Topical Bible: Israel: Complaining Over the Report

◄ Israel: Complaining Over the Report ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The episode of Israel complaining over the report of the spies is a significant event in the history of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This incident is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapters 13 and 14, and it highlights the challenges of faith and obedience faced by the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.

Context and Background

After the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, they journeyed towards the Promised Land, Canaan. As they approached the land, the LORD instructed Moses to send twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore Canaan and report back on the land and its inhabitants (Numbers 13:1-2).

The Spies' Report

The twelve spies spent forty days exploring the land and returned with a mixed report. They confirmed that the land was indeed fruitful, describing it as "a land flowing with milk and honey" and bringing back a cluster of grapes as evidence (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies focused on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, expressing doubt about Israel's ability to conquer the land: "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:31).

The People's Reaction

The negative report from the ten spies incited fear and rebellion among the Israelites. The congregation lifted their voices and wept, lamenting their situation and expressing a desire to return to Egypt. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!" (Numbers 14:2). Their lack of faith led them to question God's promise and plan for them.

Caleb and Joshua's Response

In contrast to the ten spies, Caleb and Joshua, the two remaining spies, urged the people to trust in the LORD's promise. Caleb declared, "Let us go up at once and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!" (Numbers 13:30). Joshua and Caleb tore their garments and pleaded with the Israelites not to rebel against the LORD, assuring them that the LORD would be with them and give them victory (Numbers 14:6-9).

Divine Judgment

The LORD's response to the Israelites' rebellion was one of anger and judgment. He declared that the generation that had witnessed His signs and wonders in Egypt and yet refused to trust Him would not enter the Promised Land. Instead, they would wander in the wilderness for forty years, and their children would inherit the land (Numbers 14:22-23, 29-33). Only Caleb and Joshua were exempt from this judgment due to their faithfulness.

Theological Implications

This episode underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of God's people. The Israelites' failure to trust in God's promises and their subsequent rebellion serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unbelief. It highlights the necessity of relying on God's strength rather than human assessment of circumstances. The faith of Caleb and Joshua exemplifies the courage and trust that believers are called to exhibit in the face of daunting challenges.

Legacy

The incident of Israel complaining over the report of the spies is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His promises, even when circumstances appear insurmountable. This event is often referenced in biblical teachings as an example of the dangers of doubt and the blessings of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 14:1-5
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Two Ways of Seeing
... "Those great big fellows could walk right over us." And ... "How could Israel fight with ...
and in consequence they went to murmuring and complaining because Moses ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk eight two ways of.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... under the name of Jacob and Israel where, sometimes ... days of Joshua, or reigning
triumphantly over them in ... had fallen into a desponding and complaining state of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... time to time, to the people of Israel, "That they ... companions and familiar friends,
who came over with me ... no leading into captivity, and no complaining in your ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. ... Who made Thee ruler and judge
over us?" So ... it: all [384] (the parts and faculties) complaining of one ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... 5189] it sheds its warm breath over the oldest ... them of the incompetence of Israel's
teachers for ... great Rabbis are described as literally complaining, that they ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
... been during this day murmuring and complaining and grumbling ... He hath holpen his servant
Israel, in remembrance ... has breathed a restoring influence over land, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the key-note of a choice.htm

Contentment
... vineyard that the king of Israel needed that ... a little while, the painful conflict
will be over. ... we get kicking against the pricks, murmuring and complaining. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/contentment.htm

Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
... the Divine Sufferer, without murmuring or complaining, or without ... tolerated any attempt
at jurisdiction over a Roman ... Council and Leaders of Israel, with only ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii thursday night -.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... he had accredited to Jesus such control over the unseen ... one who was found outside
of Israel, a belief ... children sitting in the market place, complaining one to ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

Appendices
... 25. of Israel. ... 140. the gods gathered like flies over the sacrificer. ... Let lamentations
arise, let complaining [be made] [When] Tiamat [undertakes] this [work]. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm