Topical Bible: Murmuring: Tempts God

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Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of complaining or expressing discontent, often in a subdued or secretive manner. This behavior is frequently depicted in the Scriptures as a manifestation of a lack of faith and trust in God's providence and sovereignty. The Bible provides several instances where murmuring is shown to tempt God, leading to divine displeasure and judgment.

Old Testament Instances

The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is replete with episodes of murmuring. One of the most notable instances occurs in the wilderness, where the Israelites express dissatisfaction with their circumstances. In Exodus 16:2-3 , the congregation of Israel murmurs against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their lack of food: "The entire congregation of the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, '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 wilderness to starve this whole assembly to death.'"

This murmuring is not merely a complaint against human leaders but is seen as a direct challenge to God's provision and care. In response, God provides manna and quail, yet the murmuring continues, revealing a persistent lack of faith.

In Numbers 14:27 , God addresses the Israelites' murmuring directly: "How long will this wicked congregation grumble against Me? I have heard the complaints that the Israelites are making against Me." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views murmuring, equating it with rebellion against His divine authority.

New Testament Reflections

The New Testament also addresses the issue of murmuring, often reflecting on the lessons from the Israelites' experiences. In 1 Corinthians 10:10 , the Apostle Paul warns the Corinthian church: "And do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel." Here, Paul draws a direct line between the Israelites' murmuring and the consequences they faced, urging believers to learn from their example and avoid similar pitfalls.

Philippians 2:14-15 further exhorts Christians to live without murmuring: "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 call for believers to exhibit a spirit of contentment and trust, standing in contrast to a world characterized by discontent and rebellion.

Theological Implications

Murmuring is more than a mere expression of dissatisfaction; it is a theological issue that reflects one's relationship with God. It reveals a heart that is not fully trusting in God's plan and timing. The biblical narrative consistently portrays murmuring as an act that tempts God, testing His patience and inviting His judgment. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 17:2
Why the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said to them, Why chide you with me? why do you tempt the LORD?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... A TREATISE OF THE FEAR OF GOD; SHOWING ... Geo. Offor. A TREATISE ON THE FEAR OF GOD.
"BLESSED IS EVERY ONE THAT FEARETH THE LORD.""Psalm 128:1. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... 1:2, 12), but God himself never tempts us"James 1 ... wilderness, but he trusted that
as God had provided ... Israel sinned by doubt and murmuring, and proposing to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

Rejoicing in the Lord
... Satan and dishonor God by distrusting Him and murmuring against Him ... When Satan tempts
you, breathe not a word of doubt ... hand of a friend, let praise to God be on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 13 rejoicing in the.htm

Perseverance
... corruption may work; instead of patience, murmuring; instead of ... he need not fear
breaking, because God not only ... for security; the more Satan tempts, the more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... follows them to holy ordinances, and tempts them to ... manifestations, and of their
being God's children, even ... of temptation, not only to murmuring and doubting ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... 13 Let no one who is tried by temptation say, My temptation comes from God';
God is incapable of being tempted by evil and he tempts no one. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... are introduced; some from that singular compilation, Clarke's looking-glass for
Saints and Sinners; others from 'Beard's theatre of God's Judgments' and many ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Concerning Persecution
... good man hates the sin to which Satan most tempts and his ... of God showing himself
that he is God' (2 Thessalonians ... Patience keeps the heart down from murmuring. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... 2. Prayer defined. Its necessity and use. 3. Objection, that prayer seems useless,
because God already knows our wants. ... First, reverence to God. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... First, As to her descent: she was from Abraham, the sons of Jacob, a people that
God singled out from the rest of the nations to set his love upon them. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm