Numbers 13:25-33 & 14:1-9
Q.1. How did the majority of the spies view the Promised Land? What happens when we fail to factor God into our calculations? – (Num.13:25-33)
God had promised to give Israel a land flowing with milk and honey … all the spies agreed that it was certainly all that had been promised (Num.13:2, 27). Unfortunately, most of the spies focused on the negatives – the large, fortified cities, and the fierce tribes and giants who made them look like grasshoppers (Num.13:28-29, 31-33). They claimed that, based on their capabilities, they could not conquer the land and its people. These spies failed to reckon on God and His promises – so they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report (Num.13:32).
Q.2. Why were Caleb’s and Joshua’s responses so different from that of the other spies? – (Num.13:30; 14:6-9)
Caleb and Joshua saw exactly the same land, cities, and people, but urged Israel – we should by all means go up and take possession of the land for we will surely overcome it (Num.13:30). Their conclusions were based on this reason – 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us–a land which flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them (Num.14:8-9). Their belief in God’s promise and power made all the difference.
Q.3. What impact did the negative report of the majority have on the people? What is the lesson for us? – (Num.13:31-14:4)
The negative report drove the people to depression and caused an angry turning against Moses and Aaron (Num.14:1-2). In their depressed state the people considered that their Egyptian slavery had not been so bad … they would do better to return to Egypt … or even to die (Num.14:2-4). We need to be careful about what we listen to, and on what we allow our minds to dwell (c.f. Eph.4:29-31; Phil.4:8).