kept his promise. Moses put himself up as God – “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (Numbers 20:10). This dishonoured Jehovah God. Because Moses smote the rock a second time (Exodus 17:5,6) instead of speaking to it, he was not permitted to enter the Promise Land.

In Numbers 17, Aaron’s priesthood got questioned, so God himself was to confirm it. Moses gathered 12 staffs, one from the leader of each tribe, and placed them overnight in the tent of meeting. God put life into Aaron’s alone, causing it to sprout and bud. All authors of the religions of the world have died, even Christ died. But only Christ was raised from the dead and exalted to be our rich high priest (Hebrews 4:14; 6:4-10).

While the people camped in Kadesh, Miriam, Moses sister died and Aaron, his brother also died. Israelites battled with the Canaanites and became discouraged. Then they grumbled because they had to march around the land of Edom instead through it. They growled again against God and against Moses because they loathed the manna (Numbers 21:5). This time God sent venomous snakes’ among the people, which caused suffering and death. After they confessed their sin, Moses prayed for deliverance of his people. God did not take away the venomous snakes, but told Moses to make a bronze snake and fasten it to a pole so that all could see it. As soon as they looked, they would live (Numbers 21:6-9).

The only way people can live is by looking to the one who took upon himself the likeness of a human and was lifted up on the cross to take the sting of death upon himself (Philippians 2:7-8). If we look on him, our saviour, we shall live (John 3:14, 15). Even though God chosed the people of Israel to be his chosen one, through the death and resurrection of Christ, the entire world got saved and become chosen, if they accept Christ Jesus.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” – Romans 6:23

May God help you to know Christ and be the chosen one.