Topical Bible: Murmuring: Unreasonableness of

◄ Murmuring: Unreasonableness of ►

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Murmuring, often characterized by a low, continuous complaining or grumbling, is depicted in the Bible as an expression of discontent and lack of faith. It is frequently associated with the Israelites during their wilderness journey, where it serves as a cautionary example of ingratitude and rebellion against God's provision and authority.

Biblical Instances of Murmuring

One of the most notable instances of murmuring occurs in the Book of Exodus. After being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites repeatedly complained against Moses and Aaron, expressing dissatisfaction with their circumstances. 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.'"

This murmuring is unreasonable given the miraculous deliverance they had just experienced, including the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army. Despite these signs of God's power and care, the Israelites' complaints reveal a lack of trust in God's continued provision.

Consequences of Murmuring

The unreasonableness of murmuring is further highlighted by the consequences it brings. In Numbers 14:27-29 , God responds to the Israelites' complaints about the Promised Land: "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."

This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views murmuring. It is not merely a minor fault but a significant act of rebellion that can lead to severe consequences, including the forfeiture of God's promises.

Murmuring as a Lack of Faith

Murmuring is often rooted in a lack of faith and an inability to trust in God's plan and timing. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against this behavior, using the Israelites as an example. In 1 Corinthians 10:10 , he writes, "And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel." Paul emphasizes that murmuring is not just a historical issue but a spiritual danger for all believers.

Encouragement to Avoid Murmuring

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, countering the tendency to murmur. Philippians 2:14-15 advises, "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 exhortation highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and faithful attitude, reflecting God's light in a world prone to dissatisfaction and complaint. By avoiding murmuring, believers demonstrate their trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, setting an example for others to follow.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 3:39
Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts v. 34
... of God, and serve tables." First he puts to them the unreasonableness of the ... the
necessity; and they did it not sooner, but waited till the murmuring arose; nor ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv acts v 34.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... To show the unreasonableness of resting in present enjoyments, consider"it is idolizing
them ... he not give thee life, as he gave the murmuring Israelites quails ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

The Third Book
... commands of God and omitting the lesser, must recognize the unreasonableness of
their ... Our God orders us also to live without murmuring and without complaints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

Rom. vii. 14
... Do you see, along with their impiety, how great is their unreasonableness also ... is
day he loses this comfort even, and while his servants are murmuring, and his ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiii rom vii 14.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... in testing as to whether the recipient is worthy or not) and word of murmuring
[3229] in ... The heat of the disturbance was in proportion to its unreasonableness. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm