Browse Bible Study Resources

Mourning of the People

Text: Numbers 14:39-45
4 April 2016

MOURNING OF THE PEOPLE

1. Because of God’s judgment

a) That they will not be allowed to go into the Promised Land
b) That they will wander in the wilderness for 40 years

2. But not because of sorrow for their sin

a) Rebellion
b) Rejection
c) Complaining

PRESUMPTION OF THE PEOPLE

1. They acknowledged their sin

2. They declared that they were ready to go into Canaan

3. They even made reference to the Lord and His promise of the Land   (Numbers 14:14)

HOW WAS THIS THE SIN OF PRESUMPTION?

1. They had failed to comprehend what God had decreed!

2. They had failed to note how the 10 spies had died by the hand of God

3. They had failed to comprehend what was at stake to conquer the land of Canaan

4. They presumed: –

a) That mere confession meant forgiveness
b) That forgiveness meant that they can follow through with the original plan
c) That God’s decree can be easily set aside
d) That God would be with them

MOSES’ RESPONSE

1. Sin

This was further transgression   (Numbers 14:41)

2. Human plan

This plan would not succeed   (Numbers 14:41)

3. Warning of defeat

Do not go up or they will be defeated   (Numbers 14:42)

4. The Lord’s Presence

The LORD was not among them   (Numbers 14:42)
a) They had turned away from the Lord
b) He will not bless this venture

5. The Amalekites and the Canaanites

They will defeat the army going into Canaan   (Numbers 14:43)

MOSES AND THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

1. Moses refused to go with them   (Numbers 14:44)

2. The Ark of the Covenant would stay in the Camp   (Numbers 14:44)

THE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS

1. They presumed to give battle to the Canaanites and the Amalekites

2.They were defeated and driven back   (Numbers 14:45)