Numbers 14:1-45 - Fatal Answers To Faithless Prayers

1 . Reckless transgressors, who brave the consequences of their sins. Illustration—Jews ( Matthew 27:25 ), who, however, soon, dreaded the answer ( Acts 5:28 ; cf. Proverbs 1:31 ).

2 . The discontented. E.g; Rachel ( Genesis 30:1 ; Genesis 35:19 ); Hebrews lusting for flesh ( Hebrews 11:18-20 ), or desiring a king ( 1 Samuel 8:6-22 ; Hosea 13:11 ; cf. Proverbs 12:13 ).

3 . Profane swearers imprecating damnation and receiving it ( Psalms 59:12 ; Psalms 64:8 ; Matthew 12:36 ).

4 . Distrustful servants of God, who, in haste, may proffer requests which, if granted, would leave a stain on their memories, if not actually fatal to their reputation. E.g; Moses ( Numbers 11:15 ); Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:4 ); Jonah ( Jonah 4:3 ). What thanks are due to God that in his mercy he does not always answer our prayers, implied or expressed! And how much we need the teaching and the spirit of Christ, that we may pray thoughtfully and trustfully, and that he may not have to say to us, "Ye know not what ye ask" ( Mark 10:35-40 ).—P.