Numbers 14:1 - 15:41

The Israelites were wailing and complaining.  They wanted to go back to Egypt - back to the familiar - despite the slave conditions.  They were scared of the unknown.  They were told:  14:9 "Only do not rebelagainst the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

Moses pled with God to not get angry with the complaining Israelites. 14:18-19 "The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.'  In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now."

THEN God promised that everyone 20 or older will NOT see the promised land - because they grumbled.  I know I grumble often...and am so thankful I will see the promised land one day.

Supplemental offerings are to be equal between native and aliens.  No distinction. Don't we always make distinctions among people?  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could stop doing that???

Chapter 15 ends with this reminder: "Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God."

I am doing a bible study where we are to wear blue bracelets - now I understand why.  (mine is in the bottom of my purse...)

41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.'

Thickheaded humans - how many times in one sentence does he have to tell us who he is?????  Will we ever learn???