1. Moses & Israel: Forbearance, Frustration and Failure

2. Introduction  Over the course of his life, Moses experienced mistreatment by various individuals and groups.  The people of Israel constantly complained, blaming Moses for their hunger, thirst and discomfort.  Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses’ preeminence.  Korah, Dathan and the 250 rebelled against his authority.  Over the course of his life, Moses experienced mistreatment by various individuals and groups.  The people of Israel constantly complained, blaming Moses for their hunger, thirst and discomfort.  Aaron and Miriam were jealous of Moses’ preeminence.  Korah, Dathan and the 250 rebelled against his authority.

3. Differing Reactions  Sometimes he responded to Israel’s provocation with forbearance, demonstrating commendable love and longsuffering.  Sometimes, he expressed frustration, but left matters in the hands of God.  Sadly, on one tragic occasion, he allowed Israel’s sinful attitude to provoke him to disobedience.  Sometimes he responded to Israel’s provocation with forbearance, demonstrating commendable love and longsuffering.  Sometimes, he expressed frustration, but left matters in the hands of God.  Sadly, on one tragic occasion, he allowed Israel’s sinful attitude to provoke him to disobedience.

4. Moses & the Israelites  Complaint by the People in the Wilderness of Sin  Complaint by the People at Rephidim  Complaint by Miriam and Aaron at Hazeroth  Complaint by the People at Kadesh-Barnea  Complaint by Korah & Company in the Wilderness  Complaint by the People in the Wilderness of Zin  Complaint by the People in the Wilderness of Sin  Complaint by the People at Rephidim  Complaint by Miriam and Aaron at Hazeroth  Complaint by the People at Kadesh-Barnea  Complaint by Korah & Company in the Wilderness  Complaint by the People in the Wilderness of Zin

5. Conclusion  The children of Israel often behaved badly, murmuring and complaining, evidencing faithlessness and folly, rebelling against God’s commandments, rejecting his chosen messengers and ministers.

6. Challenge  This was especially true during the time of the wilderness wanderings.  Responding to such provocations, we witness Moses’ forbearance, frustration, and failure.  Let us learn from his example, emulating his strengths, avoiding his weakness.  This was especially true during the time of the wilderness wanderings.  Responding to such provocations, we witness Moses’ forbearance, frustration, and failure.  Let us learn from his example, emulating his strengths, avoiding his weakness.