Journey of the Israelites (Part V)

Lesson Content

Kibroth-hataavah to Paran From the wilderness of Sinai, the children of Israel journeyed for another 39 years and camped at various places before they reached Canaan.

1. Kibroth -hataavah: (Num.33:16; ch.11) — Here the people complained. So the wrath of God was kindled and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp (Num.11:1-3). The place therefore w as called ‘Taberah’ meaning ‘burning’. Murmuring and complaining are abominable to God. We must trust in the Lord and praise Him at all times.

They also lusted after meat (Num.11:4-6). They despised the manna that God provided and craved for the food they had in Egypt. If we are not thankful to God, we will also fall into various lusts (Rom. 1:21,24,26).Praising God with grateful heart prevents us from falling a prey to discontentment, murmuring and being drawn away by various lusts. Quails were given to them, but the people were destroyed by a great plague even as they ate the meat. Therefore the place was called ‘Kibroth -hataavah’ meaning ‘graves of lust’. If we obstinately crave after something which is against God's will, God may grant it to us, but it will bring leanness into our soul (Psa.106:14,15).

2. Hazeroth: (Num.33:17; 11:35; 12:1-15) — Here Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. God was angry and Miriam was struck with leprosy. Moses interceded on her behalf. Nevertheless she had to be outside the camp for seven days. Accusing the leaders who are ordained of God to lead us is a serious offence in the sight of God.

3. Wilderness of Paran: (Num.12:16) — Twelve spies were sent from here to Canaan to spy the land. They brought some of the fru its of Canaan (Num.13:23). Ten of them brought an evil report of the land (Num.13:28,29,31-33). So all the congregation lifted up their voice and wept all night and murmured against Moses and Aaron. Even so, after our having come close to the inheritance t hat God has prepared for us and having tasted ‘the powers of the world to come’, certain situations may arise to discourage us and cause us to turn back. Joshua and Caleb tried to encourage the people saying, “The Lord is with us: fear them not”, but the congregation only threatened to stone them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle before all the children of Israel (Num.14:6-10). When we put our trust in the Lord and make new decisions and consecrations, we may be resisted and hard words may be used against us, but God comes to our help (Example: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). God pardoned the iniquity of the people when Moses interceded for them (Num.14:19,20). We are also spared from the judgment of God because of leaders who stand in the presence of God and bear the iniquity, interceding on our behalf. But those who brought the evil report died of a plague before the Lord (Num.14:36,37). We must be careful not to speak words that discourage others. Then Korah, Dathan and Abiram along with two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous men of renown, rose up against Moses and Aaron. It only led to their own destruction (Num.ch.16). God confirmed the ministry of the tribe of Levi and of Aaron by Aaron’s rod that budded. The rod was kept as a token against the rebels in the ark of the covenant (Num.ch.17). From this we understand that the servants of God and leaders are appointed by God, and that no man can take this honour upon himself, and that therefore we should always obey and be subject to them (Heb.5:4; 13:17). This incident has another spiritual significance too. All the rods, representing each tribe of Israel, were kept in the presence of God, but only the rod of Aaron of the tribe of Levi budded and was kept in the Most Holy Place. Even so, among all the Spirit-baptized people of God, only an elect group will be raptured at the coming of the Lord and enter within the veil.

4. Kadesh: (Num.20:1) — Miriam died here. It was here that Moses smote the rock when he was told to speak to it and failed to believe the Lord and sanctify Him before the people (Num.20:2,6-12). This disobedience cost him dearly and he could not gain entry into Canaan.

Moral

In our spiritual life, we have to pass through various experiences like the children of Israel. We should not do things as a routine, but should always be careful to have our mind continually renewed to know and prove each time, what the perfect will of God is.