Chapter 20: The Israelites Grumble

Exodus 15:22-16:8

Q1 - Recall that a “mixed multitude” left Egypt along with the Israelites (see Exodus 12:38, Numbers 11:4). How do you think these people influenced the attitudes and behaviors of the Israelites?

A1 - The murmurings by the Israelites have already started. When Pharaoh and the Egyptian army appeared (Exodus 14:11–12), the people declared it would have been better for them to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness. Then at Marah where the water was bitter (Exodus 15:23–24), they grumbled against Moses and asked what they were to drink.

Here in Exodus 16:2–3, the Israelites again murmured, evidently from their general living conditions. This time they took their dissatisfaction so far as to wish they had died back in Egypt. They reminisce about the abundance of food, of meat and bread, they had there to eat.

Although the “mixed multitude” is not mentioned here, it’s quite possible they were already influencing the Israelites and sowing seeds of dissatisfaction among them. After all, just as a little yeast leavens the whole loaf, so the complaints of a few can quickly spread through an entire group. The complaints here concerning the lack of meat are similar to the complaints instigated by these people in Numbers 11:4.

While the scriptures do not state exactly who the “mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38) or “rabble” (Numbers 11:4) were, they may or may not have been slaves of the Egyptians like the Israelites were. That’s because people from other countries may have come to Egypt seeking food during the famine and also became enslaved. Bible commentators suggest some of them could have been of mixed heritage, such as the children of Hebrew women by Egyptian fathers. (An instance of this intermarriage within the Israelite community is given in Leviticus 24:10–11.)

It seems these people chose to leave Egypt on their own, and it’s quite likely this trip was not turning out to be anything like what they had envisioned. Yahweh might not have even their god, yet here they were following Him out into the desert where life would be difficult to sustain.

Q2 - When the Israelites were complaining to Moses about the food and water, how were they actually complaining against God?

A2 - The Israelites were guided in their travels by the pillar of cloud in which the presence of God dwelled. Therefore, God was directly responsible for them being where they were. However, it was much easier to complain against Moses and Aaron who were present in the flesh. The Israelites may also have felt it was safer to complain against their human leaders rather than directly against God.

Q3 - How do people in general, and Christians in particular, murmur against God today? What can you do to change your attitude when you find yourself complaining against God?

A3 - When unfortunate events or tragedies occur, you often hear people question why a good God would allow such bad things to occur. Within the church, you may hear others talk in a negative way about the minister’s message, the selection of songs, the order of the service, or the attire of other attendees. You can probably think of many other examples.

Many times, we find ourselves complaining about things that are a matter of personal preference. Always turn to God’s Word to see what is said on a given topic. Perhaps things are being done in error. If so, Jesus gave us a blueprint for how to deal with these situations in Matthew 18:15–17 (NIV): “‘If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.’”

You can also directly approach someone if you have a suggestion for a better way to do something. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of your idea in a non-confrontational way. Whether you achieve the change you desire or not, you have presented your idea in an honorable way without going behind someone’s back and creating dissent.