Numbers: Preparing A People To Conquer (XIII)

Spies, Highs, And Cries (13:1-33)

Neal Pollard

What do you know about Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, and Geuel? More than you think!  These were 10 of the 12 spies, representing every tribe but Judah and Ephraim (1-16).  These leaders had some good qualities (17-26).  They were dutiful.  They did not reject the spy assignment, lurking through enemy territory for over a month.  They promptly reported to Moses, Aaron, and the congregation upon their return. Their report was not all negative—they acknowledge the milk, honey, and abundant fruit (27).  Yet, in the overall sense of their leadership, they were faithless leaders.

They were doubting (28-33).  To them, the problems outweighed the prospects. Despite praising the material provisions of the promised land, they saw three times as many negatives as positives.  They fretted over the natives’ strength, cities, and size.  That one word they utter, “nevertheless,” was the dark shadow that eclipsed their view of God.  When Caleb confronts their doubts, they reinforce their negative report.  In fact, they magnify the people’s fears by attempting to strengthen their argument.  At first, they only said the people were strong, but now they say they are too strong for us.  At first, they only say the cities are fortified, but now they say it is a land that devours its inhabitants. At first, they only say the descendants of Anak are there, but now they say they are “men of great size and we are grasshoppers in our sight and in their sight.”

When you look closer at the four righteous leaders in this context, Moses, Aaron, Joshua and especially Caleb, you see a stark contrast from the faithless leaders. These men faced the same adversity and served the same God.  It is amazing the difference that was made by a proper, spiritual perspective!

They were confident (30).  Caleb is saying “we shall take possession” and “we will be able to prevail.”  Of course, it was not overconfidence or confidence in self but rather belief in God’s ability.  Because taking the promised land was God’s plan and desire for Israel, these faithful leaders left no room for failure.  Joshua and Caleb try to spread that confidence to Israel (14:7-9).  Look at the confidence in God as Caleb says, “He will bring,” “He will give,” “they will be our prey,” and “the Lord is with us.”

Faithful leaders do not cower in the corner, worrying about what could go wrong or predicting what will go wrong.  They do not stick their finger to the wind of public opinion and then follow it.  They are Pauline in attitude professing their ability to do all things through Christ (Phi. 4:13).  The Christians addressed in Hebrews are urged to have this boldness and confidence no matter what adversity they faced, to “hold fast to it” (3:6), draw near God’s throne with it (4:16), and to “not cast it away” (10:35).  

Faithful leaders are not arrogant, but they have utmost confidence in their Leader.  The position of leadership can drain leaders of their optimism.  They can become discouraged, disheartened, and disillusioned.  But, leaders who stay positive, fueled by their hope in God’s ability, inspire others. Robert Morgan said, “Two men looked through bars; one saw mud, the other saw stars.”  Well, what was the difference between the two men?  One looked down, but the other looked up!  It is obvious which kind of leaders the church needs to keep from the wilderness.

They were convicted (30).  Caleb says, “We should go up certainly.”  Several times in scripture, God compliments Caleb as one who was blessed because he followed the Lord fully (Num. 14:24; 32:12; Deu. 1:36; Jos. 14:14).  We may wonder why Caleb’s outlook was not more infectious, but that he maintained his conviction among so many who did not share it is all the more remarkable!  

The church needs Caleb-like leaders, with certain convictions who follow the Lord fully.  We need men who will stand for what is right, even if they must stand alone.  The church will survive calls from the wilderness with leaders who know what is right and stand upon that rock-solid foundation.  Hebrews 13:7 urges, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”

Soren Kirkegaard, the 19th Century Danish philosopher, tells a parable about geese who waddled from their homes to worship each Sunday. One of the ganders would preach and the essential content of his sermon was how God gave geese wings, intended for them to fly, and made it so they could fly high and far.  The geese and ganders thought the discourse each week was high, lofty and inspiring. When the service ended, then they waddled back to their homes (Bretall 433). I wonder, are we ever like these geese? Saying we believe God’s promises but living like we do not?