Números 13
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 13
Morgan - Howbeit (aka "Nevertheless") - Nu 13.28. This is the revealing word as to the report of the majority of the spies. The Hebrew word means cessation, an end; and when used adverbially it signifies, no further! It suggests that what has already been said is all that can be said in that direction; and therefore that now other things are to be said, which will have a corrective effect on the things already said. The report of these men so far has been entirely favorable concerning the land. They were convinced of its desirability. They had clearly seen its excellencies. "Howbeit," they had also seen the difficulties, the strength of the inhabitants, the fenced cities, and the compactness of the enemies they would have to encounter. They had seen themselves also in comparison with these enemies, and they were but as grasshoppers. The remarkable fact is that in their report there was no reference to God. They would seem to have lost sight of Him completely for the time being. In that lay the secret of their failure. Human calculations are not wrong. They are wrong when they do not take account of all the quantities; and unutterably wrong when they omit the chief quantity. What a revealing story it is! How constantly we are all in danger of making the same mistake! The way of God is revealed to us; we see it, and recognize all its advantages; "howbeit," we see the difficulties, and become so occupied with them as to lose sight of God. Then our hearts fail us, and fear paralyses us, and quite naturally. The foes massed against the people of God are always mightier than are they, if they are called upon to act alone. (Life Applications) Rod Mattoon - People today have a "nevertheless" attitude toward God. • I know I shouldn't live this way, BUT...... • I know God answers prayer, BUT...... • I know the tithe belongs to the Lord, BUT...... • I know I should serve the Lord, BUT..... Israel failed to consider the "God Factor." When a person is focused on their problems or obstacles, he fails to see the Lord. • Where will I get the money to pay this bill? • How will I get well? • What am I to do with my kids, wife, or husband? • How will I solve this problem? • I know the Lord can solve my problem, BUT.... Numbers 13:29 "Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan." BGT Numbers 13:29 καὶ Αμαληκ κατοικεῖ ἐν τῇ γῇ τῇ πρὸς νότον καὶ ὁ Χετταῖος καὶ ὁ Ευαῖος καὶ ὁ Ιεβουσαῖος καὶ ὁ Αμορραῖος κατοικεῖ ἐν τῇ ὀρεινῇ καὶ ὁ Χαναναῖος κατοικεῖ παρὰ θάλασσαν καὶ παρὰ τὸν Ιορδάνην ποταμόν NET Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan." NLT Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley." ESV Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan." NIV Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." KJV Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. YLT Numbers 13:29 Amalek is dwelling in the land of the south, and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite is dwelling in the hill country, and the Canaanite is dwelling by the sea, and by the side of the Jordan.' LXE Numbers 13:29 And Amalec dwells in the land toward the south: and the Chettite and the Evite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwells in the hill country: and the Chananite dwells by the sea, and by the river Jordan. ASV Numbers 13:29 Amalek dwelleth in the land of the South: and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, dwell in the hill-country; and the Canaanite dwelleth by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan. CSB Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan." NKJ Numbers 13:29 "The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan." NRS Numbers 13:29 The Amalekites live in the land of the Negeb; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea, and along the Jordan." Amalek: Nu 14:43 24:20 Ge 14:7 Ex 17:8-16 Jud 6:3 1Sa 14:48 15:3-9 30:1 Ps 83:7 the Hittites: Ge 15:19-21 Ex 3:8,17 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE LIST OF ENEMIES CONTINUES Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan - The 10 spies accentuated the negative focusing on the 4 "ites" (I surprised they didn't mention the "parasites"!) and essentially disregarded the positive (1) God's promise and (2) the land's plenty.
Números 13
Morgan - Ten to Two January 18 Several years ago a group of fledging students sat around the old oak table in Ruth Bell Graham’s kitchen, listening to her stories. They were lonely and homesick. College life had been ruder than expected. Ruth’s eyes glowed as she told of her own bouts with loneliness while a boarding student in Korea, and again during her husband’s extended absences while preaching. But the joy of God’s presence during Bible study helped ease the pain, she said. “Bible students are wide-eyed travelers in the midst of wonders.” She showed them her little notebook, one she had worn out several times. “I’ve found a leather craftsman who rebinds it for me when necessary,” she explained. “Here I jot journal entries, stories I hear, and spiritual lessons God teaches me. As you record your Bible studies, over the years you’ll actually be compiling your own personal Bible commentary.” The next day, one of the students opened his heart to her in private, admitting defeat in his Christian life. The depth of her wisdom was veiled only by the simplicity of her response. She told him of the twelve spies in Numbers 13. They were sent by Moses to scrutinize the Promised Land. It was theirs for the taking, for God had assured them of his presence and of his conquering power. But ten of the spies lost their nerve, seeing only giants, walled cities, and strong defenses. Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, were undaunted and full of faith. “Let us go up at once and possess the land,” they said, “for the Lord our God is with us.” “Now,” asked Ruth, “what was the difference between the two sets of spies? Just this … ” She paused for effect. “The ten compared themselves to their problems, but the two compared their problems with God!” And I will never forget her words that day, or the discerning smile that punched them home. (From this Verse) What, Me Worry? Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:6 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:26-33 Whenever a preacher begins to talk about worry, I sense a pair of eyes staring at me. Without even turning my head, I know that my husband is looking at me to see if I’m paying attention. I hate to admit it, but I’m a worrier. And precisely because there are a lot of people just like me, Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 6:25-34 when He said: “Do not worry.” Don’t worry about the basic needs of life—food, clothing, shelter—and don’t worry about tomorrow. Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it’s a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or perhaps it’s a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Or it may be a refusal to depend on God instead of ourselves. Some people expand the worry circle to their families, friends, and churches. They’re a lot like the 10 spies in Numbers 13:26-33 who spread their fear and doubt to everyone else. But those who put their trust in God alone can stand alongside Joshua and Caleb, the only ones in the group of 12 whom God allowed to enter the Promised Land. When you feel the tension mounting, And across the busy day Only gloomy clouds are drifting, As you start to worry—pray! —Anon. To be anxious about nothing, pray about everything. You're Afraid Of Whom? The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. —Proverbs 29:25 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:30-14:10 Mrs. Ima Terror chased her husband through the crowds at the zoo, waving her umbrella and unleashing insults like invisible missiles. Her perspiring and winded husband, seeing that the lock on the lion’s cage had not quite closed, yanked it open, jumped into the cage, slammed the door, pushed the astonished lion hard against the bars, and peered over its shoulder. His frustrated wife shook her umbrella, stuttered in anger, and finally managed to explode, “Ralph, come out of there, you coward!” Ralph, in this fictitious story, is like the people of Israel that we read about in the book of Numbers. They were confused about whom they should really fear. They saw themselves as grasshoppers when compared to the giants in the land where God wanted them to go (13:32-33). If we are so afraid of people that we stop following the Lord, we’re not trusting Him. It shows that we have doubted His plan, His power, and His promises. We have failed to recognize that He, above all others, is the One to be feared—which means that He is to be reverenced, trusted, loved, and obeyed. Our love for God should always move Our hearts to do what's good and right; Love also fears His judgments true And stands in awe of His great might. —D. De Haan Fear God, and you'll have nothing else to fear. Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us." BGT Numbers 13:31 καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ συναναβάντες μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ εἶπαν οὐκ ἀναβαίνομεν ὅτι οὐ μὴ δυνώμεθα ἀναβῆναι πρὸς τὸ ἔθνος ὅτι ἰσχυρότερόν ἐστιν ἡμῶν μᾶλλον NET Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against these people, because they are stronger than we are!" NLT Numbers 13:31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. "We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!" ESV Numbers 13:31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are." NIV Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." KJV Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. YLT Numbers 13:31 And the men who have gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for it is stronger than we;' LXE Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up together with him said, We will not go up, for we shall not by any means be able to go up against the nation, for it is much stronger than we. ASV Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. CSB Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him responded, "We can't go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!" NKJ Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." NRS Numbers 13:31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against this people, for they are stronger than we." Nu 32:9 De 1:28 Jos 14:8 Heb 3:19 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LOOKING WITH HORIZONTAL, TEMPORAL VISION But - This is a strong, strategic term of contrast, In Hebrew it is a strong adversative clause (expressing antithesis or opposition). It marks the critical turning point in the lives of the first generation of Israel to come out of Egypt. THOUGHT - Notice that one disastrous effect of foundless fear is that it often gives rise to uncalled for unbelief as it did in Numbers 13-14 with the disastrous effect that the "leaven" of unbelief of the ten soon permeated all two million (except for two)! the men who had gone up with him said - Ten men against one man Caleb. The majority cannot be wrong can they? Yes, absolutely they can be wrong. They were seriously wrong, because they had their eyes fixed on their earthly enemies, not their heavenly Helper! The 10 saw the problem with "horizontal vision" whereas Caleb saw the problem in the light of "vertical vision." THOUGHT - The Bible repeatedly exhorts us to set our "mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Col 3:2), to ", prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13) and to fix your "eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2) We are not able to go up against the people - The 10 directly counter Caleb's "we are well able (yakol yakol)" (NET) with "we are not able (yakol)." The Septuagint even uses the strongest double negative (ou and me) signifying "we are ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY not able to go up against the people." for - Term of explanation. This explains their strong double negative and why they are so convinced they would be defeated. they are too strong for us - These men are the same ones who had seen Jehovah defeat the Egyptian army by drowning them in the Red Sea. The saw Joshua lead Israel to victory over the Amalekites with the help of Jehovah. They focus on the problem not the Problem Solver. Unbelief always sees the obstacles. Faith always sees the opportunities. Believer's Study Bible - The 10 cowardly spies were so impressed with the inhabitants of Hebron that they imagined the whole land was inhabited by the sons of Anak, nephilim = "giants." The etymology of the term nephilim is uncertain, but on the basis of this statement and the reference in Dt 9:2, it is tentatively translated "giants" here in Nu 13:33 and in Ge 6:4 (only 2 uses). A Warning To Grumblers They did not believe His word, but complained. — Psalm 106:24-25 Today's Scripture: Psalm 106:6-25 Most of us do our share of complaining, but few of us see it for what it is. Although we condemn some sins in others, we tolerate our own murmuring as nothing more than a negative attitude. But in the Scriptures, God condemns it as a grievous sin. One example of its seriousness is found in Numbers 13 when Israel refused to enter the Promised Land, objecting that the people were stronger than they were (vv.26-33). Psalm 106:24-25 lists three sins that kept the Israelites in the wilderness: They “despised” the blessings of the Promised Land, they “did not believe” God’s word that all would be well there, and they “did not heed” His voice of direction. Instead, they sat in their tents and “complained.” God wanted to bless His people, yet they preferred to hang on to the barren familiarity of the wilderness. So God did not allow any of that generation to enter the land. Author Ian Thomas warns today’s grumblers: “Ignoring what you need, you will begin to clamor for what you want, and if you are not careful—God will give it to you!” When things go wrong, I would not be a grumbler, Complaining, seeing everything as grim; For when I think of how the Lord has blessed me, I cannot help but give my praise to Him. —Hess God always gives his best to those who leave the choice with him. Numbers 13:31-33 Trouble Ahead Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land; . . . the Lord is with us. Do not fear them. —Numbers 14:9 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:25–14:9 Inevitably, trouble will invade our lives: A bad report from a medical test, the betrayal of a trusted friend, a child who rejects us, or a spouse who leaves us. The list of possibilities is long, but there are only two options: forge ahead on our own, or turn to God. Flying solo into the face of trouble is not a good idea. It can lead to bad behavior patterns, blaming God, and retreating into defeat. Like the Israelites, we may spin out of control and into despair (Num. 14:1-4). When the majority of the spies brought a report of intimidating giants and dangers ahead, they used the pronoun “we” seven times with no reference to the Lord (Nu 13:31-33). The Israelites were on the cusp of the ultimate blessing that God promised to them. They were eyewitnesses to the miracles in Egypt and their feet had walked the dry bottom of the Red Sea in jaw-dropping victory. God’s faithfulness had been amazingly evident. What short memories! What disappointing faithlessness! Sadly, they turned their backs on God and left the blessing behind. In this world of sin and trouble Where so many ills are known, If I shun the ways of evil, I am kept by Him alone. —Smith God’s presence is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble. Brian Bell - Unbelief & folly & falsehood all are bound together. (For full outline see Numbers 13) 1. (Nu 11:27) it truly flows w/milk & honey; (32) its a land that devours its inhabitants; 1. we are like grasshoppers in their sight. How did they know that? 6. The 10 spies emphasized the obstacles instead of the opportunities & concluded that Israel was too weak to conquer the enemy. 1. People were too strong & too tall; city walls too fortified & too high. 2. Unbelief blinds you to God’s greatness & magnifies your own weakness. 7. Unbelief sees giants & spells them with a big “G”; Faith sees God, & spells giants with a little “g”. 1. Abraham staggered not at the promise of God. Rom.4:20 2. How do you spell giants, with a big “G” or a little “g”? 3. How do you spell God, with a big “G” or a little “g”? 8. Giants represent great difficulties & they stalk us everywhere. 1. They’re in our families, our churches, our social life & even our own hearts! 2. We must overcome them or they will devour us like the 10 thought, “it’s a land that devours its inhabitants”. 3. Read Nu 14:8,9 - It’s as if Joshua & Caleb said, “We will be stronger by overcoming them, than if there had been no giants to defeat.” 4. Unless we have overcoming faith, we will be swallowed up - consumed by the giants who block our path! (Streams in the Desert) 9. We encounter Giants especially when we are serving God & following Him. 1. It’s when Israel was moving forward that the giants appeared; when they turn back to the wilderness they found none. 2. Many people think that the power of God in a person’s life should keep him from all trials & conflicts. 1. However, the power of God actually brings conflict & struggles. 2. Was Paul kept from violent storms, enemies, fierce winds, poisonous snakes? 3. Does this sound like a God of infinite power? Yes, it is just like Him! 1. For Paul, his conflict never ended from when Jesus 1st came into his life! 1. Pressure was persistent, but he always emerged victorious through the strength of Jesus. 2 Cor. 4:8-10 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed - always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2. Hard-pressed - Enemies completely surrounding & pressuring you. {“we’re crowded from all sides, but not defeated”} 1. Do you feel crowded in/pressed in from all sides? (insurmountable) 3. Perplexed - Someone whose way is completely blocked/thwarted by the enemy. {lit. “w/o a road, but not w/o a side road of escape”} 1. Do you see big road blocks in your life? Can you see the escape route? 4. Persecuted - Your enemy is in hot pursuit, while the divine defender stands nearby. {“pursued but not left alone”} 1. Do you know you are not alone? 5. Struck down - [vivid & dramatic illustration] The enemy has overtaken him, struck him, & knocked him down...but it’s not a fatal blow. He’s able to rise again! {lit. “overthrown but not overcome”} 1. Do you feel like the boxer who’s been knocked down & the ref is counting to 10, & he’s on 8? 6. Carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus - Gives us the picture that appears as death itself. Yet he doesn’t die, as Jesus comes to his aid, & he lives through Christ’s life, until his lifework is complete. 1. Do you expect to receive all the blessings w/o any struggle? 1. There is no land worth possessing that has not its giants; but like Caleb, faith looks not at giants but to the living God!!! 2. Anything worth having is expensive. 4. Dear child of God, you may be suffering, but you cannot fail if you will only dare to believe, stand firm, & refuse to be overcome! Numbers 13:32 So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. BGT Numbers 13:32 καὶ ἐξήνεγκαν ἔκστασιν τῆς γῆς ἣν κατεσκέψαντο αὐτήν πρὸς τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ λέγοντες τὴν γῆν ἣν παρήλθομεν αὐτὴν κατασκέψασθαι γῆ κατέσθουσα τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς ἐστιν πᾶς ὁ λαός ὃν ἑωράκαμεν ἐν αὐτῇ ἄνδρες ὑπερμήκεις NET Numbers 13:32 Then they presented the Israelites with a discouraging report of the land they had investigated, saying, "The land that we passed through to investigate is a land that devours its inhabitants. All the people we saw there are of great stature. NLT Numbers 13:32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: "The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. ESV Numbers 13:32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, "The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. NIV Numbers 13:32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. KJV Numbers 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. YLT Numbers 13:32 and they bring out an evil account of the land which they have spied unto the sons of Israel, saying, 'The land into which we passed over to spy it, is a land eating up its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in its midst are men of stature; LXE Numbers 13:32 And they brought a horror of that land which they surveyed upon the children of Israel, saying, The land which we passed by to survey it, is a land that eats up its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of extraordinary stature. ASV Numbers 13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature. CSB Numbers 13:32 So they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted: "The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size. gave: Nu 14:36,37 De 1:28 Mt 23:13 land: Nu 13:28 Eze 36:13 Am 2:9 great size: , 2Sa 21:20 *Heb: 1Ch 20:6 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE 10 SPIES BAD REPORT So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land - The report of the 10 spies was evil because it exaggerated the dangers of the people in the Land, sought to stir up and instill fear and doubt in the people of Israel (which it in fact did) and, most importantly, it expressed their faithless attitude toward God and His promises. In sum, their bad report spread the leaven discouragement of discouragement through the tribes. The BAD report of the faithless ten was not just a BAD report about the land but was a BAD report about the LORD Who through Moses had said "the LORD has promised GOOD concerning Israel." (Nu 10:29+) Mattoon - Caleb says, "We can win!" The other ten men said, "No, we can't!" We are not ABLE! They brought an "evil report" which means they uttered a slander. The people ended up hating the Promised Land. Psalm 106:24+ Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe in His word,