Numbers chapter 11 verse 4 (NIV)
The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat!
Here is a reminder to us about who we listen to. It was the word ‘rabble’ that initially caught my attention. That’s the description used in the NIV translation. Other translations call them ‘worthless foreigners’ or ‘outsiders’. They were indeed outsiders who had joined the people of Israel on their journey. We don’t know whether they were drawn to Israel for safety or security, but we have seen in other chapters that they still worshipped foreign gods. Some may not even have known the level of persecution that the Israelites suffered in Egypt. These people chose to join the Israelites. They didn’t have to. Perhaps if they had had an easier time than the Israelites they were more prone to look back on their old lives with rose coloured glasses. But their attitude and behaviour rubbed off on the Israelites. We need to be careful not to be influenced by those who are either not in a relationship with God, or who are not fully committed. After all look at what happened when Eve listened to the voice that whispered, “Did God really say?…”
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my focus on listening to the right voice – Yours, especially during times of hardship. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.