Números 13
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 13
Wiersbe - God delivered His people from Egypt that they might enter the Promised Land and enjoy the blessings prepared for them. Forty years later, Moses reminded the new generation, “And He brought us out from there [Egypt], that He might bring us in, to give us the land which He swore to give unto our fathers” (Deut. 6:23; see Ezek. 20:6). The Lord had promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 17:8; 28:13; 35:12) and had reaffirmed that promise through Moses (Ex. 3:8, 17; 6:4, 8; 13:5; 33:3). But even more, the Lord had reminded the people of His promise when they broke camp at Sinai (Deut. 1:6–8) and when they arrived at Kadesh (vv. 20–21). God’s promise was Israel’s title deed to the land as well as His guarantee that they would defeat their enemies. God’s promise was all Israel needed, but the nation doubted God’s Word and began to walk by sight instead of by faith. They took their first wavering step of doubt when they asked Moses to let them search out the land before the entire nation went in to engage the enemy in battle (Deut. 1:22; James 1:5–8). Moses endorsed their request (Deut. 1:23) and got permission from the Lord to carry out the plan (Num. 13:1–3). However, it appears that God was letting the Jews have their own way, not because their way was the right way, but because He wanted to teach them a lesson. They needed to learn to trust the Word of God and do the will of God His way and not their own way (Prov. 3:5–6). NET NOTE - Chapter 13 provides the names of the spies sent into the land (vv. 1–16), their instructions (vv. 17–20), their activities (vv. 21–25), and their reports (vv. 26–33). It is a chapter that serves as a good lesson on faith, for some of the spies walked by faith, and some by sight. Irving Jensen - As the Israelites moved closer to their target, the journey took on more of the somber color and critical air of a military assault. For so major an issue as this, strategy must be God-planned and God-accomplished. (EvBC-Nu) The background for God's declaration here in Numbers 13 is found in Deuteronomy... “Then all of you (SONS OF ISRAEL) approached me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land (OF MILK AND HONEY) for us, and bring back to us word of the way by which we should go up and the cities which we shall enter.’ 23 “The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. (Deuteronomy 1:22-23) Comment - Moses makes it clear that the sending of the spies was the desire of the people, not the commandment of the Lord. Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying - God apparently spoke in response to the people's request. God had said He would give them the land. Why did they need to check it out first? Sadly once again God gave the people what they wanted (to check out the land), but as it would play out this would reveal to the people what their hearts were really like! As Wiersbe says "God had already told them many times what Canaan was like, what nations were there, and how He would defeat their enemies and give them their promised inheritance; so what need was there for men to go in and spy out the land? Sad to say, human nature prefers to walk by sight, not by faith." (WEOOT) Faith takes God at His word and needs no other evidence (Heb. 11:1+). -- Wiersbe This phrase the LORD spoke to Moses occurs 70x in the OT. Exod. 6:10; Exod. 6:29; Exod. 13:1; Exod. 14:1; Exod. 16:11; Exod. 25:1; Exod. 30:17; Exod. 30:22; Exod. 31:1; Exod. 31:12; Exod. 40:1; Lev. 4:1; Lev. 5:14; Lev. 6:1; Lev. 6:8; Lev. 6:19; Lev. 6:24; Lev. 7:22; Lev. 7:28; Lev. 8:1; Lev. 12:1; Lev. 14:1; Lev. 17:1; Lev. 18:1; Lev. 19:1; Lev. 20:1; Lev. 21:16; Lev. 22:1; Lev. 22:17; Lev. 22:26; Lev. 23:9; Lev. 23:23; Lev. 23:26; Lev. 23:33; Lev. 24:1; Lev. 24:13; Lev. 27:1; Num. 3:5; Num. 3:11; Num. 3:44; Num. 4:21; Num. 5:1; Num. 5:5; Num. 5:11; Num. 6:1; Num. 6:22; Num. 7:4; Num. 8:1; Num. 8:5; Num. 8:23; Num. 9:9; Num. 13:1; Num. 15:1; Num. 15:17; Num. 16:23; Num. 16:36; Num. 16:44; Num. 17:1; Num. 18:25; Num. 20:7; Num. 25:10; Num. 25:16; Num. 26:52; Num. 27:6; Num. 28:1; Num. 31:1; Num. 31:25; Num. 34:1; Num. 34:16; Num. 35:9 Warren Wiersbe's Outline of Number 13 Seeing the opportunities (1–25). Seeing the obstacles (26–33) Seeing the Lord (30). Related Resources: Why did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org What is the land that God promised to Israel? | GotQuestions.org What is the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Did God give Israel the Promised Land for all time (Deuteronomy 4:40)? | GotQuestions.org Why was Abraham promised land that belonged to others (Genesis 12)? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 13:2 "Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their fathers' tribes, every one a leader among them." Send: Nu 32:8 De 1:22-25 Jos 2:1-24 of each: Nu 1:4 34:18 a leader: Nu 11:16 Ex 18:25 De 1:15 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SEND OUT THE LEADERS They were now camped at Kadesh-barnea a good place to rest for it had three oases. The journey from Mount Sinai to Kadesh Barnes had taken eleven days (Dt 1:2) which would make it about a 200 mile journey, give or take a few miles. Mattoon comments that "As we will see, Kadesh will be considered as a place of failure. Miriam will die here. Moses will disobey the Lord at Kadesh (Numbers 20:7-12). God's people will fail too because of spies in the ointment. Their failure begins with the choosing of spies. This was not God's perfect or original plan. The idea for the spies was not God's, it was the idea of the people. Send out for yourself men The people thought they should spy out the land before conquering it, and Moses let them do it (Dt 1:19-25). God had already told them what the Promised Land was like, so why did they have to investigate? Faith takes God at His word and needs no other evidence (Heb 11:1). The spies discovered that the land was indeed all that God had promised it to be. So that (term of purpose) they may spy out the land of Canaan, Whose idea was it to send in the spies? Was it God's idea? Was it His thought to spy out the land? No! According to Dt 1:20-23 the people had first requested the spies be sent out after Moses challenged them to take the land. I said to you, ‘You have come to the hill country of the Amorites which the LORD our God is about to give us. 21 ‘See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ 22 “Then (NOTICE THIS MARKS SEQUENCE - AFTER MOSES' EXHORTATION TO NOT FEAR OR BE DISMAYED!) all of you approached me and said, ‘Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us, and bring back to us word of the way by which we should go up and the cities which we shall enter.’ 23“The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. It was not God’s idea to send spies into the land. The sending in of the spies denoted a weakness and a fear on the part of the people. There was a fear that maybe they wouldn’t be able to take the land. It was so easy for them to rationalize and decide on spies as a matter of wisdom. God was leading Israel to the land He has promised them [Dt 1:20 ,21]. Their request for spies reveals a lack of faith on their part. They are not trusting Him. God had already been in and spied out the land. He knew all about it. He would not have sent them into the land unless He knew they could take it. When they finally did enter the land, the giants were still there; all the difficulties and problems were still there, yet they took the land. THOUGHT - What an important message! Am I really walking by faith? Of course we need to take precautions, but there is a time when we must commit our way unto the Lord. (Ps 37:5). We need to come to the place in our lives when we commit our way to Him without reservation, totally trusting in His trustworthy promises. Absolute surrender. Wholehearted obedience. Have you come to that point? Has God brought you a "promise" and told you to lay hold of it by faith and yet you failed to believe Him? Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). We find this to be another instance where God yields to the desires of His people. He permits them to do this thing. It was said of them in another context that “He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul” (Ps 106:15). Mattoon adds - God's original plan was "Follow me and conquer." Think for a minute. Why do they need spies when the Lord is leading? He defeated Pharaoh. God already told them what the land was like. It was flowing with milk and honey. In other words, it was fertile and fruitful land. Why should they send the spies? The people are procrastinating and are slow to obey the Lord because of doubt and unbelief. They are having difficulty taking God at His word. God allows the spies as a form of judgment and chastening upon His people. Moses was pleased with the plan, but it does not mean that God was pleased. Getting our own way does not always mean we will be blessed or happy. Many Christians are no different than the nation of Israel. When it comes to obeying God, serving Him, trusting Him with their lives, they doubt the Lord and procrastinate in faith and obedience. God says, "Do it today!" Satan says, "Do it tomorrow or not at all." Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the year. The Devil does not care how much we do as long as it is tomorrow. I've gone for a drink and sharpened my pencils, Searched through my desk for forgotten utensils. I reset my watch, I adjusted my chair, I've loosened my tie and straightened my hair. I filled my pen and tested the blotter And gone for another drink of water. Adjusted the calendar, and I've raised the blind And I've sorted erasers of all different kinds. Now down to work I can finally sit, Oops, too late, it's time to quit Author Unknown Spy (08446)(tur) means to to seek out, spy out, explore, to go into a land and search it out (Nu 10:33; 13:2, 16, 17, 21, 25, 32; 14:6, 7, 34, 36, 38). Baker adds that tur "depicts persons following their own hearts or desires, seeking them out to pursue them rather than the Lord's will (Num. 15:39). It refers to merchants, those who seek out wares (1 Ki. 10:15; 2 Chr. 9:14). It is used of the instincts and inclinations of an animal to search out its habitat (Job 39:8). It refers to a person serving as a guide who explores the way for others (Prov. 12:26). It is used figuratively of exploring and investigating wisdom and its ways (Eccl. 1:13; 2:3; 7:25). It refers to the Lord's previous exploration (nasb selection) of the land of Canaan before giving it to His people (Ezek. 20:6). (CWD-OT) FSB adds "The Hebrew word tur, means “to turn about, wander about.” The term does not speak of information that would lead to specific military strategies (denoted by the verb ragal; compare 21:32; Josh 7:2), although the imperative to take notice of whether the people lived in camps or cities may hint at a military spirit to the trip. Tur - 24x in 23v - explore(1), explored(1), explores(1), follow(1), guide(1), investigate(1), seek(2), selected(1), spied(5), spy(6), spying(2), traders*(2). Num. 10:33; Num. 13:2; Num. 13:16; Num. 13:17; Num. 13:21; Num. 13:25; Num. 13:32; Num. 14:6; Num. 14:7; Num. 14:34; Num. 14:36; Num. 14:38; Num. 15:39; Deut. 1:33; Jdg. 1:23; 1 Ki. 10:15; 2 Chr. 9:14; Job 39:8; Prov. 12:26; Eccl. 1:13; Eccl. 2:3; Eccl. 7:25; Ezek. 20:6 Which I am going to give to the sons of Israel - This was God's promise, but men still had to take responsibility in order to realize the promise. This principle permeates the passages from Genesis to Revelation. God's promises are laid hold of by faith and genuine faith obeys. THOUGHT Don't misread the words of Yahweh. He does not say "Which I might give to the sons of Israel" but "I am going to give to the sons of Israel." The first is a "hope so," but the latter is a "hope sure!" You shall send a man from each of their fathers' tribes, every one a leader among them Note that those sent out were not just scouts, but leaders, representing Israel. Surely sending out the leaders would assure the success of the mission, but alas, that did not prove true. Jensen - God further stipulated that the spies should be leaders, representative of each tribe, and that each tribe should be represented by one man. Since the people themselves must eventually make the decision of assault or retreat, they should be fairly informed by a group representing all the tribes. Numbers 13:3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel. Nu 12:16 32:8 De 1:19,23 9:23 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So - Term of conclusion. Based on the Jehovah's command, Moses complied. Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD- FSB says Paran "probably refers to an area of the northeastern Sinai Peninsula, west of Midian, but it may also have been used as a name for the entire northern half of the Sinai Peninsula." All of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel - Again their headship is emphasized. Note however that the names listed in Nu 13:4-16 are not the leaders of the tribes identified at Mount Sinai (Nu 1:3ff and Nu 7:11ff.). Hard Sayings of the Bible - F F Bruce - Where Did the Spies Start Out? Why does Numbers 13:3 say that the spies left from the desert of Paran while Numbers 32:8 says it was from Kadesh Barnea? Were these two different sites or is there some way of explaining how both may be correct? The desert of Paran is a poorly defined area in the east-central portion of the Sinai peninsula, bordered on the northwest by the wilderness of Shur, on the northeast by the wilderness of Zin and by the Sinai desert on the south. For most of the forty years of their wandering the Israelites were camped at Kadesh Barnea (Num 14:34; Deut 1:19–20). Topographically, the site of Kadesh Barnea was a part of the wilderness of Paran. In fact, the Greek Septuagint of Numbers 33:36 had a gloss, that is, an explanatory appositional note, that read “in the desert of Paran, this is Kadesh.” From Genesis 14:5–7 we learn that El-paran was located south of Kadesh, therefore one could properly describe Kadesh as being located on the border of the Paran wilderness. Numbers 13:4 These then were their names: from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Mattoon - Do names like Igal, Nabbis, Gaddi ring a bell? No? What about Joshua and Caleb? The list of leaders who would spy out the land are given here. These were some of the best in man's eyes, but not God's. Within eight weeks, ten of them will be dead. (Nu 14:37) Two of them will continue to their destiny of faith in God and in victory. The two men are Joshua and Caleb. It is men of faith and obedience to the Lord that are remembered. They were two men of two million. You could say they are one in a million. These then were their names: from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur Numbers 13:5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; Numbers 13:6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Caleb: Nu 13:30 14:6,24,30,38 26:65 27:15-23 34:19 De 31:7-17 Jos 14:6-15 Jos 15:13-19 Lu 1:10-15 1Ch 4:15 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh - As we see in Numbers 14:24+ this man was unique and was recognized by Yahweh "But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it." FSB - This name is from the Hebrew term kelev, meaning “dog.” In the ancient Near East, the dog could symbolize an obedient servant. Caleb - 31x in 31v - Num. 13:6; Num. 13:30; Num. 14:6; Num. 14:24; Num. 14:30; Num. 14:38; Num. 26:65; Num. 32:12; Num. 34:19; Deut. 1:36; Jos. 14:6; Jos. 14:13; Jos. 14:14; Jos. 15:13; Jos. 15:14; Jos. 15:16; Jos. 15:17; Jos. 15:18; Jos. 21:12; Jdg. 1:12; Jdg. 1:14; Jdg. 1:15; Jdg. 1:20; 1 Sam. 30:14; 1 Chr. 2:18; 1 Chr. 2:19; 1 Chr. 2:42; 1 Chr. 2:49; 1 Chr. 2:50; 1 Chr. 4:15; 1 Chr. 6:56 See note below on Who is Caleb in the Bible? Numbers 13:7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; Numbers 13:8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; Hoshea: Nu 13:16, Nu 11:28 27:18-22 Ex 17:9-13 24:13 32:17 De 31:7,8,14,23 34:9 Jos 1:1-9,16 24:1-33, Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA FROM TRIBE OF EPHRAIM from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun - For reasons not entirely clear, Moses changed the name of Hoshea (”salvation“ or “desire for salvation”) to Joshua (”Yahweh is salvation“) (v16). Wiersbe on Joshua - It is interesting to note the “promotion” of Joshua. In Num. 11:28 he is called “Moses’ servant”; ultimately, he becomes Moses’ successor (Josh. 1). We see him as a soldier in Ex. 17:8–16; Ex. 24:13 shows him with Moses on Sinai; Ex. 33:11 has him in charge of the tent of meeting; and Num. 13 shows him as one of the spies. Because he was faithful in whatever task God gave him, Joshua was advanced from one responsibility to another. Related Resource: Who was Joshua in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 13:9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; Numbers 13:10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi Numbers 13:11 from the tribe of Joseph, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Joseph, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi Numbers 13:12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli Numbers 13:13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael Numbers 13:14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; Numbers 13:15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. Numbers 13:16 These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land; but Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua. Hoshea: Ho 1:1 Ro 9:25 Joshua: Nu 13:8 14:6,30 Ex 17:9 Mt 1:21-23 Ac 7:45 Heb 4:8 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries HOSHEA SON OF NUN These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land - These names are different then the earlier lists of men in each tribe and some suggest they were younger men who would be up to the task. but Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua - Hoshea means "He saves" and Joshua means "the LORD saves." The Septuagint translates with the name Yeshua, which would later be the Name of Jesus.
Números 13
Wiersbe - The twelve spies traveled about 500 miles during the forty days of their survey of Canaan, but they discovered nothing that God hadn’t already told them! They already knew the names of the pagan nations that lived in the land (Ge 15:18–21), that it was a good land (Ex. 3:8) and a rich land flowing with milk and honey (Ex 3:8, 17). They saw the incredible fruit of the land and brought back a huge bunch of grapes for the people to see. They even visited Hebron, where the patriarchs of Israel were buried with their wives (Num. 13:22; Gen. 23:2, 19; 49:29–31; 50:13). Did the reminder of the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph encourage their own trust in God? For ten of the spies, the answer is no. (Be Counted) Question: What is the significance of 40 days in the Bible? | Answer: The number 40 shows up often in the Bible. Because 40 appears so often in contexts dealing with judgment or testing, many scholars understand it to be the number of “probation” or “trial.” This doesn’t mean that 40 is entirely symbolic; it still has a literal meaning in Scripture. “Forty days” means “forty days,” but it does seem that God has chosen this number to help emphasize times of trouble and hardship. Play Video Here are some examples of the Bible’s use of the number 40 that stress the theme of testing or judgment: In the Old Testament, when God destroyed the earth with water, He caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:12). After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian, where he spent 40 years in the desert tending flocks (Acts 7:30). Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights (Exodus 24:18). Moses interceded on Israel’s behalf for 40 days and 40 nights (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25). The Law specified a maximum number of lashes a man could receive for a crime, setting the limit at 40 (Deuteronomy 25:3). The Israelite spies took 40 days to spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:25). The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2-5). Before Samson’s deliverance, Israel served the Philistines for 40 years (Judges 13:1). Goliath taunted Saul’s army for 40 days before David arrived to slay him (1 Samuel 17:16). When Elijah fled from Jezebel, he traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). The number 40 also appears in the prophecies of Ezekiel (4:6; 29:11-13) and Jonah (3:4). In the New Testament, Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:2). There were 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3). Whether or not the number 40 really has any significance is still debated. The Bible definitely seems to use 40 to emphasize a spiritual truth, but we must point out that the Bible nowhere specifically assigns any special meaning to the number 40. Some people place too much significance on numerology, trying to find a special meaning behind every number in the Bible. Often, a number in the Bible is simply a number, including the number 40. God does not call us to search for secret meanings, hidden messages, or codes in the Bible. There is more than enough truth in the plain words of Scripture to meet all our needs and make us “complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).GotQuestions.org Numbers 13:25–14:9 Trouble Ahead By Joe Stowell 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 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 (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. Numbers 13:25–14:19 House-Hunting Ants Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. —Psalm 90:1 According to researchers from the University of Bristol, the European rock ant may be better than we are at staying on top of the housing market. The researchers found that the ant colonies use scout ants to continually monitor their colonies’ living conditions. Using social skills complex enough to stun the scientists, the rock ants work together to find the right living space, darkness, and security needed to give the queen mother and her larvae the best available housing. In the days of Moses, the families of Israel were looking for a new home. The slave yards of Egypt had been brutal. The wilderness of Sinai was no place to settle down. But there was a problem. According to Israelite scouts, the homeland to which God was leading them was already occupied—by walled cities and giants who made the scouts feel like grasshoppers in their own eyes (Num. 13:28,33). Sometimes it may be helpful to compare ourselves to insects. House-hunting rock ants instinctively follow the ways of their Creator. But we often let our fears keep us from following and trusting God. When we rest in the assurance of His presence and love, we can say, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” Father in heaven, please help us to see that today there is no better place to live than in Your presence and love. Help us learn to settle in and be comfortable with our place in You. Numbers 13:26 they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. the wilderness: Nu 13:3 Kadesh: Nu 20:1,16 32:8 33:36 De 1:19 Jos 14:6 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh - Kadesh-Barnea in Nu 32:8 which is about 50 miles sought of Beersheba. And they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land - They showed them the cluster of grapes, some pomegranates and figs (Nu 13:23). How Is Your Vision? By faith [Moses] forsook Egypt, . . . for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. — Hebrews 11:27 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:26-14:10 Several months ago, I visited two professing Christians who were terminally ill. I was struck by their contrasting attitudes. One man was glum and quite listless even when I read Scripture and prayed and spoke about our hope in Christ. His spiritual eyesight seemed dim. When I visited the other man, I found him talking cheerfully with two of his granddaughters. He expressed his desire that they would have a good life, and he urged them to live for Jesus. This man had 20/20 spiritual vision. By faith he saw the invisible God as he was facing death. We read of similar responses in Numbers 13 and 14. Twelve spies had been sent out to explore the Promised Land. All 12 saw the lush, green, fertile areas. It was truly a land of great agricultural promise. But 10 of them were intimidated by the size and number of the hostile people who lived there. They said it would be foolhardy to invade. The other two spies, Joshua and Caleb, insisted that with the Lord on their side they could take the territory. By faith they saw God beyond the obstacles. The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ Give hope for what's ahead, But focus on life's obstacles And faith gives way to dread. —DJD In every difficulty you can find an opportunity. Numbers 13:27 Thus they told him, and said, "We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nu 14:8 Ex 3:8,17 13:5 33:3 Lev 20:24 De 1:25-33 6:3 11:9 De 26:9,11-15 27:3 31:20 Jos 5:6 Jer 11:5 32:22 Eze 20:6,15 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LAND FLOWS WITH MILK AND HONEY Thus they told him, and said, "We went in to the land where you sent us - What they should have said is to the land that God is giving us. They are already starting off on the wrong foot! Mattoon -The spies proclaim, "It's just like God said! It is flowing with milk and honey!" The evidence was on their shoulders, but they carried unbelief in their hearts! and it certainly does flow with milk and honey - What God promises, God will fultill! It is worth noting that the first promise of the land of milk and honey was while Israel was still enslaved in Egypt. Moses records “So I (JEHOVAH'S PROMISE TO MOSES) have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite." (Exodus 3:8+ ) Milk and honey - 20x in 20v - Exod. 3:8; Exod. 3:17; Exod. 13:5; Exod. 33:3; Lev. 20:24; Num. 13:27; Num. 14:8; Num. 16:13; Num. 16:14; Deut. 6:3; Deut. 11:9; Deut. 26:9; Deut. 26:15; Deut. 27:3; Deut. 31:20; Jos. 5:6; Jer. 11:5; Jer. 32:22; Ezek. 20:6; Ezek. 20:15 NIVSB - The traditional and proverbial description of the hill country of Canaan—in its original pastoral state, providing abundant grazing land for milk-producing sheep and goats. The Hebrew for “honey” refers to both bees’ honey and the sweet, syrupy juice of grapes or dates. And this is its fruit - Here is the proof it is a fruitful land. Believer's Study Bible - "Milk and honey" is the traditional phrase to emphasize the fruitfulness of the Promised Land (Ex. 3:8; Lev. 20:24; Deut. 6:3; Josh. 5:6; Jer. 11:5). Charles Stanley - SUFFERING A FAITH FAILURE SCRIPTURE READING: NUMBERS 13:27–33 KEY VERSE: HEBREWS 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. By nature, we are people of belief because faith is the foundation of our relationship to God. But every once in a while, we experience what can be called a faith failure. Often, these failures happen when we hesitate or cease to trust God during challenging times. Yet there are many other causes for faith failures: • Fear of being unsuccessful • Failure to understand the nature of God • Forgetting God’s power • Focusing on our obstacles As you read through today’s Scripture passage from Numbers, ask yourself this question: Which of these factors do you think played a role in the Israelites’ hesitance to enter the land of Negev? Actually, it can be argued that a combination of all these issues suddenly caused the Israelites to doubt God and become fearful. This massive faith failure then led to a crisis among the people. So, how do we avoid faith failures? Truthfully, we will all experience doubts from time to time. But we can be prepared for these episodes by filling our minds with God’s truth. When we know the character of our heavenly Father, we will be prepared to respond with spiritual maturity when our faith is tested. As you spend time with God today, focus on His true nature. Which of His characteristics has He shown you: faithfulness, goodness, mercy? The Lord longs for you to know and trust Him so that His perfect will may be carried out in your life. Lord, there are lands of the Negev in my life—places where I fear to go. I want to immerse myself in Your truth so that my bolstered faith will carry me through. (Pathways to His Presence) Question: Why was Israel called the land of milk and honey? Answer: Repeatedly in the Old Testament, God describes the Promised Land as “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8; Numbers 14:8; Deuteronomy 31:20; Ezekiel 20:15). This poetic description of Israel’s land emphasizes the fertility of the soil and bounty that awaited God’s chosen people. The reference to “milk” suggests that many livestock could find pasture there; the mention of “honey” suggests the vast farmland available—the bees had plenty of plants to draw nectar from. In Exodus 3:8, God says to Moses, “I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.” A couple things to note about this verse: First, before the plagues, the land of Egypt supported Israel and the Egyptians quite well, yet God called the new land “good and spacious.” The Hebrew word translated “good” means “pleasant, beautiful, and fruitful, with economic benefits.” Second, simultaneously with promoting the goodness of the land, God mentions the enemies in the land that must be overcome. The nations displaced by Israel from the land “flowing with milk and honey” were significant in number, and they valued that land enough to fight and die for it. Later, we have the record of the ten faithless spies who were sent into the Promised Land by Moses. The ten spies disagreed that Israel was able to conquer the inhabitants of the land, but they did agree on this: it was a land of flowing with milk and honey. “They gave Moses this account: ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit’” (Numbers 13:27). The “fruit” the spies showed Moses was a single cluster of grapes that had to be carried on a pole between two men (verse 23). They also brought some pomegranates and the figs from Canaan. It is true that there are areas of very arid land in Israel, but this does not negate the fact that, overall, it is a land flowing with milk and honey. There are many areas of Israel that are extremely fertile and produce many types of fruits and vegetables. The area north of present-day Israel is biblical Mesopotamia, also known as the “Fertile Crescent,” which is just that—fertile (and crescent-shaped). It is also true that the Bible records severe drought and famine in the land of Israel, but those times were connected to God’s judgment on the sinful people (Deuteronomy 11:16–17; 1 Kings 18:1–2, 18). God’s description of the Promised Land as “a land flowing with milk and honey” is a beautifully graphic way of highlighting the agricultural richness of the land. God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt to a prosperous land of freedom and blessing and the knowledge of the Lord. | GotQuestions.org Numbers 13:28 "Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. BGT Numbers 13:28 ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ὅτι θρασὺ τὸ ἔθνος τὸ κατοικοῦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς καὶ αἱ πόλεις ὀχυραὶ τετειχισμέναι καὶ μεγάλαι σφόδρα καὶ τὴν γενεὰν Εναχ ἑωράκαμεν ἐκεῖ NET Numbers 13:28 But the inhabitants are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. NLT Numbers 13:28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! ESV Numbers 13:28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. NIV Numbers 13:28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. KJV Numbers 13:28 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. YLT Numbers 13:28 only, surely the people which is dwelling in the land is strong; and the cities are fenced, very great; and also children of Anak we have seen there. LXE Numbers 13:28 Only the nation that dwells upon it is bold, and they have very great and strong walled towns, and we saw there the children of Enach. ASV Numbers 13:28 Howbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. CSB Numbers 13:28 However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there. NKJ Numbers 13:28 "Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. strong: De 1:28 2:10,11,21 3:5 9:1,2 saw the: Nu 13:22,23,33 Jos 11:22 15:14 Jud 1:20 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries STRONG, FORTIFIED VERY LARGE Nevertheless - Despite all the positive aspects. Despite the fact that what they saw about the goodness of the land was exactly what Yahweh had promised it would be like. Nevertheless is a strong term of contrast in this context. Yes the land is fruitful BUT it is fortified. It is fruitful BUT impregnable according to their natural, human logic. If our mind is not renewed by God's Word, we begin to think worldly thoughts. God's Word had already given then a sure promise, but they either forgot God's Word or despised God's Word, always a dangerous thing to do! Mattoon on nevertheless - The word "nevertheless" is what I call an "Oh! Oh!" word. In spite of the blessings the spies proclaim, "The people are too strong for us. There are really big guys in the land and the walls of the cities are twenty feet thick and twenty-five feet high." Their problem is they are fearful and disobedient. The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Números 13
Wiersbe - The ten spies described the glories of the land, and then added, “Nevertheless …” This word is usually a sign of unbelief.
Números 13
Wiersbe - Someone has defined a committee as “a group of people who individually can do nothing and collectively decide nothing can be done.” Because they lacked faith, all the spies except Caleb and Joshua were discouraged at the prospect of entering the land and fighting the enemy, and their discouragement quickly spread throughout the camp. Doubt had turned into unbelief, and unbelief is rebellion against God (Num. 14:9; Heb. 3:16–19). (Be Counted) The people who live in the land are strong, Ten spies emphasized the obstacles instead of the opportunities and concluded that Israel was too weak to conquer the enemy. They walked by sight and not by faith. The people of the land were giants, the city walls were high, and the men felt like grasshoppers! Unbelief blinds you to God’s greatness and magnifies your own weakness. The Septuagint for strong is thrasus which can mean arrogant but here is used in a positive sense meaning they are bold and full of confidence. And the cities are fortified and very large; This part was true but they forgot Who was bigger. This truth indicates that even though God had given Israel the land, they would have to fight to possess their promised possessions. THOUGHT - Beloved, that same principle pervades the pages of Scripture. God gives us promises, but we must lay hold of them by faith and obedience (genuine faith obeys!) This is why Paul said we have to fight the good fight of faith (1 Ti 6:12+). The Christian life is not a playground, but a battleground. Yes, the battle is the LORD'S, but He is still calling us as good soldiers to suffer hardship (2 Ti 2:3+) and fight for our possessions (don't misunderstand - for even then it is not to fight that we might "earn" or "merit" them for they are still ALL bestowed by His infinite grace. He simply wants us to manifest our faith in our good fight). and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there - The Anakim were also big, but guess Who is bigger! The report of the spies was factual: the land was fruitful, the cities were fortified, and the population mixed. All had the same facts; but Joshua and Caleb had faith to see through the obstacles. (Heb 3:18,19+). The problem of the 10 was that they were walking by SIGHT not by FAITH, not by trust in the powerful arm of the Almighty, the Deliverer Who had brought them out to bring them in! The fear of man is always a snare (Pr 29:25) Perfect love casts out all fear but they did not have that love (1 Jn 4:18+; see also What does “perfect love casts out fear” mean?) They did not truly love God with all their heart (cf Mk 12:29-31+), but to the contrary they continually tried (tested) Him and provoked Him (read Heb 3:9,10+) Related Resource: Who were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.org C Campbell
Números 13
Wiersbe - Ten spies emphasized the obstacles instead of the opportunities and concluded that Israel was too weak to conquer the enemy. They walked by sight and not by faith. The people of the land were giants, the city walls were high, and the men felt like grasshoppers! Unbelief blinds you to God’s greatness and magnifies your own weakness. (WWBC) Related Resource: Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Negev in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Hittites? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Jebusites? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Amorites? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Canaanites? | GotQuestions.org Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it." BGT Numbers 13:30 καὶ κατεσιώπησεν Χαλεβ τὸν λαὸν πρὸς Μωυσῆν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ οὐχί ἀλλὰ ἀναβάντες ἀναβησόμεθα καὶ κατακληρονομήσομεν αὐτήν ὅτι δυνατοὶ δυνησόμεθα πρὸς αὐτούς NET Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses, saying, "Let us go up and occupy it, for we are well able to conquer it." NLT Numbers 13:30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. "Let's go at once to take the land," he said. "We can certainly conquer it!" ESV Numbers 13:30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it." NIV Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." KJV Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. YLT Numbers 13:30 And Caleb stilleth the people concerning Moses, and saith, 'Let us certainly go up -- and we have possessed it; for we are thoroughly able for it.' LXE Numbers 13:30 And Chaleb stayed the people from speaking before Moses, and said to him, Nay, but we will go up by all means, and will inherit it, for we shall surely prevail against them. Nu 14:6-9,24 Jos 14:6-8 Ps 27:1,2 60:12 118:10,11 Isa 41:10-16 Ro 8:31,37 Php 4:13 Heb 11:33 Numbers 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Numbers 10:9+ “When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God, and be saved from your enemies. CALEB'S CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD Brian Bell - The Israeli spies saw giants, but Joshua & Caleb saw God! Those who doubt today say, “We can’t attack; they are stronger than we are”. Those who believe say, “Let us go up at once & take possession, for we are well able to overcome it”. The 10 spies walked by sight & not by faith; Caleb & Joshua walked by faith & not by sight. Pr.3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses - Notice Caleb is not addressing the 10 but the 2 million, the people who have become infected and rattled by the fear mongering spies! Caleb steps up to shut down the negative vibe and calls out Hush. Be Quiet. Silence (this negative talk)! The Lxx has katasiopao (used in Neh 8:11) meaning to reduce to silence or make silent. It looks like Caleb gained their attention for he was then able to speak. Joshua is not mentioned here as siding with Caleb but he is in Nu 14:6+ where "Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes." Mattoon - Caleb then proceeds to be politically incorrect. He gives an unpopular message and takes a stand, "Let's obey God! He is with us!" He is like a bull-dog that wants to sink his teeth into God's will. It's interesting to note that his name means "dog." Quieted (02013)(has) means "Hush!" or "Keep silence!" In each instance, the word is used to instruct someone to reduce volume or stop producing sound altogether! "An interjection with imperative force meaning be silent," "hush." It is used seven times: to command people to refrain from speaking (Amos 6:10) or weeping (Neh. 8:11); to demand awesome or respectful silence before the Lord (Habakkuk 2:20); in grief for the dead (Amos 8:3)." (TWOT) Baker adds that "is a serious request or an order to keep quiet: as the order of a king to his attendants (Jdg. 3:19); as a command to not mention the name of the Lord (Amos 6:10); as a command for silence in a time of pestilence and destruction (Amos 8:3); as the proper response before the Lord in His holy temple (Hab. 2:20); as the day of the Lord approaches (Zeph. 1:7) when He will act on behalf of Jerusalem (Zech. 2:13[17]). It is used to indicate the proper response to a holy day of the Lord (Neh. 8:11, but is pointed as a verb form here). (secondly it could be) A verb indicating to hush, to quiet, to silence, to still. It is employed in the causal form of the verb meaning caused to be silent or stilled (Nu. 13:30). (Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament). Has used 8 x - keep quiet(1), keep silence(1), quieted(1), silence(1), silent(3), still(1). Num. 13:30; Jdg. 3:19; Neh. 8:11; Amos 6:10; Amos 8:3; Hab. 2:20; Zeph. 1:7; Zech. 2:13 and said "We should by all means go up and take possession of it - NET = "Let us go up and occupy it." Caleb stands alone (at this point) against the 10 and recommends that they go up and take possession. As I interpret his reaction to the negative opinions, it seems clear that he is standing firm not only on the fact that the land is good, but that God is good and He would never give Israel a promise of this land of milk and honey if He did not intend to fulfill it. The words in Numbers 10:9+ would undergird Caleb's faith in Israel's assurance of a successful outcome. In short, Caleb was wholly leaning on God's word, trusting in His faithfulness to complete the good work He had begun in Israel by delivering them from bondage (cf NT parallel - Php 1:6+). Caleb had the spirit of Romans 3:4: Let God be true but every man a liar. --David Guzik NET Note on by all means go up - The construction is emphatic, using the cohortative with the infinitive absolute to strengthen it: עָלֹה נַעֲלֶה (’aloh na’aleh, “let us go up”) with the sense of certainty and immediacy. Irving Jensen - Caleb reasoned on the basis of a strong faith in the supernatural. He did not deny seeing the formidable fortifications or the imposing giants. He saw them, but he also remembered what God had earlier promised when the people were still at Sinai. God had said, “And ye shall be remembered before Jehovah your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies” (Nu 10:9+). In light of this, Caleb could say, “We are well able to overcome [the land]” (Nu 13:30). And then, to wed his conclusion to an exhortation, he appealed, “Let us go up at once, and possess it.” For - Term of explanation. In this case Caleb explains why they should go up and take possession. The people showed unbelief when they said, “We are not able!” --Wiersbe We will surely overcome it - Caleb showed true faith when he said "we are well able (yakol) to overcome (yakol)" the repetition of yakol emphasizing that Israel would be able to to possess the land which God promised them. The Lxx uses two words, dunatos (powerful, mighty, strong, able) and dunamai which speaks of ability to be able to accomplish something. Caleb is confident in conquering because of his confidence in the LORD and His Word of promise. THOUGHT - NLT has "WE CAN certainly conquer it." Caleb's affirming testimony reminds me of the words of Major Ian Thomas who said “Lord Jesus, I can’t, You never said I could; but You can, and always said You would. That is all I need to know. rom that moment life became the adventure that God always intended it to be.” (Major W. Ian Thomas) Caleb (and the Major) were not saying "Let go and let God," but "Let God and let's go!" God's promises and power coupled with man's trust and obedience makes for an unbeatable combination! Beloved, is this the response of your heart as you look out today at the overwhelming obstacle in your life? We all encounter them sooner or later, usually sooner, and usually again and again! The question is not will the "giants" come at us in our spiritual life, but in Whom will we trust when they come? Paul said "For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know Whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." (2 Ti 1:12+) He added "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Php 4:11-13+) Dear Father in Heaven please give us all Your grace by Your Spirit to learn the secret of Paul, of Caleb, of Major Ian, that we might be supernaturally enabled to run this relatively short race with endurance for Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen. NET Note on we will surely overcome - Here again the confidence of Caleb is expressed with the infinitive absolute and the imperfect tense: יָכוֹל נוּכַל (yakhol nukhal), “we are fully able” to do this. The verb יָכַל (yakhal) followed by the preposition lamed means “to prevail over, to conquer.” Overcome (03201)(yakol) means to be able, to have power, to prevail, meaning "can" (can do something). Baker "It indicates to be able to endure something, to be capable, to have the ability or power to do something: of God's ability (Num. 14:16; 2 Chr. 32:13, 15; Jer. 44:22) or a person's ability (Gen. 13:16); it is used of God not being able to stand Israel's false worship any longer (Isa. 1:13); not being able to endure a prideful, arrogant person (Ps. 101:5). It takes on the meaning of being incapable of maintaining an attitude or state of condition (Hos. 8:5); or indicates the ability to cause something to happen, as when Balak hoped he would be able to defeat Israel and drive them out of the land (Nu 22:6, 11). It indicates the ability to render or not to render (if negated) judgment about an issue (Gen. 24:50). It may take on the inference of daring to do something, e.g., eating in a restricted area, which, when negated, means people dare not or are not allowed to eat (Dt. 12:17). It indicates being an overcomer, a victor, to prevail over something or someone (Gen. 30:8); Rachel prevailed (yāk̠al) over her sister. (See also Ps. 13:4; Isa. 16:12). In an intellectual discussion, it means to grasp or understand something (Job 31:23; Ps. 139:6), to attain a mastery of it. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament) In the Septuagint yakol is often translated with dunamai describing capacity or ability, to be able, be capable of, can, have power to. Gilbrant - Cognates of this verb occur in all branches of Semitic. Its most common meanings are "to be able," "to succeed" and "to prevail," although other senses occur rarely, such as "to be allowed," "to be superior," "to be victorious over," "to grasp," "to bear" and "to endure." The word occurs nearly 200 times in the OT, always in the Qal stem. It is usually followed by an infinitive, either with the preposition le (HED #3937) to complete the verbal idea (122 times) or without le (27 times). When it appears with an infinitive only implied, the meaning is always negative, as in Gen. 29:8, "We cannot" (go and feed them). In fact, it is used with a negative about 85 percent of the time; the text speaks more often about what people are not able to do. The most common usage of the word is "to be able," usually in regard to humans and their lack of ability. For instance, Joseph was unable to control his emotions (Gen. 45:1). Other people were unable to control circumstances, as in the case of Moses' mother and her inability to hide the baby (Exo. 2:3; cf. also Gen. 13:6; Exo. 7:21). Often, a person cannot perform some act because one simply does not have the capacity or ability required to complete it. The Egyptian magicians could not duplicate the miracles of Moses after a certain point (Exo. 9:11). The twelve tribes were unable to finish driving out the remaining Canaanite pockets of resistance (Josh. 15:63; 17:12; Judg. 2:14). A blind man cannot see (Gen. 48:10; 1 Sam. 4:15), nor can one see in the dark (1 Sam. 3:2). Moses could not "go in and out" any more because of his advanced age (Deut. 31:2). The nation of Israel was to grow so populous that they would not be able to be counted (Gen. 13:16). The king of Assyria boasted that no one could be rescued from his power (2 Ki. 18:29). The prophets described the wicked as being like a sea that cannot rest (Isa. 57:20; Jer. 49:23). Ecclesiastes stresses the powerlessness of humanity and our inability to find meaning in life (Ecc. 6:10; 7:13; 8:17). Sometimes, a human can do nothing because one is powerless to oppose the might of God. Laban and Bethuel could not refuse to send their daughter to become Isaac's bride, because God had clearly made his will known (Gen. 24:50). David could not make his dead child return to life (2 Sam. 12:23). Job could not stand up before the presence of God (Job 31:23). Balaam could not speak in opposition to the Lord (Num. 22:18, 37f). When God moves to bring judgment, gold cannot rescue anyone from his hand (Ezek. 7:19; Zeph. 1:18). In some situations, a person can do nothing because one's action is blocked by a prohibition from God. The regulations in Deuteronomy are stated in legal format, so that the word takes on the legal sense "be permitted by law." Israelites were not allowed to choose a foreigner as king (Deut. 17:15). A man with two wives could not discriminate harshly against the sons of the least-loved wife (Deut. 21:16). Anyone who found property lost by a neighbor could not avoid the duty to return it (22:19, 29). Rules for worship also placed limitations on the people of God. In Exo. 19:23, the Israelites were not allowed to approach Mount Sinai. The Passover sacrifice could not be killed within any of the towns of the land (Deut. 16:5). Any person who was ceremonially unclean could not participate in the Passover (Num. 9:6). Sometimes it was the presence or glory of God that made something impossible. Joshua 24:19 warned that the people could not serve Yahweh because of his holiness. Moses could not view God's face in Exo. 33:20. And the glory of the Lord was so overpowering that Moses could not enter the Tabernacle (Exo. 40:35), nor could the priests, under Solomon, enter the Temple (1 Ki. 8:11; 2 Chr. 5:14). This verb is used with God as the subject occasionally. Although it would seem appropriate to describe the power of the Lord, it actually appears most often in negative expressions. In Num. 14:16 and Deut. 9:28, Moses raises the possibility that God's reputation might be marred if He were to destroy the Israelites in the wilderness, since the pagan nations might assume that He was not able to bring them safely into Canaan. God is described as being too pure to look at sin (Jer. 44:22; Hab. 1:13). In Ps. 78:19, skeptics mock at God's ability to provide for his people. And in 2 Chr. 32:14, the Assyrians scoff at the idea that Yahweh or any other god could rescue Jerusalem from destruction. Of course, equating the Lord with other gods led to the destruction of the besieging Assyrian army. Only three passages describe God's positive ability. In Job 42:2, God can do all things, and no purpose of his can be thwarted. Jeremiah 20:7 speaks of God's power prevailing over the prophet, and Jer. 18:6 compares the Lord to a potter, who can do whatever he wishes with his clay. When the word is used without an infinitive, it carries additional meanings. It can mean "bear" or "endure." For instance, God cannot endure Israel's "iniquity and solemn assembly" (Isa. 1:13) or those who are haughty and arrogant (Ps. 101:5). A more frequent use without an infinitive is in the setting of a battle or wrestling match, where it means "to overcome" or "to be superior." This meaning is found in Goliath's boastful challenge (1 Sam. 17:9) and Jacob's wrestling with the angel in Gen. 32:26. It occurs with this sense in Gen. 30:8; Num. 13:30; Est. 6:13; Pss. 13:4; 21:11; 129:2; Isa. 16:12; Jer. 1:19; 20:7; 20:10f; 38:22; Hos. 12:4 and Obad. 7. (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Yakol - 183v - able(41), able at all(1), allowed(4), can(15), can i endure(2), can do(1), cannot*(47), could(41), endure(3), had your way(1), incapable*(1), may(1), overcome(3), overpower(2), overpowered(1), prevail(8), prevailed(6), succeed(1), surely overcome(1), surely prevail(1), unable*(10). Gen. 13:6; Gen. 13:16; Gen. 15:5; Gen. 19:19; Gen. 19:22; Gen. 24:50; Gen. 29:8; Gen. 30:8; Gen. 31:35; Gen. 32:25; Gen. 32:28; Gen. 34:14; Gen. 36:7; Gen. 37:4; Gen. 43:32; Gen. 44:1; Gen. 44:22; Gen. 44:26; Gen. 45:1; Gen. 45:3; Gen. 48:10; Exod. 2:3; Exod. 7:21; Exod. 7:24; Exod. 8:18; Exod. 9:11; Exod. 10:5; Exod. 12:39; Exod. 15:23; Exod. 18:18; Exod. 18:23; Exod. 19:23; Exod. 33:20; Exod. 40:35; Num. 9:6; Num. 11:14; Num. 13:30; Num. 13:31; Num. 14:16; Num. 22:6; Num. 22:11; Num. 22:18; Num. 22:37; Num. 22:38; Num. 24:13; Deut. 1:9; Deut. 7:17; Deut. 7:22; Deut. 9:28; Deut. 12:17; Deut. 14:24; Deut. 16:5; Deut. 17:15; Deut. 21:16; Deut. 22:3; Deut. 22:19; Deut. 22:29; Deut. 24:4; Deut. 28:27; Deut. 28:35; Deut. 31:2; Jos. 7:12; Jos. 7:13; Jos. 9:19; Jos. 15:63; Jos. 17:12; Jos. 24:19; Jdg. 2:14; Jdg. 8:3; Jdg. 11:35; Jdg. 14:13; Jdg. 14:14; Jdg. 16:5; Jdg. 21:18; Ruth 4:6; 1 Sam. 3:2; 1 Sam. 4:15; 1 Sam. 6:20; 1 Sam. 17:9; 1 Sam. 17:33; 1 Sam. 17:39; 1 Sam. 26:25; 2 Sam. 3:11; 2 Sam. 12:23; 2 Sam. 17:17; 1 Ki. 3:9; 1 Ki. 5:3; 1 Ki. 8:11; 1 Ki. 9:21; 1 Ki. 13:4; 1 Ki. 13:16; 1 Ki. 14:4; 1 Ki. 20:9; 1 Ki. 22:22; 2 Ki. 3:26; 2 Ki. 4:40; 2 Ki. 16:5; 2 Ki. 18:23; 2 Ki. 18:29; 1 Chr. 21:30; 2 Chr. 5:14; 2 Chr. 7:2; 2 Chr. 7:7; 2 Chr. 18:21; 2 Chr. 29:34; 2 Chr. 30:3; 2 Chr. 32:13; 2 Chr. 32:14; 2 Chr. 32:15; Ezr. 2:59; Neh. 4:10; Neh. 6:3; Neh. 7:61; Est. 6:13; Est. 8:6; Job 4:2; Job 31:23; Job 33:5; Job 42:2; Ps. 13:4; Ps. 18:38; Ps. 21:11; Ps. 36:12; Ps. 40:12; Ps. 78:19; Ps. 78:20; Ps. 101:5; Ps. 129:2; Ps. 139:6; Prov. 30:21; Eccl. 1:8; Eccl. 1:15; Eccl. 6:10; Eccl. 7:13; Eccl. 8:17; Cant. 8:7; Isa. 1:13; Isa. 7:1; Isa. 16:12; Isa. 29:11; Isa. 36:8; Isa. 36:14; Isa. 46:2; Isa. 47:11; Isa. 47:12; Isa. 56:10; Isa. 57:20; Isa. 59:14; Jer. 1:19; Jer. 2:13; Jer. 3:5; Jer. 5:22; Jer. 6:10; Jer. 11:11; Jer. 13:23; Jer. 14:9; Jer. 15:20; Jer. 18:6; Jer. 19:11; Jer. 20:7; Jer. 20:9; Jer. 20:10; Jer. 20:11; Jer. 36:5; Jer. 38:5; Jer. 38:22; Jer. 44:22; Jer. 49:10; Jer. 49:23; Lam. 1:14; Lam. 4:14; Ezek. 7:19; Ezek. 33:12; Ezek. 47:5; Dan. 10:17; Hos. 5:13; Hos. 8:5; Hos. 12:4; Amos 7:10; Obad. 1:7; Jon. 1:13; Hab. 1:13; Zeph. 1:18 Mattoon - What is the difference in Caleb? His focus is upon the power and greatness of God Almighty. Let me ask, "Can you take a stand for God like Caleb? When you are in the minority or when people think you are crazy, can you stand for Christ?" True faith and confidence in the Lord will lead to prompt obedience. There will be no "wondering" if you should do what the Lord commands or trying to make up your mind. You will just "obey." Doubt and disobedience to the Lord... • denies the promises of God. • distracts from godly priorities. • delays or discourages disobedience to the Lord. The evidence of God's promises is in front of them, but they reject the evidence. Unbelief pays no attention to evidence. It refuses to obey and for this reason, men reject Christ, in spite of the evidence that He is the Son of God. Recipe For Victory The word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. —Hebrews 4:2 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:1-2,26-33 A visitor was taking a tour of a mill where power was generated by a fast-flowing river that ran close by its walls. All the gears inside, however, were inactive. “How do you make things work?” the visitor inquired. She was told to pull a handle that the guide pointed out. Immediately the wheels turned and the place was alive with motion. In a similar way, the power of God surges into the heart of those who reach out by faith. Our belief or unbelief determines whether we receive or reject those things that the Lord promises. For example, when the children of Israel were confronted with the problem of advancing against the Canaanites, most of them were terrified by the strength of the enemy. Caleb, however, was not alarmed by the giant opponents and their walled cities. With a courage born of faith he said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). The promise of God that Israel was to inherit the land was mixed with faith in his heart, and he did not shrink back from what seemed to be impossible odds. Increase our faith, and clear our vision, Lord; Help us to take Thee at Thy simple Word, No more with cold distrust to bring Thee grief; Lord, we believe! Help Thou our unbelief. —Sherwin Faith is the link that connects our weakness to God's strength. Brian Bell - Caleb was a man of faith who didn’t worry about the size of the problem because he trusted a great God! The question in life is not “How big is the problem?” Or, “How big am I?” But, “How big is my GOD?” :) This is another case where there is a majority report & a minority report. And it was the minority report that was right! Remember, “Noah, went in a minority & came out a majority!” The Majority saw the excellencies for the land, but they had seen the difficulties and beyond these they had seen nothing. The Minority first saw Jehovah, & then excellencies, & finally the difficulties. The essential difference is the vision of God! (Obstacles? oh you sure see them, but they become nothing, after seeing God! (ED: cf "Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full, in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of his glory and grace ). What was the promise in Nu 13:2? Was Israel a great people? Nope, but they were loved by a great God, who did great things for them, & thereby led them to marvelous achievements.. Do not look at God through circumstances, but at circumstances through God! ILLUSTRATION: Several generations ago, during one of the most turbulent of the desert wars in the Middle East, a spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general of the Persian army. The general, a man of intelligence and compassion, had adopted a strange and unusual custom in such cases. He permitted the condemned person to make a choice. The prisoner could either face the firing squad or pass through the Black Door. As the moment of the execution drew near, the general ordered the spy to be brought before him for a short, final interview, the primary purpose of which was to receive the answer of the doomed man to the query: “What shall it be—the firing squad or the Black Door?” This was not an easy decision and the prisoner hesitated, but soon made it known that he much preferred the firing squad to the unknown horrors that might await him behind the ominous and mysterious door. Not long thereafter, a volley of shots in the courtyard announced that the grim sentence had been fulfilled. The general, staring at his boots, turned to his aide and said, “You see how it is with men; they will always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet I gave him his choice.” “What lies behind the Black Door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general, “and I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it.” Numbers 14:30, 14:26-35 So Near And Yet So Far Back in Canada’s early days, pioneers were taking shelter in Fort Babine. When supplies were nearly exhausted, Victor Clark and a young guide left the fort and walked to the town of Hazelton to get food. On their way back to the fort, snow began to fall. Soon the two travelers were chilled to the bone by a stinging wind and were unable to follow the trail in the darkness. Forced to stop, they built a fire and spent a miserable night. Then as light slowly dawned, they saw the fort with its warmth and comfort—only a few hundred yards away from where they had stopped. So near and yet so far! The Israelites were at the very border of the Promised Land (Numbers 13). Caleb and Joshua, the two courageous spies, had brought back the lush foods of Canaan and encouraged the people to take possession of the land (Nu 13:26,30). But the people doubted and condemned themselves to 40 years of wandering and death in the desert (14:28-30). They too were so near and yet so far away! A Prayer Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died and took my punishment. I trust You as my Savior and Lord. Now is the time to choose the Lord—later may never come. Wholehearted! Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Numbers 14:24 Today's Scripture & Insight: Numbers 13:26–32; 14:20–24 Caleb was a “wholehearted” person. He and Joshua were part of a twelve-man reconnaissance team that explored the Promised Land and gave a report to Moses and the people. Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Num. 13:30). But ten members of the team said they couldn’t possibly succeed. In spite of God’s promises, they saw only obstacles (vv. 31–33). Ten men caused the people to lose heart and grumble against God, which led to forty years of wandering in the desert. But Caleb never quit. The Lord said, “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it” (14:24). Forty-five years later God honored His promise when Caleb, at the age of 85, received the city of Hebron “because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly” (Josh. 14:14). Centuries later an expert in the law asked Jesus, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matt. 22:35–38). Lord, may we love You wholeheartedly today and follow You every day of our journey on this earth. Commitment to Christ is a daily calling. Question: Who is Caleb in the Bible? Answer: The story of Caleb, a faithful man of God, begins in the book of Numbers. After being delivered from bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were led by God to the border of the land of Canaan, a land “flowing with milk and honey” that God had promised they would inherit (Exodus 3:8, 17). Moses had chosen twelve men, one from each tribe, to scout the land before entering. Among them was Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah. The twelve men spied out the land for forty days and then came back to Moses. They reported that the land was indeed fruitful but its inhabitants were the mighty descendants of Anak. Terrified by the size and strength of the Canaanites, ten of the spies warned Moses not to enter Canaan (Numbers 13:23–33). Caleb silenced the murmuring, fearful men by saying, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb took his stand because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly (Joshua 14:8–9). Caleb knew of the promises of God to the Israelites, and, despite the evidence of his own eyes regarding the obstacles, he had faith that God would give them victory over the Canaanites. Unfortunately, the people of Israel ignored Caleb and listened to the report of the other spies. They were so frightened that they wept all night and even wished they had died at the hands of their slave masters in Egypt (Numbers 14:1–4). They turned on Caleb and Joshua (the spy from Ephraim) and wanted to stone them on the spot (Numbers 14:6–10). God was exceedingly angry with the people and threatened to destroy them until Moses interceded for them. God relented, but He decreed that the people would wander in the wilderness until all of that faithless generation had died. But God said that “my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly” and gave him the promise that he would own all the land he had seen as a spy (Numbers 14:11–24). The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all of that generation, except Joshua and Caleb, died (Numbers 14:29–30). After the forty years of wandering and five more years of war within Canaan, Caleb was 85 years old; yet he was as strong as ever and able to fight the same Anakites that had frightened his countrymen. His confidence was born out of his absolute faith in the promises of God (Joshua 15:13–14). Caleb’s territory in Canaan included “Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher)” (Joshua 15:13–15). Othniel, a nephew of Caleb, captured Kiriath Sepher and was given Caleb’s daughter Aksah to wed (verses 16–17). Later, Aksah asked her father to include some springs of water as part of her inheritance (verses 18–19), and Caleb gave them to her. Later still, Othniel, Caleb’s son-in-law, became Israel’s first judge (Judges 3:7–11). From the accounts of the life of Caleb, we see a faithful man who trusted God to fulfill His promises when others allowed their fears to override their small faith. Even into his later years, Caleb remained steadfast in his faith. God blessed Caleb for his faithfulness and patience, an encouragement to us to believe God. Like Caleb, we should be prepared to follow God in every circumstance, patiently waiting for Him to fulfill His promises and ready to take action when the time is right. GotQuestions.org Robert
Números 13
Wiersbe - If only they had looked by faith to God, they would have seen the One who was able to conquer every enemy and who sees the nations of the world as grasshoppers (Isa. 40:22). “We are not able” is the cry of unbelief (Num. 13:31), but, “Our God is able” is the affirmation of faith (Dan. 3:17; see Phil. 4:13). (Be Counted) “We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” --John Gardiner Irving Jensen - The other spies’ conclusion was that a conquest of the land was impossible. Military might against military might, Canaan was seen to be stronger, especially because of its fortified cities. Even if the Israelites were able to get into the land eventually, barely squeezing out the various nations of the land, they would ultimately in turn be driven out again; for the different nations would never give up striving for a land of such wealth: it was “a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof” (Nu 13:32).
Números 13
Wiersbe - The survey of the land may have been a good idea from a conventional military point of view, but not from a spiritual point of view. God had already given them the land and had commanded them to go in and take it. He had promised them victory, so all they had to do was “trust and obey.” The Lord would go before them and scatter His enemies (Nu 10:33–36), but His people had to follow by faith. That was where they failed. They doubted that God was able to keep His promises and give them the land. Scarecrows In The Garden There we saw the giants . . . and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight. —Numbers 13:33 Today's Scripture: Numbers 13:1-2,26-33 In my garden I have four rows of everbearing strawberries—a fact that evidently has been proclaimed from the housetops to all the robins, starlings, and brown thrashers in the neighborhood. They have been having a picnic! So I spent quite some time building a scarecrow from broomsticks, an old coat, a pair of trousers, and a white hat. I was in for a surprise, for one morning soon afterward, a wise robin was perched on top of the hat and seemed to be singing at the top of his voice, “Free strawberries here!” I saw two kinds of birds: wise ones and foolish ones. The foolish birds sat in the trees, afraid of the scarecrow. The wise birds knew that the scarecrow was simply an advertisement in disguise. The Bible tells us about some wise and foolish people. Moses sent 12 spies to check out the Promised Land, a land of fabulous fruits and blessings. Ten of them feared the “scarecrows”—the giants and the walled cities. Two wise “birds,” Caleb and Joshua, believed God had given them the land. They weren’t fooled. They said, “Let us go up at once and take possession” (Num. 13:30). The foolish see giants when troubles appear, They tremble in weakness, their hearts filled with fear; The wise are undaunted when trouble they scan, They go forth to battle, for God's in their plan. —DJD Our God is bigger than any problem. F B