The Israelites' reaction to various events and divine interventions throughout the biblical narrative is a significant theme that reveals their spiritual journey, struggles, and relationship with God. This entry explores key instances of their reactions as recorded in the Scriptures.

1. Reaction to Oppression in Egypt:

The Israelites' initial reaction to their oppression in Egypt was one of deep distress and groaning. As Pharaoh increased their burdens, they cried out to God for deliverance. Exodus 2:23-24 states, "The Israelites groaned under their bondage and cried out, and their cry for deliverance from slavery rose up to God. So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

2. Reaction to Moses' Leadership:

When Moses first approached the Israelites with the message of deliverance, their reaction was mixed. Initially, they believed and worshiped God (Exodus 4:31: "And the people believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped"). However, as Pharaoh increased their labor, they quickly turned against Moses and Aaron, expressing doubt and frustration (Exodus 5:21: "May the LORD look upon you and judge you, for you have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials, putting a sword in their hand to kill us!").

3. Reaction to the Exodus and Crossing the Red Sea:

The miraculous events of the Exodus, including the plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea, elicited a profound reaction of faith and worship from the Israelites. After witnessing the destruction of the Egyptian army, they feared the LORD and believed in Him and His servant Moses (Exodus 14:31: "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses").

4. Reaction in the Wilderness:

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness was marked by a cycle of grumbling and rebellion, despite God's continuous provision. They frequently complained about the lack of food and water, expressing a desire to return to Egypt (Exodus 16:3: "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death"). Their reaction to the report of the spies in Numbers 13-14 further demonstrated their lack of faith, as they feared the inhabitants of Canaan and refused to enter the Promised Land.

5. Reaction to the Giving of the Law:

At Mount Sinai, the Israelites initially responded with reverence and commitment to obey God's commandments. Exodus 19:8 records their unified declaration: "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." However, their subsequent creation of the golden calf (Exodus 32) revealed a quick departure from their commitment, leading to severe consequences.

6. Reaction to God's Discipline and Mercy:

Throughout their history, the Israelites experienced God's discipline for their disobedience, yet they also witnessed His mercy and forgiveness. In the book of Judges, their repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance highlights their fluctuating faithfulness. Judges 2:18 notes, "Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them."

7. Reaction to the Prophets:

The Israelites' reaction to the prophets sent by God was often one of resistance and rejection. Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah faced opposition as they called the people to repentance and warned of impending judgment. Jeremiah 7:25-26 reflects this resistance: "From the time your fathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you My servants the prophets. But they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers."

The Israelites' reactions throughout their history serve as a testament to the complexities of human faith and the enduring patience and faithfulness of God. Their account is a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience in the covenant relationship with the LORD.