The Twelve Spies
As the Israelites approached the land of Canaan, their long-awaited destination, Moses chose twelve men—one from each of the twelve tribes—to go ahead and explore the land. Their mission was to gather information about the land’s resources, the strength of its people, and whether it was a good place to settle.
For forty days, the twelve spies traveled through Canaan, observing its cities, people, and produce. When they returned, they reported back to Moses and the Israelites. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, were optimistic, describing the land as rich and fertile, a place flowing with milk and honey. They encouraged the people to trust in God and move forward.
However, the other ten spies were filled with fear. They spoke of powerful inhabitants, fortified cities, and even giants, saying the Israelites stood no chance of conquering the land. Their fearful report spread panic among the people, who lost faith and refused to go any further. Instead of trusting in God’s promise, they let fear hold them back from the land meant for them.
Bible Verse:
“The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size!” — Numbers 13:32