God is upset!
At the Nation of Israel, whom He loves dearly.
Such words as “wroth,” then “anger,” as well as “fire” are used of the Lord’s Attitude toward His people! On Psalm 78:21-25 I base my conclusion: “Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation. Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full.”
Wow!
But just “what” did the Lord hear? To bring such an intense response to His Heart? “Therefore the LORD HEARD this, and was wroth ….” In a word, “grumbling,” the Jews complaining against God’s provision!
The Hebrew verb translated “wroth” is interesting. It’s spelled “abar” and means something like “to leave, depart, to go somewhere else!”
And “anger” is the noun “aph,” a part of one’s nose, the “nostril!” Meaning that God is breathing hard, red in the Face, visibly disturbed!
For just a little grumbling, dissatisfaction, craving a certain kind of food?
YES.
Look at our Text again. God had been so good to Israel! He had controlled the clouds on their behalf. At least the “Shekinah Glory” Cloud, protecting the people, warming them when it was cold and cooling them when it was blistering hot there in the desert!
The Lord had also “opened the doors of Heaven” as well. And “rained” food down upon the children of Israel. It was known as “manna.” A daily (except the Sabbath) miracle! And a double portion the day before the Sabbath, no lack whatsoever!
The Psalmist Asaph here has man eating “angels’ food,” a beautifully poetic phrase. They could eat “to the full,” probably eliminating any dietary deficiency or morbid obesity as well!
Yet the people were not appreciative!
They craved something else to eat!
Back to yesterday’s verses, “fish and onions and garlic,” the flavors of their former days in Egypt, years of slavery if you recall. They apparently didn’t!
But how does God view such “minor” defection?
Such a “human” thing to do?
In today’s Scripture God viewed their actions as follows: “They BELIEVED NOT in God, and TRUSTED NOT in His salvation.”
Wow!
Unbelief … that God could properly care for them, sufficiently. To the point of satisfaction! Craving other than God’s chosen provision!
Lack of trust … in the Almighty, All Wise One!
Refusing His “salvation,” a noun actually meaning “deliverance” (3 times in the Old testament), “welfare” (1 time), and “health” (3 times).
Folks, God wants our trust!
Our faith placed in Himself!
And our loyalty!
Back to Commandment number one: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3
Do I trust Him as I should?
Do you?
Even down to the little daily issues of life?
Paul even said this: “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 14:23
What a Lesson to learn!
What a series of thoughts to ponder today, Thursday, January 7, 2016.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell