Numbers 11:16-25

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Assistance for Moses in Governing the People

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Lord graciously relieves the workloads of His servants.

  2. The Lord reluctantly answers the complaints of His children.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t forget the size of the Lord’s arm.

QUESTIONS

  1. What did Moses do when he felt overwhelmed by his workload?

  2. Review the three-step procedure to follow when you feel overwhelmed by your workload.

  3. What is hyperbole? Where is it used in this passage?

  4. How did the Lord answer the Israelites’ complaint about having no meat?

ANSWERS

  1. He went to the Lord for help.

  2. 1. Determine whether your workload is actually overwhelming. 2. Determine whether your work is actually what the Lord has called you to do. 3. Ask the Lord for help and assistance.

  3. Hyperbole is a figure of speech where purposeful exaggeration is used to get the point across. The Lord uses hyperbole in Number 11:20 to say the Israelites would have so much meat they would be sick of it.

  4. He sent them so much quail meat that they become sick of it.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Discuss the various ministries God has given to you. Are you feeling overwhelmed by this workload? Remember, God gives you the strength and ability to do whatever He has called you to do. Sometime this provision comes in the form of other people, whom the Lord provides to help you. Discuss how you have seen God provide for the ministries in which you are involved.

  2. When the Israelites complained about their lack of meat, God gave them so much quail they became sick of it. This quail was not a reward to them, but actually a chastisement. Don’t assume that when God gives you what you want, He is pleased with your lifestyle. He may be reluctantly answering your complaint to teach you a lesson. Share if you have ever seen this to be true in your own life.

CHALLENGE

  1. Moses questioned where the meat would come from to feed the children of Israel. He had forgotten the size the Lord’s arm – His power and ability to do what He says He will do. Have you forgotten the size of the Lord’s arm? The Lord has the power to save even you, and answer whatever needs you bring to Him.

KEY VERSES

  • "They shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.” Numbers 11:17

  • “Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat.” Numbers 11:18

  • “Has the LORD’s arm been shortened?” Numbers 11:23

Ron ReidNUMBERS 11:16-25