Throughout history, the people of Israel experienced a process of divine training designed to teach them dependence, obedience, and trust in Yehováh. Despite having been witnesses to great miracles and supernatural provisions, their faith was constantly put to the test.
Similarly, today we face challenges that invite us to develop a deeper relationship with our Creator. In this article, we will explore the fundamental lessons that Israel learned in the wilderness and how these principles remain relevant to our spiritual lives. Through trials, provision, and correction, Yehováh guides us in a process of transformation that requires perseverance and faithfulness.
Lesson 1
We are in training. We easily forget the great manifestations of Yehováh in our favor and feel abandoned and helpless. But Israel was in training just as we are today; our fathers needed to learn to live in total dependence on their Elohim and Deliverer; they needed to learn that He was also Provider, Protector, Lawgiver, and Judge. Yehováh took the people in the same way one adopts a son who requires love, but also direction and correction.
“…but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
Lesson 2
Bitter moments can turn sweet. When, in the midst of pain and difficulties, we turn to Yehováh through Yeshúa, our bitterness is changed, we receive strength, and life becomes sweeter because of His presence.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Yehováh; and the peace of Yehováh, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Yeshúa the Mesías.” Philippians 4:6–7
Faced with the people’s complaining about the lack of food, Yehováh sent quails and provided manna. The instructions were precise regarding what they should gather during the week and particularly on the sixth day, the eve of Shabbat. Note that by then the people already had knowledge of Shabbat, even though the Torah (Law) had not yet been delivered.
Lesson 3
A vital part of training is learning to depend on Yehováh day by day. Let us observe that the prayer of Yeshúa known as the Our Father includes the petition to receive the provision of daily food from the Father:
“Give us day by day our daily bread.” Luke 11:3
The response of our Israelite fathers to the harsh trials they had during their stay in the wilderness is an example and a warning for us, the followers of Yeshúa, the Way. Despite having been brought out of Mitsráyim and having seen the wonders of Yehováh, they could not enter the promised land due to their unbelief; and the generation that was witness to all those manifestations perished in the wilderness.
Lesson 4
Salvation is not guaranteed. Many, despite having found Yeshúa, will fall by the wayside because they take the broad path and avoid the narrow path that leads to the narrow gate. Out of such a great multitude of people over 20 years of age who left Egypt, only two: Joshua (Yahoshúa) and Caleb entered the Promised Land. Likewise, there are very few who will persevere until the end and then be saved.
“And you will be hated by all because of my Name, but he who endures to the end shall be saved.” Mark 13:13
The challenges we face today invite us to develop a more personal and deeper relationship with our Father Yehováh.