• narrative with five distinct elements that follows the lousy scouting report of Numbers 13

• grumbling about leaders and about the LORD

• face-down and torn clothes
• reminder of generosity and presentation of options
• threat of stoning

• plague threat
• jealousy for the LORD’S glory, commitment to the LORD’S word, awareness of the LORD’s love

• not let off but not let go
• what the people saw and spoke

• the terrified ten and the presumptuous soldiers

• Because rebellion against the LORD invites ruin, stop grumbling and start obeying.
• NT connection: Heb. 3:6-4:11
• “Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust is on Thee stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.” (C. Wesley, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”)

• leaving Sinai for the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land
• after the complaints of Numbers 11 and opposition of Numbers 12
• lament of biblical authors regarding Numbers 13

• the LORD’S command and confirmation
• spies selected and identified

• assessment of land, people and cities
• act courageously
• acquire fruit
• compliance and a cluster of grapes

• return of spies after 40 days
• fruitful land, fearsome people and fortified cities
• minority and majority reports

• Because the LORD’S promises are true, dismiss fearful distortions and depend on His faithfulness.
• Act on the LORD’S promises (Gen. 13:16-17, 22:17-18)
• Reflect on the LORD’S faithfulness (Gen. 12:9)
• Remember the LORD’S generosity (Ex. 3:8)
• Rely on the LORD’S resources (John 15:1-8)
• “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” (A. Cousins)
• “We all need a promised land.” (C. King)

• transition from Sinai to Wilderness: a massive movement of people
• preceded by reminders of the LORD’S provision (ark/cloud) (10:33-36)

• irony: three days into the journey
• basis of complaint and its frequency: what they were dealt and denied
• the LORD’S response: burning displeasure

• identity and infection of the rabble
• a case of selective memory and a seven-course meal
• perceived menu malfunction

• overlooked and undervalued provision
• dissatisfied preoccupation with circumstances

• a “hissy fit” in the wilderness
• inaccurate perception and inappropriate death wish
• contrasting connection to Christ: Heb. 3:1-6, 9:28

• Knowing the assault and impact of complaining, confirm the LORD’S character and praise His provision.
• Guard against spiritual amnesia (1 Cor. 10:1-13)
• “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (W. Williams)

• conclusion of one-year stay at Sinai and beginning of journey through wilderness to promised land
• first and second Passover observances (Ex. 12 and Num. 9:1)
• new beginnings: Law, priesthood/sacrificial system, tabernacle

• tabernacle: God’s presence with and among His people-constantly
• pillar of cloud by day
• pillar of fire by night

• cloud moves/people move
• cloud stops/people camp

• constant uncertainty of departure, duration and immediate destination
• the principle of dependence
• keeping the charge: adherence to divine command

• Because the Lord demonstrates a historical pattern of going before His people, depend on Him to go before you.
• how this text both encourages and exposes:
• “Israel in the wilderness had nothing which we do not possess.” (Maclaren)
• “There is no time lost, while we are waiting on God’s time.” (Henry)
• connection to Christ: Heb. 11:39-40 and John 1:14
• “A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky. Arm me with watchful care as in Thy sight to live, and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare, a strict account to give!” (Wesley, “A Charge to Keep I Have”)

• The LORD portrayed as teacher of the afflicted and guide for the erring

• deliverance from enemies, divine instruction and dismissal of sin

• director of directions
• personal testimony of the LORD and His pattern of steadfast love

• emphatic nature of source and intimacy of communication
• the matter of alignment

• crescendo of vulnerability and experience of solitude
• a heart enlarged by magnified troubles (Lev. 16:21-22)

• stress on the person of the redeemer
• connection to NT and Christ: Rev. 21:27

• Because of who the LORD is and who you are, delight in Him and depend on His directions.
• Pursue formation more than information.
• Trust the LORD’S capacity to manage the map of your life.
• “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” (F. Crosby)

• liturgy “at the gate” and connection to Psalm 24
• question/answer format

• tent and hill: worship and sacrifice
• sojourn and dwell: hospitality and homecoming

• consistent character
• restrained speech
• specified allegiance
• transactional integrity

• a place assured
• shall not be moved, ever
• important clarifications: source of confidence and significance of confession

• Because the LORD’S presence demands perfection, rely on the qualifying person and power of Jesus Christ.
• connection to Christ: Matt. 5:48, Heb. 12:14, 2 Cor. 5:21
• What should my life look like as an “insider?”
• “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom…” (“Remember Me”, Shive/Peterson)

• lament psalm with a distinct arrangement that employs key repetitions

• perception of divine remoteness
• experience of personal uncertainty
• existence of human opposition (1 Sam. 27:1)

• awareness of God and of the enemy
• lousy logic but legitimate faith
• request for a fresh surge of strength (1 Sam. 14:24-29)

• an affirmation about God’s “committed love”
• two exultations
• the ultimate “trip” to bountiful

• Because crisis is inevitable, constantly consider the nature of God’s committed love.
• connection to Christ: Heb. 5:7
• Exult in the superior object and certain outcome of your faith.
• “O, Love That Will Not Let Me Go” (G. Matheson)

• part of a group of psalms (3-7) arising from hostile and painful experiences (David/Absalom)
• five sections that address God and describe the crisis

• urgent words, sighs and cries (Rom. 8:26)
• persistent preparation and expectation (Lev. 1:7-8, Hab. 2:1)

• His character as the basis of prayer
• scouting what he loves and hates

• through the “multitude” of unfailing love
• primary appeal: the way you want me to go

• description and plea for guilty sentence (2 Thess. 1:6-7)
• because of the “multitude” of their transgressions

• refuge and rejoicing
• wrapped around with favor (1 Sam. 17:7)

• Because God is holy and merciful, seek His guidance and trust Him to deliver.
• Discern your desperation factor and pray the promises of God.
• connection to Christ: Col. 1:13-14 and see “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” (Matheson)

• second of the penitential psalms, a teaching psalm
• reflects David’s experience after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11-12; Psa. 51)

• sins borne away (Lev. 16:21-22)
• doctrine of imputation (Rom. 4:6-8)

• roaring lion of guilt
• immediacy of forgiveness

• from personal testimony to communal dependence
• in a time of “finding” (Isa. 55:6)
• with cries of rescue you surround me

• Yahweh’s promise and expectation
• avoiding likeness to a mule

• Because the LORD provides what He demands from you, address estrangement from Him immediately.
• connection to Christ: 2 Cor. 5:21
• “…The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.” (Crosby, “To God Be the Glory”)
• “Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee…” (C. Wesley, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”)

• third of seven penitential psalm
• another psalm with a “remembering” emphasis

• plea for mercy amid merited discipline
• burden of guilt and expression of agony

• internal and external
• foul disease and estrangement from friends
• weaponized enemies

• sin as a cause of suffering
• anticipating an answer
• confession of iniquity

• location of trust
• language of repentance

• Because of sin’s devastating impact, confess it immediately and forsake it completely.
• connection to Christ: 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2
• “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” (Adrian Rogers)
• “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (R. Robinson)