Numbers Chapter 14 Summary
Murmuring over the spies' reports and the consequences.
Discussion Questions for Numbers, Chapter 14
- Verse 2 says that all the Israelites “complained about Moses and Aaron“ (CSB). Is complaining about the leaders God has given His people okay? Why or why not?
- In verses 2-4, the people express their desire to return to Egypt. Why would they desire to return to slavery? In what ways do believers today express their desire to return to spiritual slavery?
- In verse 4, the people decide to “appoint a leader“ ( v. 4, CSB) to replace Moses. What is wrong with replacing the leader that God has given you? What should be our response if there is a leader who is doing things we do not like?
- Why do you think Moses and Aaron “fell facedown in front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community“ (v. 5, CSB)?
- In verses 8-9, to whom do Joshua and Caleb ask the people to trust? Why is this important?
- What was the reaction of the people in verse 10? Why do you think they acted this way?
- In verses 11-12, the Lord is ready to destroy Israel and create a new people from Moses. Why is the Lord ready to do this? What might this teach us?
- In Moses' response, on what basis does he appeal to the Lord not to destroy the people? Is giving God reasons for your prayer requests something that you do? Why or why not?
- Moses says in his prayer, “The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, forgiving iniquity and rebellion“ (v. 18, CSB). Has God changed since Moses' day? How does God exhibit these qualities in your life?
- According to verses 20-23, the Lord forgave His people for their rebellion, and yet they faced the consequence of not entering the Promised Land. In what ways do we face the consequences of our sin even though the Lord forgives us?
Key Words/Phrase
Murmured, v. 2.
Characters
God, Moses, Aaron, Caleb, Joshua.
Strong Verse(s)
8, 9, 18.
