numbers 13 and 14

Read Numbers 13 and 14 at Bible Gateway.

The Hebrew paragraph divisions for today’s chapters are:

Num 13:1-14:10 {p} The twelve spies bring back an evil report
Num 14:11-25 {p} The generation who has tested the LORD ten times will not enter the Land
Num 14:26-45 {p} Those who were numbered will fall in the wilderness 40 years

The theme of today’s reading is the power of an evil report. First of all, the report of the ten spies did not become an evil report until they flatly contradicted Caleb and Joshua’s encouragement that Israel was well able to possess the land (Num 13:30-33). It was an evil report, because while it might have been true that Israel was not able to enter the land and possess it on their own, they were not on their own. The LORD was with them, and they were going in at His command and direction. Therefore it was not merely evil, but also false (“You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness;” Exo 23:1).

Important truths that are revealed in today’s reading:

False or evil reports contain elements of truth to make them seem believable. The mixture of truth with falsehood makes them false (Num 13:31);
When one fears man, he is not fearing God, which leads to rebellion (Num 14:9);
The saved who are in covenant with God can walk in unbelief and rebellion just as much as the unsaved (Num 14:11);
Unbelief in God’s promise (belief in an evil report) = rejection of God (Num 14:11);
Complaints test the LORD (Num 14:22);
Complaints reveal an evil heart (Num 14:27).

Israel did not have a cake walk to inherit their promise. Just because the LORD promised them something, did not mean that it would be handed to them on a silver platter. Since leaving Egypt, they were challenged with enemies, apparent lack of provision, delays, and other obstacles which tested their faith and belief in the LORD. The LORD already had deliverance and provision and answers waiting for them – but He was just waiting for them to ask Him to meet their need.

More often than not, however, their response to their challenges and trials were complaints rather than requests! Those complaints tested the LORD, until He finally gave them the evil thing that they kept saying would happen with their mouths. They perished in the wilderness, something they had been predicting would happen since Exo 14! They did not inherit their promise, because of an evil, complaining heart which revealed unbelief (Heb 3:16-19).

Beloved, let us examine ourselves, and repent of complaints which cover over a rebellious heart of unbelief, and instead make our requests known to God, and give thanks to Him in all things, for He is good, He does good, and He gives good gifts! Our trials are an opportunity to see the LORD do wonders for us on our behalf!