But on the next day all the congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You are the ones who have caused the death of the Lord’s people.”
The “Lord’s people” Moses and Aaron are accused of killing are Korah and 250 of his followers. Korah rebelled against God and His appointed leader in Moses and as a result of this rebellion the ground split open and swallowed them all up (Numbers 16:32-33).
It is interesting to note the (lack of) logic here. Moses was the object of the people’s grumbling. So Moses wore the blame for Korah and his followers dying. But who was responsible for Korah’s death? Who was responsible for the ground splitting open and swallowing them whole? Certainly not Moses!
Even after this vivid display of the Lord’s justice, the people still grumbled, whinged and complained against God and His appointed leaders.
47 Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 He took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked.
The grumbling was now spreading like a virus. An accusing, unbelieving, rebellion-inspired complaining virus. And it had infected many of the Israelites.
The compliant and accusation by the people against Moses for killing Korah and his men was evidence of this. All reason and common-sense, had long since departed. This was open rebellion and God was going to enact his solution by sending them devastating plagues.
The plagues had begun to spread to each person whose heart was turned toward wickedness, just as the grumbling virus had spread to them before it.
What this tell us is the to beware of the dangers of the grumbling, complaining virus. It is very easy to sit in judgment, to point the finger and to back-bite, gossip and complain. But it is wicked and will open you up to harsh consequences.
Grumbling, complaining and gossiping spreads like a virus; avoid it at every turn because the Lord views it very dimly. In fact, in the context of His people and His church God calls this rebellion a very wicked thing. Let us take heed!
PRAYER: Father, help me to always trust you and speak well of your servants at all times. I repent for complaining, grumbling and gossiping. Forgive me and empower me to overcome. I ask in Jesus name, Amen.