In Psalms chapter seventy-eight Asaph shared when the people of Israel flattered and lied to God in the wilderness, “he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passes away, and comes not again”, and in chapter seventy-eight and verse forty of Psalms Asaph said, “How often did they provoke him in the wilderness” where we read,
How often did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!
The verse begins, “How often did they provoke him in the wilderness, ...” Asaph began with the words, “how often did they provoke him” or “how many times and for numerous reasons did they, the people of Israel, be contentious, rebellious, refractory and disobedient toward him, the Divine judge Jehovah God” “in the wilderness” which means “within the uninhabited land or desert place”. Asaph said the people of Israel were contentious and rebellious toward Jehovah God many times while they wandered in the desert wilderness.
The verse continues, “... and grieve him in the desert!” Asaph added the words, “and grieve him” or “and hurt, pained, displeased and vexed him, Jehovah God” “in the desert” which means “within the solitary, desolate and waste location”. Asaph said the people of Israel also vexed and displeased Jehovah God while they were in the “desert”.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Asaph how the people of Israel continued to be rebellious and contentious toward Jehovah God. Their behavior and attitudes displeased and vexed God, and regardless of all He provided for them, they complained. God's desire is to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus whom He sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to be content with whatever He has provided in our lives.
Next time Asaph says the people of Israel, “turned back and tempted God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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