Topical Encyclopedia The period of forty days holds significant meaning throughout the Bible, often symbolizing a time of testing, trial, or preparation. One notable instance of this is the forty days spent by the Israelite spies in the land of Canaan, the Promised Land, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.Biblical Context The account of the spies is found in Numbers 13-14. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness, they arrived at the border of Canaan. At the LORD's command, Moses sent twelve men, one from each tribe, to scout the land. 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 Mission The spies were tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength and number of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of their cities. Numbers 13:17-20 records Moses' instructions: "Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land." The Report After forty days, the spies returned with their report. They confirmed the land's abundance, bringing back a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men, along with pomegranates and figs (Numbers 13:23). However, ten of the spies gave a discouraging report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. Numbers 13:31-33 records their words: "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." The Reaction of the People The negative report led to fear and rebellion among the Israelites. They lamented their situation and expressed a desire to return to Egypt. Numbers 14:1-4 describes their 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!'" Caleb and Joshua's Faith Amidst the despair, Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve spies, stood firm in their faith. They urged the people to trust in the LORD's promise and power. Numbers 14:7-9 records their plea: "The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!" Divine Judgment The LORD's response to the people's lack of faith was severe. He declared that the generation of Israelites who had witnessed His miracles in Egypt and the wilderness, yet still doubted His promise, would not enter the Promised Land. Instead, they would wander in the wilderness for forty years, corresponding to the forty days the spies spent in Canaan. Numbers 14:34 states, "For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your iniquities and know My displeasure." Significance The forty days spent by the spies in Canaan serve as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of disbelief. This period of exploration and the subsequent reaction of the Israelites underscore the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 13:25And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. Nave's Topical Index Library From Kadesh to the Death of Moses. The Wilderness. A Man Reaps More than He Sows. On the Incarnation and Redemption Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Discouragement The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors Exploring Canaan by Faith Christ's Resurrection an Image of Our New Life. The History of Saul Resources What is the significance of 40 days in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus fast? | GotQuestions.org Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Forty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forty: Days by Spies in the Land of Promise Forty: Days of Flood, Before Sending Forth the Raven Forty: Days of Probation, Given to the Ninevites Forty: Days of Rain, at the Time of the Flood Forty: Days: Christ's Stay After the Resurrection Forty: Stripes: Administered in Punishing Criminals Forty: Years: Egypt to be Desolated Forty: Years: To be Restored After Forty: Years: Wanderings of the Israelites in the Wilderness Related Terms |
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