Topical Bible: Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Guilty Spies Slain by Plague

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Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert, as recorded in the Old Testament, is a significant period marked by divine guidance, human rebellion, and God's judgment. One of the pivotal events during this journey is the episode involving the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land, Canaan, and the subsequent punishment of the guilty spies by a plague.

Background and Context

After the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, traveled through the wilderness toward the land promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As they approached the borders of Canaan, the LORD instructed Moses to send twelve men, one from each tribe, to scout the land (Numbers 13:1-2). These men were to assess the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities.

The Report of the Spies

Upon returning from their forty-day exploration, the spies presented their report to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite assembly. They confirmed that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey, as evidenced by the fruit they brought back (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies instilled fear among the people by emphasizing the formidable nature of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, declaring, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:31).

In contrast, Caleb and Joshua, the remaining two spies, encouraged the Israelites to trust in the LORD's promise and power, urging them to proceed and take possession of the land (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9).

Rebellion and Divine Judgment

The negative report led to widespread panic and rebellion among the Israelites. They lamented their situation, expressed a desire to return to Egypt, and even proposed appointing a new leader to take them back (Numbers 14:1-4). This rebellion grieved Moses and Aaron, and they fell facedown before the assembly. Caleb and Joshua tore their garments in distress, pleading with the people not to rebel against the LORD (Numbers 14:5-9).

In response to this rebellion, the LORD expressed His intention to strike the people with a plague and disinherit them. However, Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites, appealing to God's character and His promise to the patriarchs (Numbers 14:11-19). The LORD relented from destroying the entire nation but declared that none of the men who had seen His glory and signs in Egypt and the wilderness, yet still tested Him, would enter the Promised Land, except for Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:20-24).

The Plague on the Guilty Spies

As a direct consequence of their faithlessness and the negative influence they wielded over the congregation, the ten spies who brought the bad report were struck down by a plague from the LORD. "The men who spread the bad report about the land were struck down by a plague before the LORD" (Numbers 14:37). This act of divine judgment served as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of unbelief and rebellion against God's commands.

Theological Implications

This episode underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of God's people. The contrast between the faith of Caleb and Joshua and the fear of the other spies highlights the necessity of trusting in God's promises despite daunting circumstances. The punishment of the guilty spies serves as a warning against the consequences of leading others into unbelief and rebellion. The journey through the desert, marked by such events, reflects the broader narrative of God's faithfulness and the human propensity to doubt and disobey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 14:36,37
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander on the land,
Torrey's Topical Textbook