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Q3. Blaming the Leader


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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? How do the people respond to Moses' words?

The people blamed Moses for the advancing Egyptian army because they were extremely afraid. Fear had gripped their senses; and, short-sighted their faith. Actually, their faith is blind-sighted by fear. None of the miracles of God are at this moment remembered. When God told Moses to "turn back", the people should have remembered the power and might of God under any and all circumstances; and, showed a grounded and mature faith in God. Moses was being directed by God, and the fear of what the people saw in the flesh caused the people to panic and blame Moses, while actually blaming God.

The people's fear is motivated by what they saw in the flesh. In the natural they saw the Egyptian army and chariots. They took their eyes off God.

The people were really blaming God who was directing and instructing Moses. In the natural they blamed Moses; and, yet cried out to God. Moses responds with words of comfort and encouragement. Moses reminded the people of God's assured deliverance while bolstering their faith. Moses re-directed their blind-sighted fear to the power, strength and deliverence promised by God, reminding them that God would provide for them as He promised.

Moses has now matured into the true disciple required to lead the people into the Promise Land. Moses knew it would be a waste of time defending himself from the criticism. He knew they were in truth blaming God because he was doing as commanded by God. He identified their extreme fear. Moses knew that words of encouragement, and reminding them of God's power and promised deliverance was what was needed to get their attention so they could go forward as God had commanded.

The people responded to the words of Moses by going forward. His words of encouragement re-directed their attention from the physical fear of what they saw, and re-focused their attention to the miraculous promises of God which they had already experienced. The people obeyed the instruction to go "into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exo. 14:22).

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn

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Pastor, you answered each part of this question in the study paragraphs that preceeded this question much more succinctly and eloquently than I ever could. :)

This being the first of your studies I've participated in, I am very much enjoying every aspect of the study. I like the interactive nature that allows me to see how God speaks to the other participants through your efforts to bring us closer to Him. I appreciate how much you have worked to bring this study to us; I especially appreciate the footnotes you provide that enable me to better see the verses in the context of the original language and the times that these events occurred.

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They were blaming the messenger.

Lack of trust in God's leading fuels their fear.

They're really blaming God.

Moses knew God had promised & would come through for their salvation. God wasn't finished yet.

He was a great encourager to them--because he totally believed in what God was going to do for them.

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

Moses is the one whom God spoke to on a one on one personal level, this was something the people did not experience with God; even though the cloud was with them, it was Moses who spoke,

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn’t Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? How do the people respond to Moses’ words?

Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? It's the same as "kicking the cat." He's the only one that is there.

What motivates their fear? Helplessness and the feeling of defeat.

Who are the people really blaming? God

How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Reassurance, and a challenge to watch God work.

Why doesn’t Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? No need; God is there to defend Himself.

How do the people respond to Moses’ words? They Believe. The Respond. They crossover.

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The people in the Exodus blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army out of fear and uncertainty. At one point they even blame Moses for bringing them into the desert to die since there were no graves in Egypt; An example of fear leading to panic to irrational thinking.

Although their harsh criticism is directed to Moses it is, in fact,out Lord to whom they cast they blame. Had the not been so overwhelmed by panic and fear it is most likely that they would have remembered that it is God who was leading them and that their harshness was insulting to God.

It takes a great deal of strength and patience to remain in control when one is being barraged by harsh criticisms and blame for leading others into unfavorable conditions, especially when this leader is taking command decisions from someone else(God). Moses, however, knows not to take this to heart because the crow is actually blaming God for their situation (without even realizing so).

Sensing that the Exodus could collapse quite quickly Moses encourage the people to stand tall and firm, vigilant and most of all...faithful: because God is with them.

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism? How do the people respond to Moses' words?

Perhaps if Egypt had not immediately gone after them, Israel would have continued on in what little faith they had. This is, however, not what happened. Pharoah, a type of Satan, does not give us up without a fight. Most would ascribe this function to Moses. Indeed, as we shall see, Moses fulfills all requirements and then some, so to speak, in that he has a personal encounter with God, literally leads his people out of their bondage and past, and formulates all that becomes the nation, which establishes its place within the

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14)

Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

Moses being the leader gets the blame for the advancing Egyptian army. The people cry out bitterly against Moses, begging him to let them return and serve the Egyptians rather than die in the wilderness.

What motivates their fear?

The advancing Egyptian army of more than 600 chariots.

Who are the people really blaming?

They are actually blaming God and indicating that they cannot place their trust in Him. When in Egypt they cried out for deliverance and God answered their prayer but the moment they faced any danger they wanted to return to Egypt; showing a complete lack of confidence in God. Not realizing that they are completely helpless and hopeless without God

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

They blamed Moses because he was the only leader they could "see"....the man in charge. He was the one holding the rod of authority.

What motivates their fear?

They were still slaves in their minds. The army was in pursuit with orders to either capture or kill them...they were terrified. They didn't really know Moses or trust him yet, and they didn't "know" God, so like abused children they must have felt "alone, abandoned, without resources or power, unable to fend for themselves."

Who are the people really blaming?

They were blaming God (V10: "They were exceedingly frightened and cried out to the Lord") but they attacked Moses because Moses was God's representative and spokesman.

How does Moses respond to their blame and fear?

He directed their "eyes" and attention back to the Lord, and spoke God's Words of comfort and reassurance to them: "Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest."

Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism?

I think Moses had learned well Who was in charge and wanted them to know as well that He was the reluctant leader, obeying God and God alone.

How do the people respond to Moses' words?

V22 says "The Israelites went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." They obeyed Moses and followed him.

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

Scared, and did not have real faith.

What motivates their fear?

Insecurity

Who are the people really blaming?

God

How does Moses respond to their blame and fear?

By reassuring and commanding them

Why doesn

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The people blamed Moses for the advancing Egyptian army because they were terrified.

Their fear is motivated not only by how big and powerful the Egyptian army was but also by their issuficint faith; thinking what Moses was doing was his own making and not from God.

The people are really blaming the God as Moses was carrying out the instructions of God.

Moses responded to their blame and fear by giving them commands in order to direct their activity and by making faith assertions in order to bolster their faith.

Moses does not defend himself from their unfair criticism as he knows what he is doing is not his own making but he is carrying out the wishes of God. His focus is not to defend himself but to make the people understand what God wants.

I think after hearing Moses' words, the people were encouraged and believed on God.

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

I reckon they were too afraid to actually blame God! They thought is was going to be a walk in the park. The minute things looked a bit dodgy they were prepared to go back with their tails between their legs.

What motivates their fear?

The sight of an advancing army, which had previously been the very army that kept them in line.

Who are the people really blaming?

As I wrote above, they're blaming God but are too afraid to come out and say it.

How does Moses respond to their blame and fear?

To his credit, Moses reassures them that God is going to deliver them. He tells them to keep quiet and obey God's directions.

Why doesn

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Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian Army? They are walking by sight, not by faith. They have not yet embraced that GOD is doing the commanding. They only see a human leader and a huge enemy coming at them and they fall into doubt and fear. The fear is motivated by unbelief in the promise that they are going to be delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh. Even after all they had seen and experienced! The people in essence, really place all their doubt on God and if He CAN do as He has promised. As Moses leads them receiving the instruction from God....then ultimately what they think they can blame on Moses, they in reality blame on God. Moses though, remains courageous, trusting in God. He tells the people to wait and see their deliverance and they are to be still, calm, while they do it! If the people are doubting God, Moses is the opposite, leading awesomely, showing them he has no such doubts! He shows his absolute trust in God and declares it to them with authority.

Why doesn't Moses answer to their criticism? I just think at this point he was doing as he instructed them to do. (Always good for leadership)He is turning, standing and being still waiting for their deliverance from God.

I liked the quote about leaving the praise with God and the criticisms too. So often we remember to give God the credit when praised, but we hold on to the negatives. Really, if we are called to lead and are following God, then we can turn that over to Him to take care of. We can speak truth with love, in some situations, but we can't hold on in bitterness or even fear of the barrage we sometimes receive from so many.

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Why did the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army?

They blamed Moses because he was their leader and mediator between them and God. They looked to Moses for direction so the blame fell on him. It has been said that hindsight is better then foresight. They had just witnessed all the miracles God had performed in Egypt and still they were skeptical of God's ability to protect and provide for their needs. It would seem by now the should have some indication of a growing faith in God. Because of fear and lack of faith they are not able to become fearless and courageous.

What motivates their fear?

Because of the Egyptians approaching them they begin to panic. They are hemmed in by the Red Sea with no way of escape, so they thought. I am sure that their thoughts were on their families and small children, who had no idea of what was taking place. The fear of dieing in the desert was bearing heavy on their minds.

Who are the people really blaming?

They really placing the blame on God, for Moses was just following the instructions which God was giving him.

How does Moses respond to their blame and fear?

Moses responds with encouraging words. He tells them not to fear, stand firm and hold their ground. After they had done all that they could do the next step is to stand still and wait with expectation for God to make His next move. The battle which was to take place was solely in His hands for His honor and glory.

Why doesn't Moses defend himself from their unfair criticism?

Moses doesn't defend himself because he is not at fault. The underlying trouble is with Pharaoh himself because of the hardness of his heart. God is a loving and merciful God. God doesn't just right out want to destroy the Egyptians. They are in fact bringing this on themselves. God is simply trying to reveal himself as the one true God even to the Egyptians. God has given us something special and that is "Freedom", freedom of choice. Everyone has this freedom and everyone chooses. In this instance Pharaoh has turned this freedom into "Terrible Freedom" for himself and the nation he represents. He is persistent in his thinking you have to give him that. His reluctance to submit will only humility to himself and honor and glory to God.

How do the people respond to Moses words?

The people respond by placing one foot ahead of the other, straight forward. They have regained their focus on what lies ahead and once again placing their trust in God and willing to follow Moses as their leader.

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Q3. (Exodus 14:11-14) Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian army? What motivates their fear? Who are the people really blaming? How does Moses respond to their blame and fear? Why doesn

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