Although the terms retribution and judgment are politically incorrect, they are part of the consequences for disobedience that have to be addressed. Napoleon and Hitler met their match in Russia. Both men felt their armies were invincible and unstoppable, but their armies were no match for the Russian winters. These men felt they had to have Russia, and they choked on it. This is what happened to the Hebrew children wandering in the wilderness when they wanted meat. They were not satisfied with what God was providing, and they wanted more. God sent them all the quail they desired, and they choked on it. (Number 11:31-34) When our cravings are those of disobedience, we will choke on them.
Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ siblings, became jealous of their brother’s lofty status. They began to speak against him as they pridefully made their own lives their primary focus. (Numbers 12) We have heard of people being eaten up with jealousy. This happened to Miriam as she was temporarily smitten with leprosy. She let her pride and jealousy get the best of her, and her jealousy consumed her. This is what jealousy does.
The final consequence of disobedience is missing out on our window of opportunity. The Hebrew children rebelled against the command to enter the Promised Land. Despite the pleadings of Caleb and Joshua, they said no to God. After God spoke to Moses and he related God’s Word to them, the people became repentant, but it was too late. (Numbers 14:41-45) The following day they attempted to carry out God’s initial directive, but they failed miserably as God did not go before them. There are some opportunities that only come along once. These people had been saved from bondage, but their disobedience kept them from receiving the full blessing of God.