Numbers 13b Commentary
Chapter 13 is the reason for the exodus. Israel must possess the land – the Land. Spies are sent to “see”. The LORD God has once again invited Abraham (now as a nation) to view the Land.
The spies are twelve because the nation must view the land, just like Abraham did.
Of course, they view the land but don’t have the faith of their father Abraham.
Running in the blood of these men should be the rich history of God’s awesome power. Their father Abraham defeated four powerful kings led by Kedorlaomer, king of Elam. Kedorlaomer wasn’t a small man. The four kings, led by Kedorlaomer, pillaged and destroyed the tribes they encountered on their way to conquer the five southern cities around the Dead Sea. Genesis Chapter 14.
After Abraham defeated these kings, led by Kedorlaomer, one special king met him, Melchizedek.
Never mind this rich history, the Exodus is a long story of God’s power against Israel’s impossible enemy—Egypt. These men saw and experienced everything, including the victory at the Red Sea.
Chapter 13 puts it on record before the LORD that Israel feared and consequently refused to take possession of the land. Israel doubted. Israel didn’t trust the LORD God. In their eyes, God seemed like a grasshopper against Israel’s enemy.
The days of Abraham defeating four powerful kings with only 318 men were forgotten. Probably Abraham’s God was different! How about their own God who performed countless miracles in Egypt and along the way to this point!
Check it again and see that fear isn’t rational. Doubt is unreasonable.
The Holy Script invites the saint to remember the goodness of the LORD. It heals fear. Doubt can disappear.
The logic is simple: the LORD God hates it when His children fear and entertain doubt. Worry and anxiety are in the same category. Instead, the LORD God gives peace.
Yes, they have doubted but we must hear God’s response. That’s for chapter 14.
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