Numbers 13

Numbers 13:1-33

Numbers 13:1-33; Numbers 14:1-454. The Fourth Murmuring-Because of the Land (Numbers 13:1-33; Numbers 14:1-45) So far, the people had complained of the way, of the food, of their leader, now, they complain of the land. They wanted to find out the size of Canaan, the number of its people, the nature of its strongholds, and the character of its produce-all of which there was no need for them to send spies to ascertain, for God had already made known these facts to them. From a comparison of this account with Deuteronomy 1:19-22, which shows the attitude of the people, of Moses, and of God towards the sending out of the spies, it might seem as though the sending of the spies met with God’ s approval, just as in the case of 1 Samuel 8:22, where similar circumstances are narrated in connection with the request for a king. In reality, however, it was very much against the will of God. It is a fact that we should not easily overlook that if we are determined to have our own way in things, God will allow us to carry out our plans even though it brings sorrow and disaster as the result. The report of the twelve spies was true, the report of the ten being just as true as that of the two. There was this difference, however, that while the report of the ten may have been true to facts, the report of the two, Joshua and Caleb, was true not only to facts but also to the Lord. The ten spies saw God through circumstances; the two saw circumstances through God. The report of the ten spies so discouraged the people that they revolted and suggested the appointing of another leader and the return to Egypt. This state of affairs forced Moses to prayer (Numbers 14:13-25)-a prayer which is a wonderful model of intercession, and in which the great leader identifies himself with his people in seeking their pardon, and with God in seeking the divine glory. The result of the prayer is that God will pardon, and yet punish the people for their sins. The ten spies are punished, and the people are sent back again into the wilderness to wander for thirty-eight years. This is probably the most important of all the murmurings recorded. It is called “ the provocation,” and on it is based the great exhortation in Hebrews 3:7-19; Hebrews 4:1-11. The reward of faithfulness to God is illustrated in the promise made to Joshua and Caleb. They alone, of all the children of Israel of that generation, were permitted to enter the Promised Land. The punishment for unbelief is seen in the disaster that met the people in their encounter with the Amalekites and Canaanites (Numbers 14:40-45). We have also another sad illustration of answered prayer (cf. Numbers 14:2 with 14:28, also Numbers 11:31-35). Numbers 15:1-41 is a bit of blue in a dark sky. It contains hope amid gloom. In it the people are assured that the wilderness experience will not last forever. By the grace of God they shall enter into their inheritance. Note the expression, “ When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you” (Numbers 15:2, cf. Numbers 15:18). This chapter contains also certain sundry laws which are to govern the people when in the Promised Land.