Topical Bible: Trouble: when the Spies Brought Their Adverse Report

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The episode of the spies bringing back an adverse report is a significant event in the history of Israel, illustrating themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of doubt. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapters 13 and 14.

Context and Background

After the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. As they approached the Promised Land, the LORD instructed Moses to send men to explore Canaan, the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses selected twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to spy out the land (Numbers 13:1-2).

The Mission of the Spies

The twelve spies were tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength and number of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. They were to bring back samples of the land's produce to demonstrate its richness (Numbers 13:17-20). The spies spent forty days exploring Canaan, traveling as far as Hebron and the Valley of Eshcol, from which they brought back a cluster of grapes so large it had to be carried on a pole between two men (Numbers 13:21-24).

The Adverse Report

Upon their return, the spies presented their findings to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congregation of Israel. They confirmed that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey, as evidenced by the fruit they brought back. However, ten of the spies focused on the formidable obstacles, reporting that the inhabitants were powerful, the cities were fortified and very large, and they even saw descendants of Anak there, known for their great size (Numbers 13:27-29).

Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Stand

In contrast to the ten, Caleb and Joshua, two of the spies, urged the people to trust in the LORD and proceed to take possession of the land. Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" (Numbers 13:30). Despite their encouragement, the other spies spread a bad report among the Israelites, claiming that the land devours its inhabitants and that they seemed like grasshoppers in their own eyes compared to the giants (Numbers 13:31-33).

The People's Rebellion and God's Judgment

The adverse report incited fear and rebellion among the Israelites. They wept and grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing a desire to return to Egypt and even proposing to choose a new leader to take them back (Numbers 14:1-4). In response, Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and pleaded with the assembly not to rebel against the LORD, assuring them that the LORD would give them the land if He delighted in them (Numbers 14:6-9).

The LORD's anger was kindled against 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 see the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:22-24). The ten spies who brought the adverse report were struck down by a plague (Numbers 14:36-37).

Significance

This event underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's promises. The Israelites' lack of trust resulted in a forty-year period of wandering in the wilderness, during which the faithless generation perished. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of doubt and disobedience, while highlighting the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua, who trusted in God's power and promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 13:28,29,31-33
Nevertheless 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.
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Numbers 14:1-4
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
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Numbers 14:4-12
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
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Library

The Iranian Conquest
... not succeed to the throne of his father without trouble. ... who was kept informed by
his spies of their ... Dorian communities of the littoral, and brought them all ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm