Following their departure from Egypt, the Israelites approach Canaan, the Promised Land. Before going further, Moses sends 12 spies, one from each of the 12 tribes, to scout out the land for 40 days.

A land of plenty

On their return, the scouts report a land that is good, flowing with the proverbial “milk and honey” God promised. As evidence, they bring a bunch of grapes so huge they have to carry it on a pole between two of them. However, they say, the people of Canaan are intimidating and live in large, well-fortified cities.

Undaunted, one of the scouts, Caleb, believes that God will be with them to give them this new home. Supported by another of the scouts, Joshua, he urges his fellow Israelites to go and occupy it. However, the remaining ten exclaim that they cannot attack such formidable foes. The bulk of the Israelites side with the ten and begin to lament that they ever left Egypt. Angry at their faithlessness, God threatens to destroy the people, but Moses intercedes on their behalf.

God’s resolution marks a watershed in the book of Numbers. Israel will still enter Canaan but not for another 40 years, due to the people’s lack of faith. In the meantime, they will return to the wilderness. Among the older generation, only Caleb and Joshua will possess the Promised Land.

See also: Covenants • The Exodus • Balaam’s Donkey • The Fall of Jericho