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Day 154

Psalm 106:16 "When they envied Moses in the camp..."

Day 154 – Psalm 106

“When they envied Moses in the camp…” Psalm 106:16

A GRAVE SIN

What may be considered a grave sin? When a sin problem has the following features it must be called a grave sin. Three may be highlighted.

1. If it creates and perpetuates problems.

2. If it affects many people, causing them to sin in a similar manner.

3. If it causes schism (division) in the community.

ANOTHER GRAVE SIN

The sin of complaining may be called “a grave sin” for it has the features mentioned above. Another grave sin is mentioned in the following text.

“When they envied Moses in the camp,
And Aaron the saint of the LORD.”
Psalm 106:16

1. The sin of “envy”

a) Moses was envied because of his unique role as the leader of Israel.
b) Moses had people who assisted in the leading of the nation.
i) He took the advice of Jethro his father-in-law to delegate some responsibilities (Exodus 18).
ii) In time, he appointed seventy special leaders to co-lead with him (Numbers 11).
iii) Nevertheless his leadership role was envied by some.

2. Aaron the saint of the LORD

a) The word “saint” simply means “holy, or consecrated”.
b) Moses was instructed to set aside the tribe of Levi to become priests (Numbers 3-4).
c) Aaron was anointed the high priest (Exodus 28-30).

3. Envy expressed in complaining

a) Some of the Levites were unhappy with their lot (The sons of Korah).
b) Others were unhappy that they were not appointed to lead Israel.

Envy was the green-eyed monster that caused great dissension in the community of Israel.