at a glance
author: Moses.
date: During the 1400s BC, while the Israelites were traveling in the desert.
setting: For 38 years the people of Israel wander in the desert between Mount Sinai and the borders of the land of Canaan.
verses to remember: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (6:24–26).
theme to consider: There are often severe consequences for our rebellion against God. But even though God disciplines us, he remains faithful to his promises, showing great patience and mercy.
unchanging truth
You went to a movie with your friends, and your brother saw you. The problem is that it was a movie your parents said was definitely off limits!
You’re late for class—for the second time this week!
The consequences of these actions have the potential to be quite unpleasant. Parents and other adults set guidelines that they expect you to follow. They want you to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. You may not always see the point of guidelines; at times, you just want to blow them off entirely. That’s when things get ugly. Disobedience brings discipline. But discipline is love in action—it helps you reevaluate your behavior and learn from it.
God led the Israelites from Egypt to the borders of the promised land. Then the Israelites rebelled. They were afraid and didn’t trust God to help them conquer the Canaanites. So God disciplined his children severely. He didn’t allow that generation to enter the promised land. Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there for the Israelites—or for us. Along with his discipline, God showed his mercy, patience and love to the Israelites by bringing the next generation into the promised land 38 years later. In the same way, even when we rebel, God still shows mercy, patience and love to us. Real maturity and growth come from learning from your mistakes … and accepting discipline when it comes.
1. Twelve spies went to explore Canaan before the Israelites entered the land. Their conflicting reports reflected their trust (or lack of trust) in God (13:26–33).
2. Even Moses and Aaron rebelled against God’s command and were disciplined (20:2, 6–12).
3. God showed mercy to the Israelites by using an unusual symbol—a bronze snake on a pole (21:6–9). This event is referred to in John 3:14–15 and symbolizes Jesus’ dying on the cross for the sins of all people.