Our Latest Polling Data Shows … (Numbers 14:1–10)
The people of Israel had seen for themselves the miracles God had performed in bringing them out of Egyptian captivity and slavery. They had seen Him bring plagues upon the Egyptians because of Pharaoh';s stubbornness, had crossed through the sea on dry land as Pharaoh';s army descended upon them, had sung God';s praises for their deliverance, had enjoyed His provision, and had heard His promises of a land flowing with milk and honey.
And yet, despite God';s awesome demonstrations of love, power, and provision, they grumbled and complained — and rebelled — rather than simply accept and claim what God had already given them. All this because of some reports of giants in the land God had promised them. “We wish we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they wailed. “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and little ones will be carried off as slaves! Let';s get out of here and return to Egypt!” (Numbers 14:2–3).
Kadesh-barnea, the name of the place where this rebellion took place, is believed to mean “the holy place of the desert of wandering.” After this, it remained a camp during the Israelites'; wanderings in the desert. This is also where Miriam, the sister of Moses, died and was buried shortly before the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land (Numbers 20:1).
This scene was more than one of people complaining and voicing their fears. It spun far beyond that and became one of open rebellion by the people against Moses and Aaron, the men God had called to lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. In an effort to calm the people and bring them back to a place of trusting God, Caleb and Joshua pleaded with them, first telling them how wonderful the land really was, then begging them, “Do not rebel against the Lord, and don';t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us. Don';t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9).
But it was too late to quell the rebellion. The people talked openly about stoning Caleb and Joshua to death, and the only thing that stopped them was an appearance of the glorious presence of the Lord before them.
The object lesson of the account in this passage of Scripture is that it is important for those who want to live a victorious life of faith in God to make sure they are focused on the right things. Sadly, the Israelites focused on the size of the giants in Canaan, not on the bigness and power and ability of their God to keep each and every one of His promises.
Study Questions
What more than anything do you think caused the people of Israel to rebel and plot to turn back and return to slavery in Egypt?
What qualities did Joshua display to the people of Israel when he pleaded with them not to rebel but to continue on and take what God had promised them?
