Bible Study for Today

If the report of the spies was true, why was it a “bad report”?

The spies were specifically called to explore the land that God had promised to Israel. This exploration gave valuable information to Moses for the conquest ahead. And while it was true that the land was flowing with milk and honey, it was also true that “the descendants of Anak” were in the fortified city of Hebron (Num. 13:22). Anak was probably the ancestor of Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. They were noted for their height and strength (Deut. 2:21; 9:2). And “the people…are strong” (v. 28), as in too strong to be conquered (v. 31). “Giants” were in the land (v. 33). This term was used in Genesis 6:4 for a group of strong men who lived on the earth before the Flood. The descendants of Anak were, in exaggeration, compared to these giants, which led the spies to view themselves as grasshoppers before them.

In v. 30, Caleb concurred with the report of the other spies, but called the people to go up and take the land, knowing that with God’s help they were able to overcome the strong people. 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 in the people of Israel, and, most importantly, it expressed their faithless attitude toward God and His promises (v. 32). The result was that “all the congregation…wept” over the circumstances (14:1) and “complained” to the point that they wished they had died in Egypt or the wilderness (v. 2). It was such a “bad report” that they were prepared to “select a leader and return to Egypt” (v. 4).

Reading for Today:

Numbers 13:1–14:45Psalm 31:19-24Proverbs 11:15Mark 10:32-52

Notes:

Numbers 13:1 the LORD spoke to Moses. According to Deuteronomy 1:22, 23, the people had first requested the spies be sent out after Moses challenged them to take the land. Here, the Lord affirmed the peoples’ desire and commanded Moses to send them.

Psalm 31:23 love the LORD. Biblical love includes an attitudinal response and demonstrated obedience (see Deut.6:4, 5;10:12; John 14:15, 21;15:10; 2 John 6).The assurance of both reward and retribution is a biblical maxim (e.g., Deut. 7:9, 10).

Mark 10:45 Son of Man did not come to be served. Jesus was the supreme example of servant leadership (see John 13:13–15). The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16) relinquished His privileges (Phil. 2:5–8) and gave His life as a selfless sacrifice in serving others. ransom for many. “Ransom” refers to the price paid to free a slave or a prisoner; “for” means “in place of.” Christ’s substitutionary death on behalf of those who would put their faith in Him is the most glorious, blessed truth in all of Scripture (see Rom. 8:1–3; 1 Cor. 6:20; Gal. 3:13; 4:5; Eph. 1:7; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19). The ransom was not paid to Satan, as some erroneous theories of the atonement teach. Satan is presented in Scripture as a foe to be defeated, not a ruler to be placated. The ransom price was paid to God to satisfy His justice and holy wrath against sin. In paying it, Christ “bore our sins in His own body on the [cross]” (1 Pet. 2:24).