So I was going through Joshua 14 and came across a section that mentioned Caleb and some land he was receiving. That brought me to come to Numbers 13 and 14, which is what I am focusing on for this post, the main comment will be regarding 14:3.
So Israel has been delivered from Egypt and God made covenant with them at Sinai, and now they have been heading towards the promise land, grumbling, rebelling and complaining the whole way. In chapter 13 they send out 12 spies into the promise land to check it out. 10 spies returned saying that the land was hazardous and that the people there were giants with fortified cities well equipped for war. They presented that it would be unsuccessful to oppose them. The other 2 (Joshua and Caleb) said that the land was a lush as promised and that although there may be strong warriors there if God is with Israel they will succeed.
The people began crying out, siding with the spies that gave the discouraging report. they asked why they were delivered from Egypt just to die and wanted to return (14:1-4). At this Moses and Aaron along with Joshua and Caleb fell on their faces before the people begging them to trust God to give them victory. They pleaded that the people should not fear the people of the land (see Joshua 1:1-9 :D ) stating that doing so would be rebelling from God (14:5-9). Then the people threatened to kill those four, but God intervened threatening to smite the people (14:10-11)...
Take a moment to consider Numbers 14:3
People in their fear and states of despair are quick to accuse God of only wanting to bring them into suffering. here is an amazing example of how easily people will turn from God, claiming that He is unable to do what he has promised. in Numbers 13:2 God says that He is giving the land to them. He didn't say that he might give it or would consider giving it or that he would try to give it. No, He said that He was giving them the land.
His giving them this pledge implies that he has the right and ability to give it to them (or is a liar). We are shown later all throughout the book of Joshua that He is able and does give the land to Israel. God made a promise, but the people are quick to disbelieve Him when they see the task at hand. These challenges appear too big and they begin to fear the people of the land. in doing this they are either calling God a liar in that He would not hold true to His primes or they are accusing Him to be unable to come through, a liar, not all knowing, or deceptive.
We all are quick to see the large obstacles in our lives and shrink back fearing defeat, but I believe we should more often have the attitude of Joshua and Caleb and Trust God to be faithful to His promises and working for our good, as well as His (Romans 8:28, Romans 11:36).
For the King,
~Andrew Voigt
6/9/10
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