And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord!- Numbers 20:3
Why were they in strive and frustration with Moses?
If you read further you will see, it is not just because they lacked water alone.
They have overstayed in the wilderness, beyond the required time. Actually, they ought to have entered into the land, God had promised them, but fear kept them wondering in the wilderness. (Numbers 13 and 14 illustrate the story).
They had over stayed their welcome in the wilderness, God's presence had left the place. They began to react in frustration to everything around them at the slightest provocation.
Unfortunately, the children of Israel were stagnant and frustrated, and got Moses into trouble with God in the process of their murmuring and complaining (Numbers 20:12), because he(Moses) reacted in anger to their continuous nagging; of course everyone in the camp was weary, including Moses. As a result, he could not fulfill his purpose of taking them into the promised land.
Lesson: move when God says move, the mountain notwithstanding, only in obedience we can be sure of His abiding presence and guidance. It may look rough at the beginning, but His peace and comfort will always be available for us.
A word is enough for the wise.
Stay blessed.
Enahoro Airononi
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