LESSON 13

The Church in the Wilderness

1. What proved to be a turning point in Israel’s journey to Canaan?

Israel would not enter into Canaan because of unbelief. Numbers 13 and 14

2. How did they show their unbelief?

They rejected the good report of Joshua and Caleb and believed the evil report of the other ten spies.

3. Why was this an act of unbelief?

Because they did not trust God to fulfill His covenant promise to give them the land.

4. How did God punish this unbelief?

He caused Israel to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Psalm 95:10 and Numbers 14:33

5. What happened during this period of forty years?

All above twenty years, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, perished in the wilderness.

6. What characterized this period of wandering?

It was a period of wicked murmuring and rebellion. Psalm 95:10

7. How did Israel show this rebellion?

Israel despised God’s manna and accused Him of bringing the people into the wilderness to die. Numbers 21

8. Mention another example of rebellion.

The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. Numbers 16

9. How did God punish Israel for the sin of despising His manna?

God sent fiery serpents which killed many of them. Numbers 21:8, 9

10. How did God save them from these serpents?

God told Moses to lift up a brazen serpent upon a pole, and those who looked upon it were saved. Numbers 21:8, 9