Topical Encyclopedia The mission of the spies sent to investigate Canaan is a significant event in the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is primarily detailed in the Book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14, and is referenced in other parts of Scripture as well.Background and Command: After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness, they arrived at the border of the Promised Land, Canaan. The LORD instructed Moses to send men to explore the land of Canaan, which He was giving to the Israelites. This directive is found in Numbers 13:1-2 : "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 man from each of their fathers’ tribes, all of them leaders among the Israelites.'" The Selection of the Spies: Moses selected twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, to carry out this reconnaissance mission. Among these men were Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, and Hoshea (Joshua), from the tribe of Ephraim. Numbers 13:3-16 provides the list of these leaders, emphasizing their role as representatives of their respective tribes. The Mission: The spies were tasked with assessing the land and its inhabitants. Moses instructed them to observe the strength and numbers of the people, the fertility of the land, the presence of fortified cities, and the availability of resources. Numbers 13:17-20 records Moses' instructions: "When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, '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 poor? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.'" The Report: After forty days of exploration, the spies returned with samples of the land's produce, including a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men. Their report was mixed. They 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, citing the strength and size of the inhabitants, including the descendants of Anak, and the fortified cities. They concluded that the Israelites could not conquer the land (Numbers 13:28-29, 31-33). The Reaction of the People: The negative report led to widespread fear and rebellion among the Israelites. Despite Caleb and Joshua's attempts to encourage the people by affirming the LORD's promise and urging them to trust in His power (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9), the congregation despaired and even considered returning to Egypt. This lack of faith provoked the LORD's anger, resulting in a decree that the current generation would not enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua, who had remained faithful (Numbers 14:22-24, 29-30). Significance: The episode of the spies underscores themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of disbelief. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and the dangers of allowing fear to override faith. The faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua stands in contrast to the faithlessness of the other spies and the people, highlighting the reward of steadfast trust in God. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 13:1And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Nave's Topical Index Library Numbers From Sinai to Kadesh. The Great Controversy Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. Resources Why did the Israelite spies visit the house of Rahab the prostitute? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Spies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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