I. What is the story of the twelve spies scouting Canaan?
The story of the twelve spies scouting Canaan is a well-known biblical tale found in the book of Numbers in the Old Testament. The Israelites, who had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years after escaping slavery in Egypt, were on the brink of entering the promised land of Canaan. Before entering the land, Moses sent twelve spies, one from each tribe of Israel, to scout out the land and report back on what they found.
II. Who were the twelve spies?
The twelve spies were chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were leaders and respected members of their tribes, tasked with the important mission of scouting out the land of Canaan. Some of the most well-known spies include Caleb from the tribe of Judah and Joshua from the tribe of Ephraim.
III. What were the instructions given to the twelve spies?
Moses gave the twelve spies specific instructions before sending them into Canaan. They were to explore the land, see what the people were like, whether they were strong or weak, few or many. They were also instructed to bring back some of the fruit of the land as evidence of its fertility. However, they were warned to be cautious and not to engage in any conflict with the inhabitants of the land.
IV. What did the twelve spies report back to Moses and the Israelites?
After forty days of scouting the land, the twelve spies returned to Moses and the Israelites with their report. They brought back a cluster of grapes so large that it had to be carried on a pole between two men. They described the land as flowing with milk and honey, a fertile and abundant land. However, ten of the spies also reported that the people living in the land were strong and their cities were fortified.
V. What was the reaction of the Israelites to the report of the twelve spies?
Upon hearing the report of the twelve spies, the Israelites were filled with fear and doubt. They were afraid of the strong inhabitants of the land and doubted their ability to conquer it. They began to grumble and complain, wishing they had died in Egypt rather than face the challenges of entering Canaan. Only Caleb and Joshua remained steadfast in their faith that God would help them conquer the land.
VI. What were the consequences of the twelve spies’ scouting mission?
As a result of the negative report from the ten spies and the fear and doubt of the Israelites, God punished them for their lack of faith. He declared that none of the adults who had left Egypt would enter the promised land of Canaan. Instead, they would wander in the wilderness for forty years until a new generation had grown up. Only Caleb and Joshua were spared and allowed to enter the land because of their faithfulness. This event serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of doubt and lack of faith in God’s promises.