V.1-3 Israel makes an agreement with the Lord.
V.4-9 All works well. But are the people of Israel happy? (1) They spoke against God and Moses; (2) they ask why they were ever delivered out of Egypt; (3) Told an untruth — they had bread, the manna — they had water Numbers 20:1111And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. (Numbers 20:11) and (4) they loathed (despised) the manna. The Lord sends fiery serpents; when the people were bitten, they died. The people confess, “we have sinned.” How seldom we believers say this to the Lord, finding other things to blame, seldom ourselves. The whole story is a remarkable picture of sin and salvation through the Lord Jesus being lifted up on the cross (read John 3:14-1514And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14‑15)). One look to Christ is life; one look at the serpent was healing. Jesus was made sin for us who believe (2 Cor. 5:21).
V.16 How gracious of the Lord. He loves to gather people together!
V.21-35 The different races of people feared, resented, hated and were jealous of the Israelites. Each enemy had one of these characteristics. We believers find ourselves surrounded by spiritual enemies today (2 Cor. 10:3-6; Eph. 6:10-1710Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:10‑17)). Even other believers criticize us when we speak or write the truth (Gal. 4:1616Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)). But let us not fear. Notice what the Lord did in these verses for Israel.