Israel’s rebellion in numbers 11-21: its challenges to Moses’ leadership and lessons for the African Church.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the rebellion of the people of Israel in Numbers 11-21 and highlight its challenges to Moses' leadership. The findings of this inquiry then draw lessons for the African Church. The covenant of Sinai and the presence of Yahweh manifested by the cloud by day and the fire by night could not prepare the people to face confidently the hardships of the wilderness. The section of the book of Numbers we have studied shows that Israel persistently murmured against Yahweh and against his servant Moses during the wilderness journey. This rebellious attitude constituted a real challenge to Moses who struggled, on the one hand to provide for their daily need and, on the other hand pleaded with God so that he may forgive their rebellion. We identified three major causes for the rebellion of the Israelites, namely complaints due to the privations of the wilderness, complaints against Moses' leadership, and complaints against God. Moses was challenged to find solutions for the survival of his people in the wilderness and to make sure that they finally made it to the Promised Land. It was not an easy task but Moses was successful in living up to his assignment because of his intimate relationship with God and his own exemplary character. Whenever his leadership was challenged, Moses was so patient not only in handling the provocation but also in relying on God to miraculously provide to all the needs of the people and the vindication of his chosen leaders. Even though the generation of those who left Egypt, including Moses himself, did not enter Canaan, this study shows that he had been a successful leader of his people. From the wilderness journey experience African church leaders can learn how to handle a murmuring and rebellious attitude displayed by their constituencies. This study focuses on the quality of the leadership as a tool in dealing with a grumbling spirit. The Church should seek to confer the position of leadership to: (1) leaders with a genuine call from the Lord and chosen according to biblical standards, (2) leaders whose heart is burning with compassion and willingness to meeting people's need, and (3) leaders who can identify themselves with their congregation. If the Church displays such a capacity of handling members' discontent, it will become a source of inspiration even to the political leadership of the continent.