Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of the Israelites repaying Moses' good with evil is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, highlighting the challenges Moses faced as the leader appointed by God to deliver His people from bondage in Egypt. Despite Moses' unwavering dedication and the miraculous signs performed through him, the Israelites frequently responded with ingratitude and rebellion.Exodus 5:20-21: The first instance of the Israelites repaying Moses' good with evil occurs shortly after Moses and Aaron's initial confrontation with Pharaoh. Instead of immediate liberation, Pharaoh increases the Israelites' burdens, leading the foremen to confront Moses and Aaron. "When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, and they said, 'May the LORD look upon you and judge you, because you have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials, putting a sword in their hand to kill us.'" (Exodus 5:20-21). Here, the Israelites blame Moses for their increased suffering, despite his efforts to secure their freedom. Exodus 14:11-12: As the Israelites stand at the brink of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit, they again turn on Moses. "They said to Moses, 'Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not say to you in Egypt, "Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians"? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!'" (Exodus 14:11-12). Despite witnessing the plagues and the pillar of cloud and fire, their faith falters, and they accuse Moses of leading them to their deaths. Exodus 16:2-3: In the wilderness, the Israelites' complaints continue as they face hunger. "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There 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.'" (Exodus 16:2-3). Their longing for the comforts of Egypt, despite their previous oppression, leads them to unjustly criticize Moses' leadership. Numbers 14:2-4: The rebellion reaches a climax when the Israelites refuse to enter the Promised Land after the report of the spies. "All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?' So they said to one another, 'Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.'" (Numbers 14:2-4). This act of rebellion is a direct affront to Moses' leadership and God's promise, demonstrating a profound lack of trust and gratitude. Throughout these episodes, Moses remains a steadfast intercessor for the people, often pleading with God to spare them from His wrath. His leadership is characterized by humility and patience, even in the face of persistent ingratitude and rebellion. The Israelites' tendency to repay Moses' good with evil serves as a poignant reminder of the human propensity to doubt and rebel, even when faced with divine intervention and guidance. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 5:21And they said to them, The LORD look on you, and judge; because you have made our smell to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 14:11 Exodus 15:24 Exodus 16:2,3 Exodus 17:3,4 Library How those that Stirred up this Sedition were Destroyed, According ... Moses the Type of Christ. 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan The Eleventh Book Shows that the Title of "Good" is Due, not to ... The Foundations of Good Citizenship. Christian Meekness The Way of Life and the Way of Death. How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served ... Discouragement On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ... Resources What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)? | GotQuestions.org Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Evil for Good: Joseph Accuses his Brothers of Rendering Evil for Good: Nabal Returns, to David Evil for Good: Saul Returns, to David Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Evil: Paul, in Refusing to Eat What had been offered to Idols Related Terms Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences) |
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