THE DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES OF THE SIN OF DISCONTENT
Discontent springs from distrust. Distrust is a root-sin from which different kindred evils spring, such as discontent, dissatisfaction, disgust, disobedience, and other disagreeable states of mind. But "those that know thy name," &c. (Psalms 9:10; Lamentations 3:24). From these strange cairns in the wilderness, £ "the graves of lust," we hear a voice (1 Corinthians 10:6).
I. THE DISCONTENT OF THE ISRAELITES.
II. ITS DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES.
I. 1. Its disgraceful origin: "the mixed multitude," "hangers-on," "rift-raft." The chosen people of God listened and sympathized with them rather than with Moses and God. Apply to worldlings grumbling about weather, homes, situations, incomes, &c. (Proverbs 1:10; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:14).
2. The gross ingratitude of it. They were dissatisfied with the manna, which was wholesome, abundant, and adapted to various uses (Numbers 11:7-9), as though Hindoos should quarrel with their rice or the English with their wheat (1 Timothy 6:8). They recollect certain casual sensual advantages of past bondage, but forget its cruelties and degradation (Numbers 11:4-6). Why not remember the whips and fetters and infanticide? They think of suppers more than sufferings, of full stomachs rather than of famished souls. Let Christians beware of hankering after the indulgences of their old life (Proverbs 23:3; 1 John 2:15). And they complain of temporary deprivations, though hastening to a home of permanent and abundant good. They were passing through "that great and terrible wilderness" (Paran) because it was the direct route to the promised land (Deuteronomy 1:19; cf. 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 2:11).
3. The aggravations of it. For they had seen God's power already (Exodus 16:13; Psalms 78:19, Psalms 78:20). And have not we? (cf. Psalms 22:4, Psalms 22:5, Psalms 22:9, Psalms 22:10). And they overlooked recent chastisement (Numbers 11:1). God forbid that Isaiah 26:11 should be true of us, lest Proverbs 29:1-27, I should be also.
II. The disastrous results of their sin.
1. They angered Jehovah. Discontent in the guests of his bounty dishonours their generous host, as though Reuben bad complained because Joseph gave more to Benjamin (Genesis 43:34).
2. They grieved Moses, and even infected him with their own desponding spirit (Proverbs 29:11-15; see sketch below). Note how sin may become epidemic, spreading from the mixed multitude to the Israelites, and thence to Moses, like a disease introduced by foreign sailors spreading to our homes and palaces. Beware of carrying infection (Illustration, Asaph, Psalms 73:11-15).
3. They got what they desired, but are ruined thereby. Moses' prayer for help is answered in mercy (Proverbs 29:16, Proverbs 29:17); theirs for flesh, in judgment (Proverbs 29:18-20). They probably added gluttony to lust, and perished in the sight of plenty and at the moment of gratification (cf. Job 20:22, Job 20:23; Psalms 78:30, Psalms 78:31).
Learn—
1. Prayers of discontent may bring answers of destruction. E.g; Rachel demanding children, and the Israelites a king. Greater wealth but worse health (Ecclesiastes 6:1, Ecclesiastes 6:2); worldly prosperity, but leanness of soul (Psalms 106:15; 1 Timothy 6:9; James 4:4).
2. The blessedness of a contented trust (Philippians 4:11-13; Hebrews 13:5).—P.