God, in His providence, had been actively protecting the Israelites from the venomous serpents native to the desert for nearly forty years. Despite this care, the Israelites remained blind to His provisions, underestimating their need for Him with pride, self-sufficiency, and independence. They complained about food and water, failing to recognize that He had provided far more, and would continue to do so in the Promised Land. In response to their ingratitude and inability to see His saving work, God removed His protection, releasing the serpents to demonstrate how dire their situation would be without Him. Through this, He revealed their disobedient hearts and the terrible sin of underestimating His sufficiency for their needs.

Life is often troublesome and perplexing, a narrow path that constrains us to hold human nature in check, creating difficulties not experienced by those in the world. Despite this, many verses assure us that God will supply all we need on the road to the Kingdom of God, with promises that He will provide for our needs. Israel, like us, could grasp that God is faithful to His promises, witnessing His power through miracles such as the parting of the sea and protection during plagues in Egypt. Yet, they struggled to live by the practical application of those promises, as immediate concerns overwhelmed them, leading to anguish and a rejection of God's assurances delivered through Moses. Their murmuring stemmed from fear that God would not provide, even after clear examples of His providence, such as the well-watered oasis at Elim. Within weeks, facing scarcity, they bitterly complained, wishing to return to Egypt. This discontented murmuring, recorded for our benefit, mirrors the dissatisfaction that fueled satan's rebellion, driven by insatiable desire and pride despite his advantages. This spirit pervades humanity, making us capable of desiring more even when provided for, as human nature remains insatiable. In contrast, God's spirit can grant contentment, countering the envy and pride that drive discontent. Israel's history shows a pattern of failing to trust God to supply their needs, despite knowing His power intellectually. Their fearful concerns limited God's ability in their minds, setting boundaries on what He could do, such as timelines or locations where they believed He lacked strength. This lack of faith, mixed with pride, produced grumbling, a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem akin to idolatry or fornication, indicating doubt and a mind in disagreement with God. Discontentment and godliness stand in opposition, as contentment reflects a sense of sufficiency with what one has, while discontent arises from wanting more. This state of godliness with contentment is great gain, moderating desires and fostering trust that God will supply needs without resorting to unlawful means. It is a learned state, distinctively rooted in God's providence, not self-sufficiency, stemming from the conviction that He is always present and provides from His fullness. Israel's grumbling, evident in their wilderness journey, showed a lack of faith, as they forgot God's past works and promises, failing to make right choices and ultimately not reaching the Promised Land. Yet, God's ultimate demonstration of love and providence is in not sparing His own Son, Jesus Christ, delivering Him up for us as the greatest gift. If He gave such a monumental sacrifice, how can it be imagined that He will withhold any lesser gift needed for our salvation? This act is a blank check for our true needs, given freely and unreservedly, proving His willingness to provide without obligation or price. Thus, we need not dwell on what we lack and grumble, but rather focus on what we have through Christ's sacrifice. God's love, shown through this act initiated by the Father, assures us that He will provide all necessary gifts for our sanctification and ultimate salvation into His Kingdom, having already gone the maximum distance in His providence.