Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, edited.
Spies Investigate the Promised Land (13:1-33)
God told Moses to send spies into Canaan (13:1-2). One ruler from each tribe was chosen.
Note what Moses said to them as he sent them on their journey (13:17-20). Peter Pett states, “They were to go up by the South, by the Negeb [Hebrew Word] which was on the southern borders of Canaan, and into the hill country, that long range of mountains which was on the east of Canaan, just to the west of the Jordan, mountains that were the backbone of the land, stretching on northward until they turned westwards into the Galilean hills.” They were to collect four facts about the people: Whether they be strong or weak, few or many. They were to gather eight facts about the land: Whether it be good or bad, the cities tents or strongholds, the fields fat or lean, wooded or not.
According to 13:23, what fruits did they gather? Grapes, pomegranates, and figs. The returned after searching for forty days.
Their reports were mixed. The land “floweth with milk and honey”, nevertheless the people are strong, cities are walled, and the Anakims live there (13:27-28). The children of Anak were a tribe of giants (c.f., 13:33).
Caleb stilled the people (13:30). However, ten of the spies fearfully said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” (13:31).
Israel Rebels Against God (14:1-10)
Note the word “all” in (14:1-2). They panicked. Look at what they said because of their worry. They wished they had died in Egypt or in the wilderness. They even talked of returning to Egypt. Is that what they truly wanted? Of course not! If they truly wanted to die, why did they fear possible death in Canaan? Worry and distrust of God is a deceitful sin.
Why do you suppose that Moses and Aaron fell on their faces (14:5)? They feared God’s reaction to this rebellion.
Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and tried to persuade the people to trust God (14:7-9). When we face dreadful fears, rather than worry, we ought to meditate on God’s great abilities and trust His power to help us.
The people would not listen to them, but made plans to stone them to death (14:10). Just then, the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle. God was upset with them.
Moses Intercedes (14:11-19)
Why did God say the people should have believed Him? (14:11) All the signs he had showed among them. God then threatened to smite them and raise up a greater nation through Moses and Aaron (14:12). Carefully read Moses’ reply to the Lord (14:13-19). Is that how you would have responded? Unlikely
God Judges Israel (14:20-38)
In answer to Moses’ prayer, God pardoned! However, God determined that all the earth shall be filled with His glory (14:21). Think on that verse!
God determined that all who had seen his glory would never see the Promised Land (14:22-23). The only exceptions were Caleb (14:24) and Joshua (14:30). The rebels from twenty years old and upward would die in the wilderness (14:29, 31-32). Israel would wander forty years in the wilderness, a year for each day the spies were in the land (14:34).
The evil spies dropped dead from a plague, but Joshua and Caleb remained alive (14:37-38).
Israel Rebels Against God’s Judgment (14:39-45)
The next day, the people admitted their sin and planned to attack the enemy, but Moses warned them not to try (14:40-43). They went anyway and were defeated by the Amalekites (14:44-45)
Principles for Us Today
Worry is simply distrusting God. When we worry, what does this say about our view of God?
God is greatly offended when we fail to trust Him after all He has done to show Himself able – in the Bible and in our lives. Examples???
What can we learn from the actions of Caleb, Joshua, and Moses?
Sometimes, even when we repent and confess our sin, the consequences remain. We must think before we act!
