Topical Encyclopedia Murmuring, often understood as grumbling or complaining, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as an attitude and behavior that is displeasing to God. It is seen as a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and sovereignty. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of murmuring.Old Testament Instances The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is replete with instances of murmuring. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance and provision, the Israelites frequently complained against Moses and, by extension, against God. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumble about the lack of food: "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There 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.'" God's response to their murmuring was often one of anger and judgment. Numbers 14:27-29 records God's words: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me. So tell them: As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you exactly as I heard you say. Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me." New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of murmuring, urging believers to adopt a spirit of gratitude and contentment. In Philippians 2:14-15 , the Apostle Paul exhorts the church: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." The Apostle James also warns against grumbling, particularly against one another, as it can lead to judgment. James 5:9 states, "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" Theological Implications Murmuring is more than mere dissatisfaction; it reflects a deeper spiritual issue of unbelief and rebellion against God's will. It is a failure to recognize God's goodness and sovereignty in all circumstances. The Bible calls believers to trust in God's plan and to express gratitude, even in challenging situations. This attitude is exemplified by Jesus, who, despite facing immense suffering, did not complain but submitted to the Father's will. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and to rely on God's promises. By focusing on God's faithfulness and provision, Christians can overcome the temptation to murmur. The practice of prayer and meditation on Scripture can help redirect thoughts and attitudes towards trust and contentment. As followers of Christ, believers are called to be examples of joy and peace, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 10:10Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 2:14 Library What are the Sins Forbidden in the Third Commandment? The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's Letter ii (AD 1126) to the Monk Adam The Way of Life and the Way of Death. The Westminster Catechisms. Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened Are You Willing to be a Servant? On the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Petilianus Said: "But if Authority had Been Given by Some Law for ... Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. Resources What was the significance of Aaron's rod? | GotQuestions.orgWho is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.org Murmuring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Murmuring of Israelites Against Moses Murmuring: Against: Disciples of Christ Murmuring: Against: Ministers of God Murmuring: Against: The Service of God Murmuring: Against: The Sovereignty of God Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked Murmuring: Guilt of Encouraging Others In Murmuring: Jews, Against Jesus Murmuring: Unreasonableness of Related Terms |
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