Topical Encyclopedia
Grumblings, often referred to as murmuring or complaining, are expressions of dissatisfaction or discontent, particularly against God or His appointed leaders. In the Bible, grumblings are frequently depicted as a lack of faith and trust in God's provision and plan. This behavior is often met with divine displeasure and serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of ingratitude and rebellion.
Old Testament Instances1.
The Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most notable examples of grumblings occurs during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the Israelites frequently complained about their circumstances. In
Exodus 16:2-3 , the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their lack of food: "And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 'If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt,' they said. 'There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!'"
2.
The Incident of the Quail: In
Numbers 11:4-6 , the Israelites expressed their dissatisfaction with the manna provided by God, longing for the food they had in Egypt: "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!'"
3.
Korah's Rebellion: In
Numbers 16, Korah and his followers grumbled against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership. This rebellion was not only against human leaders but ultimately against God’s chosen order. The earth swallowed up the rebels as a divine judgment, demonstrating the seriousness of such grumblings.
New Testament Teachings1.
Warnings Against Grumbling: The New Testament continues to warn against grumbling. In
1 Corinthians 10:10 , Paul reminds the Corinthians of the consequences faced by the Israelites: "And do not grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel." This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to maintain faith and gratitude.
2.
Exhortation to Contentment:
Philippians 2:14-15 encourages believers to live without grumbling: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This passage highlights the importance of a positive witness in a fallen world.
3.
James on Patience and Endurance:
James 5:9 advises believers: "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" This underscores the need for patience and unity within the Christian community.
Theological ImplicationsGrumblings are often seen as a reflection of a deeper spiritual issue—namely, a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The biblical narrative consistently portrays grumbling as a serious offense, equating it with rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, gratitude, and submission to God's will. The repeated warnings and consequences associated with grumbling in Scripture highlight the need for believers to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and trust, even in challenging circumstances.
Strong's Hebrew
8519b. telunah -- a murmuringtelunah or telunnah. 8519a, 8519b. telunah or telunnah. 8520 . a murmuring.
Transliteration: telunah or telunnah Short Definition:
grumblings.
...Library
God the Joy-Bringer
... sublime thoughts about Him than that; but I do not know that there is any that ought
to come nearer to our hearts, and to silence more of ourgrumblings and of...
The New Garment Bent
... One can easily fancy thegrumblings of the Ephraimites dragged up to Jerusalem to
the hated labour, which Samuel had predicted (1 Samuel 8:16), and how facile...
Thanksgiving Versus Complaining
... I believe far more misery than we imagine is caused in human hearts by thegrumblings
of those they love; and I believe also that woundings we never dream of...
Trinidad
... The old Spaniards, who held, many of them, large sheets of the forests which they
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Thesaurus
Grumblings (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Grumblings (6 Occurrences). Exodus 16:7 and in
the morning, then you shall see the glory of Yahweh; because
...Guarantee (5 Occurrences)
Grumbling (13 Occurrences)
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