Articles
How Much Can One Stand?
Did you ever feel like Shakespeare’s Claudius, who lamented, “When sorrows come they come not single spies, but in battalions” (Hamlet, Act IV, Scene V)?
Some think troubles tend to come in threes. Whether or not that’s true, Moses certainly had more than his share as described in the 20th chapter of Numbers, during the last part of his life.
First, his sister Miriam dies (v. 1). Moses has to leave her grave behind in the wilderness.
Second, the Israelites begin complaining—again—this time about a water shortage. As usual, Moses undeservedly gets the brunt of the blame (vv. 2-8).
Third, and worst of all, God tells Moses he cannot enter the land of promise because he had sinned in a fit of anger (vv. 10-13). Disappointment isn’t the word for it!
Fourth, the king of Edom refuses Moses’ polite request to lead Israel through his territory (vv. 14-21). So they are forced to detour.
Fifth, Moses’ brother Aaron, who had been his constant companion the last 40 years, dies and is laid to rest on Mt. Hor. Like Moses, he too is not allowed to enter Canaan (vv. 22-29).
But for all that, the heartaches of chapter 20 do not crush Moses. He has endured many other difficulties before, and he will have more to come. Life wasn’t easy for Moses, and life isn’t easy for you or me either.
But thanks be to God that despite it all, we have God’s solemn promise that no matter how intense our hardships may be, they cannot defeat us—we will be victorious through Christ (Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 4:8-11).
And that’s what keeps us going!
