Let’s recount all that has happened to Israel thus far. God had freed them from Egypt’s bondage with the shed blood of a lamb. They crossed over the Red Sea on dry ground when the Egyptians pursued them. When they were thirsty, God provided water in the desert. Their hunger was abated when the Lord gave them manna from heaven. The Lord graciously entered into a covenant with them, and gave them the Law. God decided to dwell among them through the Tabernacle. Furthermore, in the two years since they left Egypt, the Lord had provided everything they had need of.
Numbers 11-13 are three of the saddest chapters in Numbers, for the people had forgotten all of the blessings listed above. First, the people complained (Num. 11:1). What were they complaining about? Scripture doesn’t answer that question. It was bad enough, however, that the Lord’s anger was kindled and fire consumed them. Second, as if people being burned up with fire wasn’t enough, Israel complained about not having any meat to eat. Their memories forgot about the beatings in Egypt, but could remember the fish they ate in Egypt (Num. 11:5). The people complained about eating manna, to the point that they cried. Moses grew so tired of their constant complaining, that he criticized the people to the Lord (Num. 11:10-13).
Next, Moses’ brother and sister spake against him (Num. 12:1). Keep in mind, this is song-singing, and tambourine-shaking Miriam (Ex. 15:20-21). This is animal-sacrificing, holy place-dwelling Aaron. The same Aaron whose two sons were killed by the Lord for offering strange fire (Lev. 10:1-2). Here they were talking bad about their brother, Moses. God strikes Miriam with leprosy, but has mercy upon her after Moses prays for her (Num. 12:13).
You might be led to believe that things could get better. You’d be wrong. God extended mercy to Israel, and was ready to take them into Canaan, the Promised Land. Yes, the land of flowing milk and honey. Each tribe was to send a representative to spy out the land. And guess what? It’s everything God promised, and everything that they didn’t deserve. Twelve spies check out the land, and only two have a good report. Ten spies are overwhelmed with the sight of giants. Israel votes to not possess the Promised Land.
The Lord extended mercy time and time again to Israel. He provided for them; he displayed His power to them; and willingly dwelt among them. And yet they still had no faith in Him.
I might be overlooking it, but I can’t seem to find much thankfulness from Israel during these times. Ungratefulness is a disease that spreads. Ingratitude is far worse than revenge, which is returning evil for evil, while ingratitude returns evil for good. Ungrateful people rarely forgive. Ungrateful people rarely do good unto others.
Ungratefulness begins with forgetfulness. If you forget that God brought you out of bondage, you won’t believe that He can bring you into your Promised Land. If you forget that He provided water in the desert, you won’t believe He can give you milk and honey. If you forget that He miraculously rained down manna, you’ll think you’re deprived of meat. If you forget that you didn’t get what you deserve, then you’ll think you’re entitled to anything.
Beloved, in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:18). Thankfulness is the antidote to the disease of ungratefulness.