They Thought They Knew More Than God

A Reflection for Tuesday, 4/7/26

In this summary of the 12 spies’ exploration of Canaan, you will see that they had a higher opinion of their own judgment than they had of God’s plan. Even today, people often think they know more than God, especially when God’s Word tells us to do something that doesn’t fit with the current trends.

The Lord said to Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites.” Numbers 13:1-2

So they went up into the land and explored it for 40 days.

“When they reached the Valley of Eshkol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs.” (v.23)

“They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.” (vv 27-28)

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (vv 30-33)

The people grumbled. They didn’t trust God’s plan. In fact, they wanted to go back to Egypt! But Joshua and Caleb pleaded with the people.

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:7-9)

But the people thought they knew better. They relied on their own judgment rather than God’s Word. They even talked about stoning Joshua and Caleb. The Lord was so angry with the people that He said He was going to destroy them.

But fortunately for them, Moses pleaded with the Lord,

“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” (v. 19)

This story reminds me of Jesus’ words,

“…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

In other words, will He find people trusting His Word? Or will He find us trusting in our own judgment, thinking we know a better way?

In His Love, Cindy

P.S. Read the rest of Numbers, chapter 14, to see what happened next!

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scriptures are from the NIV. Photo from Google Images.

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