How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #4
On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. The Lord said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and instructions? See! The Lord has given you the sabbath, therefore on the sixth day he gives you food for two days; each of you stay where you are; do not leave your place on the seventh day." (NRSV 16:27-29)
And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. (KJV 16:27-29)
Doesn't it seem perfectly human to go out and gather food in the desert? Why is God so cranky? Poor Moses gets it from all sides here. The people complain to him about God, and God complains to him about the people.
Quote #5
The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?" (NRSV 17:2)
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? (KJV 17:2)
Stubbornness comes in all shapes and sizes. The people are demanding water; Moses is a staunch defender of God against the people's shaky faith; and God seems to want to continually prove himself.
Do the rock trick, Moses, and see what they say. That ought to make these people shut up for at least a few verses.
Quote #6
And Aaron said, "Do not let the anger of my lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are bent on evil." (NRSV 32:22)
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. (KJV 32:22)
Oh, those Israelites. It's kind of funny, right? The text is so self-aware. We are told by everyone—God, Moses, the writers—that the Israelites are a stubborn people. Aaron even uses it as an excuse for letting the Israelites worship the calf.