Murmuring: Illustrated
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Definition and Context

Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of grumbling, complaining, or expressing discontent, often in a low, muttered tone. It is typically directed against God or His appointed leaders and is characterized by a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan. Murmuring is frequently depicted in the Bible as a sinful attitude that leads to divine displeasure and judgment.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most prominent examples of murmuring is found in the narrative of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance and provision, the Israelites repeatedly complained against Moses and Aaron. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded, "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.'"

2. The Rebellion of Korah: In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, fueled by discontent and murmuring. This act of defiance was met with severe judgment from God, as the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels (Numbers 16:31-33).

3. The Waters of Meribah: In Numbers 20:2-5 , the Israelites again murmured against Moses due to a lack of water, saying, "Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place?" This incident led to Moses striking the rock in anger, which resulted in his own punishment from God.

New Testament Insights

1. The Pharisees and Jesus: The New Testament also addresses murmuring, particularly in the context of the Pharisees' attitude towards Jesus. In Luke 5:30 , the Pharisees and scribes grumbled against His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" This murmuring reflected their hardened hearts and inability to recognize Jesus' mission of redemption.

2. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: In Matthew 20:11-12 , Jesus tells a parable where laborers grumble against the landowner for what they perceive as unfair wages. "On receiving their pay, they began to grumble against the landowner. 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and scorching heat of the day.'" This parable illustrates the human tendency to murmur against perceived injustices, contrasting it with God's grace and sovereignty.

Theological Implications

Murmuring is often portrayed as a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue—namely, a lack of faith and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. It reflects a heart that is not content with God's provision and timing. The Bible consistently warns against murmuring, as it can lead to a hardened heart and separation from God's blessings.

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, even in challenging circumstances. Philippians 2:14-15 exhorts, "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." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining a positive witness through a content and trusting heart.

Conclusion

While murmuring is a common human response to dissatisfaction, the Bible calls believers to rise above this tendency by trusting in God's perfect plan and provision. Through faith and gratitude, Christians can overcome the temptation to murmur and instead reflect the light of Christ in a world prone to discontent.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 20:11
And when they had received it, they murmured against the manager of the house,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 15:29,30
And he answering said to his father, See, these many years do I serve you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: and yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Genesis xxvii. 38
... point of the story to which the text refers, and which is illustrated also by ... my
brethren:" then it has in it somewhat of discontent and murmuring; it implies ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xviii genesis xxvii 38.htm

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
... That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great."7. Illustrated by a ... of murmuring,
or at least of secretly repining against God, under the strokes of ...
/.../chapter iv the sinner arraigned.htm

The Dove and the Lamb
... How this may be so for us is graphically illustrated by the record, in the ... Even as
they were putting the nails through His hands, He was murmuring, "I forgive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 5 the dove and.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... not be blamed for the mismanagement, which had occasioned the murmuring, of the ... their
prejudices, and pride, and secular interests, might be illustrated as an ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... of society"a lesson continually enforced by Scripture, and illustrated by history. ...
From murmuring he easily glides into open rebellion, and from whispered ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

Three Aspects of Faith
... point in this sermon, the broad distinction drawn, and practically illustrated in
the ... supports the adventurous bird-nester in safety above the murmuring sea. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/three aspects of faith.htm

Our Relations to the Departed
... Well was that trait of our religion which I have now suggested illustrated at the
bed-side of Jairus' daughter. ... We have been in the habit of murmuring. ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/our relations to the departed.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... What is stated in Genesis One is afterwards illustrated all through the Bible. ... when
we complain about the weather we are, in reality, murmuring against God. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

A People Prepared for the Lord
... If they had been domineering, and brutal, and murmuring, they must become contented ...
That, I think, is a second meaning clearly illustrated in the ministry of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/a people prepared for the.htm

SERMON XIV.
... not indeed to the sensations of pain and sorrow, but to all the uneasinesses of
reflection, murmuring, and discontent. ... This may be illustrated by a low example ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xiv.htm

Resources
What is glossolalia? | GotQuestions.org

What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Murmuring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Murmuring

Murmuring of Israelites Against Moses

Murmuring: Aaron

Murmuring: Against God

Murmuring: Against: Christ

Murmuring: Against: Disciples of Christ

Murmuring: Against: God

Murmuring: Against: Ministers of God

Murmuring: Against: The Service of God

Murmuring: Against: The Sovereignty of God

Murmuring: Asaph

Murmuring: Cain

Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked

Murmuring: David

Murmuring: Disciples

Murmuring: Elijah

Murmuring: Forbidden

Murmuring: Grecians

Murmuring: Guilt of Encouraging Others In

Murmuring: Hezekiah

Murmuring: Illustrated

Murmuring: Israelites

Murmuring: Jeremiah

Murmuring: Jews

Murmuring: Jews, Against Jesus

Murmuring: Job

Murmuring: Jonah

Murmuring: Korah

Murmuring: Moses

Murmuring: Pharisees

Murmuring: Provokes God

Murmuring: Punishment of

Murmuring: Rachel

Murmuring: Saints Cease From

Murmuring: Solomon

Murmuring: Tempts God

Murmuring: Unreasonableness of

Related Terms

Grudge (11 Occurrences)

Whispering (7 Occurrences)

Muttering (3 Occurrences)

Pur (3 Occurrences)

Complaints (6 Occurrences)

Complaint (29 Occurrences)

Murmurings (8 Occurrences)

Community (77 Occurrences)

Nay (92 Occurrences)

Officers (171 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Leadeth (42 Occurrences)

Leading (101 Occurrences)

Grecian (3 Occurrences)

Grumbling (13 Occurrences)

Guards (42 Occurrences)

Widow (71 Occurrences)

Widespread (2 Occurrences)

Fortitude (5 Occurrences)

Fix (36 Occurrences)

Taberah (2 Occurrences)

Denaries (6 Occurrences)

Deceives (14 Occurrences)

Dannah (1 Occurrence)

Deceiveth (8 Occurrences)

Massah (5 Occurrences)

Murmurers (3 Occurrences)

Moan (13 Occurrences)

Multiplied (109 Occurrences)

Murmured (21 Occurrences)

Ministration (33 Occurrences)

Patient (34 Occurrences)

Babble (1 Occurrence)

Contrary (77 Occurrences)

Aaron (343 Occurrences)

Astray (116 Occurrences)

Submit (36 Occurrences)

Seize (91 Occurrences)

Satiety (12 Occurrences)

Flourish (26 Occurrences)

Hellenistic (2 Occurrences)

Hebraic (1 Occurrence)

Wherefore (448 Occurrences)

Grecians (4 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Crowds (62 Occurrences)

Multitudes (72 Occurrences)

Parable (52 Occurrences)

Indeed (628 Occurrences)

Higgaion (2 Occurrences)

Caused (468 Occurrences)

Joshua (211 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

James (40 Occurrences)

Arrest (22 Occurrences)

Priests (451 Occurrences)

Pharisees (86 Occurrences)

Temple (614 Occurrences)

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Murmuring: Hezekiah
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