Eyes of Faith

God told Moses to send one man from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan.  “Deuteronomy 1:22-23 describes the idea of the scouts as originating from the people.  The two accounts are not mutually exclusive.  Undoubtedly Moses would have approached the Lord for approval regarding such undertaking if members of the community suggested it.” (NIV Appl. p. 598)  God allowed them to go explore, but they should not have needed physical evidence to trust that the cloud would lead them to a good land.  In fact, a step of faith often involves stepping into an illogical situation.  When we trust God, we sometimes have to explain ourselves to many others. Have you ever taken an “illogical” step of faith?    

When I had my second son, I quit a good, full-time job to be with my kids. I went back to work as a waitress a few evenings when my husband could be with the kids.  I can remember a conversation with a coworker in which I mentioned that I had an MBA.  She was so surprised.  “Why would you work here if you have an MBA?” she asked.  I wanted to be with my kids.  God definitely had led me to this workplace and it was a good place for me for five years.  Even as a Christian school teacher, I am questioned by unbelievers who don’t understand mission.  All they can see is that I have a much lower salary than I could earn with my education and experience. God gives us these opportunities to give Him glory through our testimony. 

When life doesn’t make sense, we ask God for assurance. The spies were looking for assurance. A leader was sent from each tribe except Levi.  After listing the representatives from each tribe, representatives that differ from the men listed in earlier chapters, it is mentioned that Ephraim’s representative Hoshea was given the name Joshua by Moses.  Hoshea means “salvation” and Joshua means “The Lord saves.” This mention foreshadows Joshua’s importance to Moses and later rise to leadership.  Those chosen to spy out the land differed from the census takers in chapters 1, the clan heads in chapter 2, the leaders bringing offerings in chapter 7 and the commanders of the units leading in the march in chapter 10.  This new assignment calls for different qualities.  What qualities would the spies need to be successful in this mission? 

Census takers would need to be thorough, detail-oriented, and good with numbers.  But just as an accountant and an FBI agent have different strengths, these men would not be the best choice for spies. Being observant would be a desirable quality in a spy.  Also, bravery is called for.  These men are venturing forth into a land they have never seen and have no idea what to expect.  Another prerequisite of a good spy in Canaan would be faith.  Unfortunately, we will eventually find that only 2 of the spies met this requirement. 

This is the fifth time that tribal representatives are listed in the book of Numbers.  It is the first time that a new person is listed. Look at Reuben, for example.  In chapter 1, the census taker from Reuben was Elizur son of Shedeur. In chapter 2, Elizur is still listed as the leader camping under the standard of Reuben.  Chapter 7 shows the offering bringer for Reuben to be this same Elizur son of Shedeur.  When they marched out in Chapter 10, it was still Elizur leading his tribe.  But now when a spy is needed, Shammua son of Zaccur is chosen to represent Reuben.  Perhaps Elizur is an elder.  It would be best for the spies to be young men.  Also, it may be more important for Elizur to stay with his people.  He and the other tribal leaders could be part of the group of 70 judges who received the spirit to be helpful to Moses (Numbers 11:25). 

FACT FINDING  

So the spies are assembled and they are given their mission: “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country.  See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.  What kind of land do they live in? … What kind of towns do they live in? … How is the soil?...Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.”  (Numbers 13:17-20) It appears that they followed Moses’ directions. There is a mention of when Hebron was built, perhaps to give the Israelites a point of reference and comparison to the land they just left.  Mention is made of three Anakites believed to be outstanding specimens of men of an unusually large size.  Produce of the land was procured on the return trip and it took two men to carry the bunch of grapes they were bringing back. 

For 40 days they explored the land of Canaan.  When they returned, they gave a basic overview report and showed the produce of the land they had brought back.  They told Moses that the land did indeed flow with milk and honey.  BUT…BUT…BUT.   The people are powerful, large, living behind walls, stronger than Israel, of great size, Nephilim, and they made the Israeli spies look like grasshoppers!!  What a report!  How disappointing!  This report leaves out one big ingredient, and that is faith.  If we look at life’s obstacles without faith, it can be paralyzing.  Jesus tells us that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). So, never mind that the grapes are so big it takes two men to carry a bunch.  Never mind that the land is fertile and beautiful; there are these men that intimidate the spies and that is the focus.  How is your focus?  Are you looking at the blessing of God or the giants?  What is before you right now that you need to step into with faith?   

“What is strange in the spies’ interest in the city of Hebron is what they do not mention.  This was the burial place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah…Instead of looking to the patriarchs and promises, the spies noticed sizes of buildings and statures of persons…[T]hey averted their glance from the tombs of the fathers, and they neglected the promise of God; they were too preoccupied with the sandal sizes of three huge men who lived in Hebron.” (Expositor’s commentary, p. 810) 

Be inspired by Joshua and Caleb who stood for God in the midst of doubters.  Of all the adults there, they were the only two who eventually entered the Promised Land.  “It is notable that the two spies who render a report that is faithful to the promise of God come from the two tribes that will become the most prominent in the land.  Joshua is from the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe that will become dominant in the north; Caleb is from the tribe of Judah, the dominant tribe in the south.” (Expositor’s Commentary, p. 809).