NUMBERS 14
The report of the majority of the spies brought about a destructive chain reaction in the camp of Israel.
Unbelief led to rebellion (1–10). The people wept, complained, looked back to Egypt, wanted a new leader, and even threatened to stone Caleb and Joshua. Such are the evidences of unbelief. Faith looks ahead with courage; unbelief looks back with complaint. Faith unites the people of God; unbelief looks for somebody to blame. There was still time to repent and seek God’s face, but the people refused to listen to Caleb and Joshua.
Rebellion led to intercession (11–19). Moses once again stood between God’s people and God’s judgment and turned down God’s offer to make him the founder of a new nation (
Intercession led to pardon (20–38). God pardoned the people, but at the same time He judged their sins (
Pardon led to presumption (39–45). The people had acted stubbornly like the mule, and now they acted impetuously like the horse (
When You Are Outnumbered
Caleb and Joshua were a minority on the Search Committee and yet they did not give in, even when the nation turned against them and their lives were in danger. They had faith in God, they knew God’s will for the people, and they stood their ground. It is not important that we please others, but it is important that we please God. Like Caleb and Joshua, sometimes we must suffer because of the sins of others; but in the end, God will vindicate those who trust Him. (See Acts 20:24;