The Complaint of Moses refers to several instances in the Pentateuch where Moses, the chosen leader of the Israelites, expresses his grievances and frustrations to God. These moments are significant as they reveal the human side of Moses, his relationship with God, and the challenges of leadership.

1. The Burden of Leadership (Numbers 11:10-15):

In Numbers 11, Moses faces the overwhelming burden of leading the Israelites through the wilderness. The people complain about their hardships and the lack of variety in their diet, longing for the foods they had in Egypt. Moses, feeling the weight of the people's discontent, turns to the LORD in distress:

"Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance of their tents, and the anger of the LORD blazed hotly, and Moses was also displeased. So Moses asked the LORD, 'Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth, that You should tell me to carry them in my bosom, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land that You swore to give their fathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? For they keep crying out to me, "Give us meat to eat!" I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how You are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.'" (Numbers 11:10-15)

Here, Moses' complaint highlights his sense of inadequacy and desperation. He feels isolated in his leadership role and overwhelmed by the demands of the people. God's response is to provide assistance by appointing seventy elders to share the burden of leadership, demonstrating His understanding and provision.

2. The Waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13):

Another significant complaint occurs at the waters of Meribah. The Israelites, once again, find themselves without water and quarrel with Moses. In frustration, Moses and Aaron go to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fall facedown, and the glory of the LORD appears to them. God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but in his frustration, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff:

"But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.'" (Numbers 20:12)

Moses' complaint here is not verbalized as in other instances, but his actions speak to his frustration and momentary lapse in faith. This incident underscores the gravity of leadership and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

3. The Reluctance at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3-4):

Moses' initial reluctance to accept God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt can also be seen as a form of complaint. When God appears to Moses in the burning bush and commissions him to confront Pharaoh, Moses expresses doubt and insecurity:

"But Moses replied, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'" (Exodus 3:11)

Moses continues to express his concerns about his speaking abilities and the people's potential disbelief. God reassures Moses by providing signs and appointing Aaron as his spokesperson. This episode highlights Moses' humility and the divine assurance that accompanies God's calling.

4. The Golden Calf Incident (Exodus 32:19-32):

After the Israelites create and worship a golden calf, Moses descends from Mount Sinai and witnesses their idolatry. In his anger, he breaks the tablets of the covenant and confronts the people. Moses then returns to the LORD, expressing his anguish and pleading for forgiveness on behalf of the Israelites:

"So Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please blot me out of the book You have written.'" (Exodus 32:31-32)

Moses' complaint here is intercessory, reflecting his deep concern for the people and his willingness to sacrifice himself for their atonement. This moment reveals Moses' role as a mediator and his profound commitment to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Throughout these instances, Moses' complaints serve as a window into the challenges of leadership, the weight of responsibility, and the necessity of reliance on divine guidance. Moses' relationship with God is marked by honesty and transparency, illustrating the depth of his faith and the complexity of his role as the leader of God's chosen people.