Rebellion

Numbers 11-16 is about the people making preparations to enter the Promised Land and then backing out at the last minute. The people simply trust their own eyes and ears more than God, and even Moses' own brother and sister complain against him. As a result, the people are sentenced to die in the wilderness, and it starts happening very quickly with different groups rebelling against Moses and God. Yet God is merciful, and still plans to bring Israel into the Promised Land.

Rebellion is part of human nature. If Israel was a "rebellious and stiff-necked people," where does that leave the rest of us? We should give God thanks for His continued mercy, and trust that He still has our best interests in mind.