Definition and Nature:
Murmurers are individuals who express discontent, grumble, or complain, often in a low tone or behind the scenes. In the biblical context, murmuring is seen as an expression of dissatisfaction or rebellion against God’s will and authority. It is often associated with a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan.

Biblical Instances:

1. The Israelites in the Wilderness:
The most notable example of murmuring in the Bible is the behavior of the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the Israelites frequently complained about their circumstances. In Exodus 16:2-3 , it is recorded, "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt, where we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death.'"

2. Korah’s Rebellion:
In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and authority. This act of murmuring was not just against human leaders but against God Himself, who had appointed them. Numbers 16:11 states, "Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your followers have conspired. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?"

3. The New Testament Warnings:
The New Testament also addresses the issue of murmuring. In 1 Corinthians 10:10 , Paul warns the Corinthian church, "And do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel." This reference to the Israelites serves as a cautionary tale for believers to avoid similar behavior.

Theological Implications:

1. Lack of Faith:
Murmuring is often indicative of a lack of faith in God’s promises and provision. It reflects a heart that is not fully trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Hebrews 3:12 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God."

2. Rebellion Against God:
Murmuring is seen as a form of rebellion against God’s established order and His chosen leaders. It is an act of defiance that challenges God’s authority and wisdom. Jude 1:16 describes murmurers as "grumblers who follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage."

3. Consequences:
The Bible records severe consequences for those who murmur against God. The Israelites who murmured in the wilderness faced God’s judgment and were not allowed to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-30). This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views murmuring.

Practical Application:

1. Contentment:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of contentment and gratitude, trusting in God’s provision and timing. Philippians 2:14-15 exhorts, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world."

2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty:
Christians are called to trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when circumstances are challenging. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

3. Encouragement and Edification:
Instead of murmuring, believers are encouraged to build one another up and encourage each other in faith. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer.
... the last first.". First consider who are these murmurers? The merit ... shall be
opened. And thus much I thought to say of murmurers. Now I ...
/.../the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the householder.htm

John Chapter vi. 41-59
... A babe within, a new man within. Where he is made new, there he is satisfied
with food. 2. What then did the Lord answer to such murmurers? ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvi john chapter vi.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... men; but whoever knows his own weak heart will confess that, if he had been among
that thirsty crowd, he would, most likely, have made one of the murmurers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

Chastisement
... There are murmurers in the midst of Israel now, as well as in the camp of Israel
of old; there are people of God who, when the rod falls, cry out against it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... right of anyone to guide or rule them, and again resented the opposition of the
church-leaders to their views (which is one of the points of murmurers in ver.16 ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

Of Querulousness.
... Jude's days, who observes that murmurers and complainers are the very
same with those who speak great swelling words, Jude 16.. ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section x of querulousness.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but
have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 24, Etc. , Where the ...
... be. Wherever Christ is attacked, defend Him; answer murmurers, rebuke
blasphemers, from their fellowship keep yourselves apart. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xliv on the words.htm

Brave Encouragements
... Compared with the former Temple, this which they had begun to build could not but
be 'as nothing.' So the murmurers said, and Haggai allows that they are quite ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/brave encouragements.htm

The Difficulty of the Distinction Made in the Choice of one and ...
... paying the wages. Did the murmurers in this case hear anything from the
householder except, Such is my will? Certainly such was ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 17 the difficulty of the.htm

Murmurers (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Murmurers (3 Occurrences). ... Isaiah 29:24 And the erring
in spirit have known understanding, And murmurers learn doctrine!' (YLT). ...
/m/murmurers.htm - 7k

Murmured (21 Occurrences)

/m/murmured.htm - 12k

Murmuring (14 Occurrences)

/m/murmuring.htm - 11k

Loud-mouthed (1 Occurrence)
... Jude 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their
mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage. ...
/l/loud-mouthed.htm - 6k

Grumblers (1 Occurrence)
... Jude 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their
mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage. ...
/g/grumblers.htm - 6k

Guided (86 Occurrences)
... Let him prove it by a right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit.
(WEY). Jude 1:16 These men are murmurers, ever bemoaning their lot. ...
/g/guided.htm - 31k

Gaining (17 Occurrences)
... which rests on Christ Jesus. (WEY). Jude 1:16 These men are murmurers,
ever bemoaning their lot. Their lives are guided by their ...
/g/gaining.htm - 11k

Individual (12 Occurrences)
... that she respects her husband. (See NAS). Jude 1:16 These men are murmurers,
ever bemoaning their lot. Their lives are guided by ...
/i/individual.htm - 11k

Flattering (11 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their
mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage. ...
/f/flattering.htm - 9k

Flatter (5 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their
mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage. ...
/f/flatter.htm - 8k

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