Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cowardice is exemplified in the account of the ten spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14. The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt and guided through the wilderness, stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Moses, following the LORD's command, sent twelve men, one from each tribe, to explore Canaan and report back on the land and its inhabitants.The Mission of the Spies Numbers 13:1-2 states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of their ancestral tribes.'" The spies were tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength of its people, and the fortifications of its cities. After forty days, they returned with their report. The Report and Its Consequences The spies confirmed the land's richness, describing it as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies expressed fear and doubt, focusing on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities. Numbers 13:31-33 records their report: "We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are... We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them." This report incited fear and rebellion among the Israelites. Numbers 14:1-4 describes the people's reaction: "Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!'" The Contrast of Faith In stark contrast to the ten, Joshua and Caleb, the remaining two spies, demonstrated faith and courage. Caleb silenced the people and declared, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (Numbers 13:30). Joshua and Caleb urged the Israelites not to rebel against the LORD, assuring them that the LORD would deliver the land into their hands (Numbers 14:6-9). Divine Judgment The LORD's response to the cowardice and rebellion of the Israelites was severe. Numbers 14:11-12 records the LORD's words to Moses: "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" As a result, God decreed that the entire generation of Israelites who had doubted Him would perish in the wilderness, never entering the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb, who had remained faithful, were promised entry into Canaan (Numbers 14:30). Lessons on Cowardice The account of the ten spies serves as a poignant lesson on the dangers of cowardice and the importance of faith in God's promises. The fear and lack of trust exhibited by the ten spies led to dire consequences for the entire nation of Israel. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that faith, rather than fear, should guide the believer's actions, trusting in God's power and promises even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 13:28,31-33Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. Nave's Topical Index Library Faith and Courage. Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3 A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What is the Moral argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org Cowardice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cowardice in Fearing to Attempt the Conquest of Canaan Cowardice in the Battle With the People of Ai Cowardice: 20, 000 of Gideon's Army Cowardice: Aaron, in Yielding to the Israelites, when They Demanded an Idol Cowardice: Abraham, in Calling his Wife his Sister Cowardice: Adam, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for his Sin Upon Eve Cowardice: David, in Fleeing from Absalom Cowardice: During the Storm at Sea Cowardice: Early Converts Among the Rulers Cowardice: Ephraimites and Manassehites Cowardice: General Scriptures Concerning Cowardice: Guards of the Sepulcher of Jesus Cowardice: Isaac, in Calling his Wife his Sister Cowardice: Jacob, in Flying from Laban Cowardice: Joseph of Arimathaea, Secretly a Disciple Cowardice: Nicodemus, in Coming to Jesus by Night Cowardice: Parents of the Blind Man, Who Was Restored to Sight Cowardice: Peter and Other Christians, at Antioch (Of Syria) Cowardice: Peter, in Denying the Lord Cowardice: Pilate, in Condemning Jesus, Through Fear of the People Cowardice: Samuel, Fearing to Obey God's Command to Anoint a King in Saul's Place Cowardice: The Philippian Jailer Cowardice: To Fight With the Philistines Cowardice: when Jesus Was Apprehended Cowardice: when They Saw Jesus Walking on the Sea Related Terms |
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