The ancient Israelites certainly did. And sometimes, their reactions… well, let's just say they weren't always their finest moments.

We find a particularly vivid example of this in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, specifically chapter 53. Now, Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer is a fascinating text, a kind of midrashic (interpretive) retelling of biblical narratives, attributed to Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus. It's filled with expansions and embellishments that really bring the stories to life.

Here, Rabban Gamaliel picks up the narrative. He recounts a moment of profound doubt and, frankly, a bit of back-talking aimed straight at the Divine. Can you imagine questioning God's ability to provide?

The Israelites, fresh from their miraculous exodus from Egypt, found themselves wandering in the wilderness. They looked around at the barren landscape and started to grumble. "Wilt thou say that He has power to feed us in the wilderness?" they asked. They even quoted back at God, twisting scripture to fit their doubt: "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? Behold, he smote the rock, that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed" (Ps. 78:19, 20). In other words, "Okay, okay, you gave us water, but food? Really?"

Ouch.

As Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer tells it, the Holy One, blessed be He, heard their slander. It wasn’t just a passing complaint; it was a direct assault on His glory – His very essence. And what happens when you slander the divine? The text tells us that from His Glory, which is a consuming fire, He sent against them a fire which consumed them round about, as it is said, "And the people were as murmurers… and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp" (Num. 11:1).

A bit harsh? Perhaps. But remember, these stories aren’t always literal; they’re often conveying deeper truths. The fire here represents the consequences of their lack of faith, the destructive power of doubt.

Panic set in. The Israelites, suddenly regretting their sass, turned to Moses. "Moses, our lord! Let these be given like sheep to the slaughter, but not to the fire which is consuming fire." They'd rather face a swift death than be consumed by this divine wrath.

Moses, ever the compassionate leader, saw their plight. He interceded on their behalf, pleading with God to forgive them. And, according to the text, "He was entreated of him, as it is said, "And the people cried unto Moses" (Num. 11:2). Their cries, channeled through Moses's prayer, were heard.

The fire subsided. The Israelites were spared. But the lesson, hopefully, was learned.

This short but powerful story from Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer offers a stark reminder about the power of faith and the dangers of doubt. It's a reminder that even when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, questioning the very source of our blessings can have… fiery consequences. It also shows the power of intercession, of having someone stand in the gap for us when we falter.

What does this ancient story mean for us today? Maybe it’s a call to examine our own moments of doubt. To recognize when we’re questioning the source of our own blessings. And perhaps, most importantly, to remember that even when we stumble, there's always a chance for repentance, for a second chance. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness.