In Numbers, chapter eleven, verse twenty, the people complained bitterly about God’s ways with them. They were like spoiled children who cried to have their way. God let them have what they wanted but sent leanness into their soul as stated in Psalms one hundred and six verse fifteen. However, some may interpret this as a disease of some sort. This episode is a solemn warning about insisting on our way and desires rather than humbly submitting to God’s way and being grateful for His provision. To reject God’s way of dealing with us is tantamount to unbelief and rebellion, which brings His judgment.
In verse eighteen of the same chapter, God speaks to Moses after instructing him about the elders. The focus was on the Israelites and people concerning their complaints. God told Moses to address them in this manner: “And say thou unto the people, sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept into the ears of the Lord, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” God did not like the response that He quoted it back to Moses, His servant. If Moses had not spoken on behalf of the people from when they left Egypt until now, they might have experienced more severe discipline than they received.
Today, it is significant for believers to be careful how they conduct themselves before God, especially the temptation to complain. Another factor is what we say in the complaint can generate backlash toward the person expressing it. God told Moses what to say to the Israelites and utters the words back to His servant exactly what they said. The negative feedback demonstrates how much those words hurt. The Israelites acted as though God was not present throughout the time they left Egypt.