Topical Encyclopedia The episode of the plague that struck the Israelites following their refusal to enter the Promised Land is a significant event in the history of Israel's wilderness wanderings. This incident is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapters 13 and 14, and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan.Context and Background After the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. As they approached the land of Canaan, the LORD instructed Moses to send twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore the land (Numbers 13:1-2). The spies returned after forty days, bringing back a report of a land flowing with milk and honey, but also inhabited by powerful peoples and fortified cities (Numbers 13:27-28). The People's Rebellion Despite the positive aspects of the report, ten of the spies instilled fear among the Israelites by emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants, leading to widespread panic and rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The congregation lamented their situation, expressing a desire to return to Egypt and proposing to appoint a new leader (Numbers 14:1-4). Joshua and Caleb, the two faithful spies, attempted to reassure the people of God's promise and protection, urging them not to rebel against the LORD (Numbers 14:6-9). However, the congregation threatened to stone them, demonstrating their lack of faith and trust in God's provision. Divine Judgment and Plague In response to the rebellion, the LORD declared His intention to strike the Israelites with a plague and disinherit them, offering to make a greater nation from Moses (Numbers 14:11-12). Moses interceded on behalf of the people, appealing to God's character and His promise to the patriarchs (Numbers 14:13-19). The LORD relented from destroying the entire nation but pronounced judgment on the faithless generation. He declared that none of the men who had seen His glory and signs in Egypt and the wilderness, yet tested Him ten times, would enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:22-24). As a direct consequence of their rebellion, the LORD sent a plague that struck down the ten spies who had brought the negative report, causing their immediate death (Numbers 14:36-37). This act served as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of unbelief and disobedience. Wilderness Wanderings Following the plague, the Israelites were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years, corresponding to the forty days the spies had explored the land. This period was to ensure that the entire generation of men who had rebelled would perish in the wilderness, never seeing the land promised to their ancestors (Numbers 14:32-35). The plague and subsequent judgment underscore the themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of rebellion against God's commands. The Israelites' experience serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's promises and the dire repercussions of unbelief. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 14:37Even those men that did bring up the evil report on the land, died by the plague before the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The Faith of Moses. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) Letter xxii. To Eustochium. The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Memoir of John Bunyan The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Doctrine Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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