Topical Bible: Murmuring: Jews

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Murmuring among the Israelites is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. This behavior is characterized by complaints and expressions of dissatisfaction directed towards God and His appointed leaders, such as Moses and Aaron. The act of murmuring is often portrayed as a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan.

Exodus and the Wilderness Journey

The Israelites' murmuring begins shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 15:24, the people grumble against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" This complaint arises when they encounter bitter water at Marah. God responds by instructing Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water, making it sweet and drinkable.

In Exodus 16:2-3, the Israelites express their dissatisfaction with the lack of food, lamenting, "If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this wilderness to starve this whole assembly to death." In response, God provides manna and quail, demonstrating His continued care and provision.

The pattern of murmuring continues in Exodus 17:3, where the people again complain about the lack of water, questioning Moses, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" God instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, bringing forth water for the people.

Numbers and Further Complaints

The Book of Numbers records additional instances of murmuring. In Numbers 11:1, the people complain about their hardships, and the LORD's anger is kindled, resulting in a fire that consumes some of the outskirts of the camp. Moses intercedes, and the fire subsides.

In Numbers 14:2-4, after the report of the spies, the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron, expressing a desire to return to Egypt: "If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword?" This lack of faith leads to God's decree that the current generation will not enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua.

Numbers 16 details the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who challenge Moses' leadership. Their insurrection is rooted in murmuring against God's chosen leaders, resulting in their destruction as the earth swallows them and their followers.

Theological Implications

Murmuring is depicted as a serious offense against God, reflecting a heart of unbelief and ingratitude. It often leads to divine judgment, as seen in the various punishments meted out to the Israelites. The New Testament also references these events as warnings to believers. In 1 Corinthians 10:10, Paul admonishes, "And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel."

The Israelites' murmuring serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of discontent and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. It underscores the need for faith and obedience in the face of trials and uncertainties.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:41-43
The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And at that Time the Feast of Tabernacles of the Jews Drew Near. . ...
... [1944] And the Jews sought him [13] at the feast, and said, In what place is this
man? [1945] And there occurred much murmuring there in the great multitude ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxviii and at that.htm

The Fasts of the Jews are not True Fasts, nor Acceptable to God.
... Chapter III."The fasts of the Jews are not true fasts, nor acceptable to God. ... forth
of the hands [1465] [to swear falsely], and words of murmuring, and give ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter iii the fasts of the.htm

And Jesus Knew Within Himself that his Disciples were Murmuring ...
... [1] [1402] And Jesus knew within himself that his disciples were murmuring because
of [2] that, and he ... [1425] For all of the Jews and the Pharisees, if they ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xx and jesus knew.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... first schism.] And now came the first division in the body, "a murmuring of the ... By
the "Grecians" are meant those Jews of foreign birth and education who had ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, "Where is he?" And there was
much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, "He is a good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus at the feast of.htm

Our Lord Jesus Christ Having Wrought in Jud??a Many and Great and ...
... the Hebrews, seeing this, and being greatly enraged, came to Pilate, murmuring against
him ... The Jews, hearing these words, said to him: How didst thou, being a ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 1 our lord jesus.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... but delivered by the angel of the Lord; they were brought before the council of
the Jews and dismissed after a warning, 5:12"42. The murmuring of the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

De Decretis or Defence of the Nicene Definition
... For the Jews too, when convicted by the Truth, and unable to confront it, used ... see,
on the sabbath day?" But this too was an excuse, and mere murmuring; for on ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/de decretis or defence of.htm

Narrative Concerning the Prince of the Edessenes.
... disease which I have. For I have heard that the Jews are murmuring against
thee and are plotting to injure thee. But I have a very ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii narrative concerning the prince.htm

Institutions of Jesus.
... life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall
never thirst."[2] These words excited much murmuring. "The Jews then murmured ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xviii institutions of jesus.htm