How God dealt with His people in the wilderness. Peace and Justice

1. 1 of 16
God’s Characteristics
By Ian Berto Cooper

2. 2 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Main Text:
Numbers 11 – 12:15
We have heard of some of the
Characteristics of Christ
We must also study His Heavenly
Father’s Characteristics
In this reading we will examine some of
His responses which are consistent with
His dealings with His chosen people.

3. 3 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Anger Numbers 11:1
…it displeased the Lord and the
Lord heard it; and His anger was
kindled…the fire of the Lord
burnt among them that were in
the uttermost parts of the camp.
Conclusion: Be very careful how
we complain to God.

4. 4 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Understanding Numbers 11:17
God showed He understood the problem His
servant Moses had a provided a solution
by spreading the load advising him to
select 70 elders who would be anointed
with the Spirit.
Note: Similar to Christ who selected 70
to go out and spread the Gospel
Luke 10:1

5. 5 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God will:
Provide Numbers 11:18
God provides for His people who had
become tired of manna and because
of Moses’ pleading gave them quail
to eat.
Note: Similar to Christ who fed the
crowd miraculously
Matthew 14:13-21

6. 6 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Quail need little water and live in fields of
tall grass or grain, spending most of
their life on the ground. Over short
distances (6 m in 1 sec) they are
pretty fast runners, fast enough to
escape most predators. They can also
fly, but only for short distances. Some
are very fast, having been timed flying
at speeds of up to 80 km/hr.
References: Quails
A cubit

7. 7 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Knowledge Numbers 11:31
God the Creator of all things knew
exactly what type of meat to provide
and how to provide it.
Note: Similar to Christ who fed the
crowd miraculously
Matthew 14:13-21

8. 8 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God will dispense:
Justice Numbers 11:33-34
God punished those who had craved meat
from their time in Egypt. He does not like
double mindedness.
Conclusion: Be very careful how we look back
at our past. Do not long for former things.
Recall Lot’s Wife:
Genesis 19:26
Also Read 2 Peter 2:22

9. 9 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Wisdom Numbers 12:6-7
God speaks directly to Moses but
gives prophets visions and
dreams
Note: Similar to Christ who had an inner
circle
Matthew 17:1-6 Read Please

10. 10 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Wisdom Numbers 12:6-7
God speaks directly to Moses but
gives prophets visions and
dreams
Note: This should not be confused with
favouritism! It’s just good
management!

11. 11 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Jewish References to Moses, Aaron
and Miriam
• Both Aaron and Miriam were older
than Moses.
• Aaron was from a line of priests and
his role was to speak on behalf of
Moses. He was also seen to be a
peacemaker
jewfaq.org

12. 12 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God will:
Rebuke Numbers 12:8
Miriam pays the price for both
herself and Aaron’s backbiting
Conclusion: God will make an example of
stumbling blocks, those who seek to
cause confusion even those within
the leadership, He will rebuke.

13. 13 of 16
God’s Characteristics
God exhibits:
Compassion Numbers 12:14-15
Miriam is restored after 7 days
Conclusion: God will forgive and restore
those who have a contrite heart and
spirit
Read: Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15

14. 14 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Are we overlooking any kernels of
wisdom in this Passage?
Yes, what about Moses and the two
who prophesied? Why did Moses
not do anything about them?
Perceived as trick to cause division.
Conclusion: God’s Spirit will move
among the congregation. If it is
God’s Spirit it will only unite, not
divide. God is Peace, not Strife.

15. 15 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Summary of what we have seen
• Anger
• Understanding
• Provision
• Knowledge
• Wisdom
• Justice
• Correction
• Compassion

16. 16 of 16
God’s Characteristics
Summary of what we must do
• Be careful what and how we ask
• Pray with a contrite heart and spirit
• Keep the faith - God will provide
• Get some knowledge – study the Word
• Ask God for His wisdom as Solomon did!
• God will act in justice – wait upon Him
• Be open to correction
• We must love our neigbour