welve men sent to search the land of Canaan, Their
instructions. (1-20) Their proceedings. (21-25) Their account of
the land. (26-33)
Verses 1-20: A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and
the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the
borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish
in the wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears,
(De 1:22), that the motion to search out the land came from the
people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of
God's wisdom. Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports
and representations of sense rather than Divine revelation. We
walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be
of good courage. It was not only a great undertaking they were
put upon, which required good management and resolution; but a
great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should
be faithful. Courage in such circumstances can only spring from
strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.
Verses 21-25: The searchers of the land brought a bunch of grapes with
them, and other fruits, as proofs of the goodness of the
country; which was to Israel both the earnest and the specimen
of all the fruits of Canaan. Such are the present comforts we
have in communion with God, foretastes of the fulness of joy we
expect in the heavenly Canaan. We may see by them what heaven
is.
Verses 26-33: We may wonder that the people of Israel staid forty days
for the return of their spies, when they were ready to enter
Canaan, under all the assurances of success they could have from
the Divine power, and the miracles that had hitherto attended
them. But they distrusted God's power and promise. How much we
stand in our own light by our unbelief! At length the messengers
returned; but the greater part discouraged the people from going
forward to Canaan. Justly are the Israelites left to this
temptation, for putting confidence in the judgment of men, when
they had the word of God to trust in. Though they had found the
land as good as God had said, yet they would not believe it to
be as sure as he had said, but despaired of having it, though
Eternal Truth had engaged it to them. This was the
representation of the evil spies. Caleb, however, encouraged
them to go forward, though seconded by Joshua only. He does not
say, Let us go up and conquer it; but, Let us go and possess it.
Difficulties that are in the way of salvation, dwindle and
vanish before a lively, active faith in the power and promise of
God. All things are possible, if they are promised, to him that
believes; but carnal sense and carnal professors are not to be
trusted. Unbelief overlooks the promises and power of God,
magnifies every danger and difficulty, and fills the heart with
discouragement. May the Lord help us to believe! we shall then
find all things possible.
welve men sent to search the land of Canaan, Their
instructions. (1-20) Their proceedings. (21-25) Their account of
the land. (26-33)