Exodus 16-18 (Psalm 35)

 The Israelites are out of Egypt but Egypt is not out of the Israelites, for they continue to wish for their enslaved lives in Egypt eating their fill of meat and food under an oppressive authoritarian ruler, even dying at the hand of the LORD by a plague seemed to them better than life in the Sinai desert. Now the LORD hears the Israelites grumbling and provides manna and quail with gathering instructions including expiration - the stiff-necked people paid no attention to Moses, really the instruction from God. Moses becomes angry with the Israelites, this will be important later. 

Again, God's instruction for gathering food is specific in practice and purpose, the Israelites in Exodus 16:27 continue to refuse to keep the LORDs commands. This is due to deep seeded rebellion in their hearts which are far from trusting in the LORD - despite all their witnessing of the mighty hand of God freeing them from the oppressive slavery in Egypt, their faith was small because they forgot the LORD amidst their trials and troubles and lack. In their time of trouble they desired comfort, complacent comfort over freedom - so much so that their self pity, pessimism and fear led to persistent grumbling. 

How often do I in my discontentedness of my situation do I slop into complaining? Lament is the proper way of bringing concerns and difficulties to the LORD. Lamenting is being honest about the circumstance - I'm not talking about blind optimism, I'm talking about honestly/truthfully pouring out the grief, pain, concern, or even fears to the LORD and then declaring his goodness, sovereignty and righteous character over the experience submitting to Him and His ways - praise your way through difficulty:

Psalm 35:28 "My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long."

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