February 6, 2025
Why Didn't Israel Want to Enter the Land God Promised Them?
Numbers 10-13
Daniel King
Big Book Idea
Even amidst a tragic transition, God still had a plan.
Key Verse | Numbers 13:27-28
And they told him, "We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there."
Numbers 10-13
Chapter 10
The Silver Trumpets
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp. 3 And when both are blown, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 4 But if they blow only one, then the chiefs, the heads of the tribes of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. 5 When you blow an alarm, the camps that are on the east side shall set out. 6 And when you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that are on the south side shall set out. An alarm is to be blown whenever they are to set out. 7 But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow a long blast, but you shall not sound an alarm. 8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets. The trumpets shall be to you for a perpetual statute throughout your generations. 9 And when you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. 10 On the day of your gladness also, and at your appointed feasts and at the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings. They shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the LORD your God.”
Israel Leaves Sinai
11 In the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, the cloud lifted from over the tabernacle of the testimony, 12 and the people of Israel set out by stages from the wilderness of Sinai. And the cloud settled down in the wilderness of Paran. 13 They set out for the first time at the command of the LORD by Moses. 14 The standard of the camp of the people of Judah set out first by their companies, and over their company was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 15 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar. 16 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.
17 And when the tabernacle was taken down, the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tabernacle, set out. 18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out by their companies, and over their company was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 19 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival. 22 And the standard of the camp of the people of Ephraim set out by their companies, and over their company was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 23 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.
25 Then the standard of the camp of the people of Dan, acting as the rear guard of all the camps, set out by their companies, and over their company was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ochran. 27 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. 28 This was the order of march of the people of Israel by their companies, when they set out.
29 And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the LORD has promised good to Israel.” 30 But he said to him, “I will not go. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.” 31 And he said, “Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. 32 And if you do go with us, whatever good the LORD will do to us, the same will we do to you.”
33 So they set out from the mount of the LORD three days' journey. And the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them. 34 And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp.
35 And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” 36 And when it rested, he said, “Return, O LORD, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”
Chapter 11
The People Complain
1 And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. 3 So the name of that place was called Taberah, 1 11:3 Taberah means burning because the fire of the LORD burned among them.
4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”
7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. 9 When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.
10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their clans, everyone at the door of his tent. And the anger of the LORD blazed hotly, and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to the LORD, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”
Elders Appointed to Aid Moses
16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Gather for me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them, and bring them to the tent of meeting, and let them take their stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. 18 And say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.” Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have rejected the LORD who is among you and have wept before him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”’” 21 But Moses said, “The people among whom I am number six hundred thousand on foot, and you have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month!’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, and be enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, and be enough for them?” 23 And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD's hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.”
24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. 25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it.
26 Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
Quail and a Plague
31 Then a wind from the LORD sprang up, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day's journey on this side and a day's journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits 2 11:31 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters above the ground. 32 And the people rose all that day and all night and all the next day, and gathered the quail. Those who gathered least gathered ten homers. 3 11:32 A homer was about 6 bushels or 220 liters And they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. 33 While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague. 34 Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, 4 11:34 Kibroth-hattaavah means graves of craving because there they buried the people who had the craving. 35 From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and they remained at Hazeroth.
Chapter 12
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses
1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed.
10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, 5 12:10 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us 6 12:11 Hebrew do not lay sin upon us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb.” 13 And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.” 14 But the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” 15 So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again. 16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran.
Chapter 13
Spies Sent into Canaan
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” 3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel. 4 And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Joseph (that is, from the tribe of Manasseh), Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 16 These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.
17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, 18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, 19 and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, 20 and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.
21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol, 7 13:24 Eshcol means cluster because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.
Report of the Spies
25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”
30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”
Footnotes
[1] 11:3 Taberah means burning[2] 11:31 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters
[3] 11:32 A homer was about 6 bushels or 220 liters
[4] 11:34 Kibroth-hattaavah means graves of craving
[5] 12:10 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
[6] 12:11 Hebrew do not lay sin upon us
[7] 13:24 Eshcol means cluster
Table of Contents
Introduction to Numbers
Timeline
Author and Date
Moses is the source and primary author of the book of Numbers, which is the fourth volume in the Pentateuch. Its English name comes from the censuses in chs. 1–4 and 26.
Numbers tells of Israel’s journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land, summarizing some 40 years of the nation’s history. With Israel having been freed from slavery in Egypt and then receiving the law (Exodus and Leviticus), the book of Numbers begins with the people’s final preparations to leave Sinai. It then records their triumphal setting out, before a series of events in which the people grumbled about the difficulty of the journey and the impossibility of conquering Canaan. This response leads God to delay their entry to Canaan by 40 years. The closing chapters of the book tell how the people at last set out again and reach the banks of the Jordan, ready to cross into the land promised to their forefathers.
Theme and Purpose
The theme of Numbers is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to Abraham that his descendants would be the people of God and would occupy the land of Canaan. The book shows the reality of God’s presence with Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire over the tabernacle. It also shows how Israel’s unbelief delays the entry into Canaan and costs many lives. Nevertheless, by the end of the book, Israel is ready to enter the land.
Key Themes
There were four elements to God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3, and they all play a role in Numbers:
- The land. Numbers describes Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land.
- Descendants. Abraham had been promised that his descendants would be as many as the stars of heaven (Gen. 15:5). Jacob’s family consisted of just 70 persons when he entered Egypt (Gen. 46:27). Now they had increased immensely. The first census (Num. 1:1–46) showed that the fighting men numbered 603,550. That did not include women and children. Surveying their camp from a hilltop, Balaam declared, “Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?” (23:10). Balaam went on to predict that Israel would become a powerful kingdom in its own right: “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (24:17).
- Covenant relationship with God. The essence of the covenant was, “You shall be my people, and I will be your God.” The Lord’s presence with Israel is constantly highlighted throughout the book of Numbers.
- Blessing to the nations. This is the aspect of the promises to Abraham that is least apparent in Numbers. To a greater or lesser degree, the nations that Israel encounters are all hostile. Nevertheless Balaam recalls the phrasing of Genesis 12:3 when he says, “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you” (Num. 24:9). Nations who treat Israel generously by blessing her will themselves be blessed.
Outline
Numbers consists of three major blocks of material describing the events and laws associated with three centers where Israel encamped for a significant time. These centers are Sinai (chs. 1–10), Kadesh (chs. 13–19), and the plains of Moab (chs. 22–36). They are linked by two short travelogues recording what occurred as Israel journeyed from one camp to the next.
- Israel Prepares to Enter the Land (1:1–10:10)
- Marching from Sinai to Kadesh (10:11–12:16)
- Forty Years near Kadesh (13:1–19:22)
- Marching from Kadesh to the Plains of Moab (20:1–21:35)
- Israel in the Plains of Moab (22:1–36:13)
Journeys in the Wilderness
c. 1446 B.C.
The book of Numbers details the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness as they journeyed from Mount Sinai to Canaan. As with the exodus, it is difficult to establish the exact route that the Israelites took, but it is generally believed that they headed east from Mount Sinai until they reached the Red Sea, where they turned northward to the top of the gulf and on to Kadesh-barnea.
Fact: Where do the events in Numbers take place?
Where do the events in Numbers take place? Chapters 1–9 take place near Mount Sinai. In chs. 10–12 the people travel to Kadesh, where they will spend the next 40 years (chs. 13–19). Next they journey toward Canaan (chs. 20–21), and in the final chapters of Numbers (22–36) they camp in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River from the Promised Land.
Fact: Symbols of holiness
Symbols of holiness are found all throughout Numbers. The tabernacle objects that were farther from the presence of God in the Most Holy Place could be made of ordinary materials like bronze. Within the Most Holy Place, everything was overlaid with pure gold.
Fact: The feeding of the 5,000
Each of the four Gospels records the feeding of the 5,000. In John, this is Jesus’ fourth sign showing that he is the Son of God (6:1–15). Just as God provided manna for Israel, Jesus provided food (see Numbers 11). Jesus wanted people to see that he is the bread of life (John 6:35).
Fact: Bdellium
Bdellium (11:7) has been described as a precious stone similar to a pearl. It has also been described as a pale, yellow tree resin. Ancient history books tell of its being used to make perfumes, which means it was probably a resin.
Fact: Did Moses have a second wife?
Did Moses have a second wife? The “Cushite woman” mentioned in 12:1 was probably Moses’ second wife. “Cush” can refer to Ethiopia or to a much larger portion of Africa, depending on the era in biblical history. The controversy about her may have been due to ethnic prejudice. If so, God’s response indicates that the Lord’s people must reject such prejudice.
Fact: Exaggerated claims?
Exaggerated claims? The spies’ reports about the size of the people of Canaan were exaggerations calculated to scare the people. However, their report about the size of the cities was true. Canaanite cities of that time were large and heavily defended. The city walls were often built of stone, and some were as thick as 24 feet (7.3 m).
Journeys in the Wilderness
c. 1446 B.C.
The book of Numbers details the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness as they journeyed from Mount Sinai to Canaan. As with the exodus, it is difficult to establish the exact route that the Israelites took, but it is generally believed that they headed east from Mount Sinai until they reached the Red Sea, where they turned northward to the top of the gulf and on to Kadesh-barnea.
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Parallels between Exodus and Numbers
| Ex. 18:1 | Advice from Moses’ father-in-law | Advice from Moses’ father-in-law | Num. 10:29 |
| Ex. 15:22 | Three-day journey to Sinai | Three-day journey from Sinai | Num. 10:33 |
| Ex. 15:22–26 | Complaint about water | Unspecified complaint | Num. 11:1–3 |
| Exodus 16 | Manna and quail | Manna and quail | Num. 11:4–15, 31–35 |
| Exodus 18 | Leaders appointed to assist Moses | Leaders appointed to assist Moses | Num. 11:16–30 |
| Ex. 15:20–21 | Miriam’s song of praise | Miriam and Aaron rebel | Numbers 12 |
| Ex. 17:8–16 | Israel defeats Amalek | Israel defeated by Amalek | Num. 14:39–45 |
| Ex. 17:1–7 | Water from rock | Water from rock | Num. 20:1–13 |
| Ex. 32:6 | People sacrifice to other gods | People sacrifice to other gods | Num. 25:2 |
| Ex. 32:27 | Killing of apostates demanded | Killing of apostates demanded | Num. 25:5 |
| Ex. 32:28–29 | Levites’ status enhanced | Levites’ (Phinehas’s) status enhanced | Num. 25:6–13 |
| Ex. 32:35 | Plague on the people | Plague on the people | Num. 25:9 |
Miriam
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. It was probably Miriam who saw Pharaoh’s daughter rescue Moses from the water, and offered to call a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. As a result, Moses was nursed by his own mother, who was paid wages to care for him. Miriam was a prophetess. Following the exodus she led the women of Israel in song and dance to celebrate God’s deliverance. Along with Aaron, she criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, thus challenging his authority. God punished Miriam by inflicting her with leprosy, though she was healed after Moses prayed for her. Micah 6:4 lists Miriam alongside her brothers as one whom God appointed to lead Israel. (Exodus 15:20–21)
Num. 1:1–10:10 Israel Prepares to Enter the Land. Numbers tells how Israel traveled from Mount Sinai to the Jordan Valley, the eastern border of the Promised Land. The first 10 chapters relate Israel’s preparations to enter the land.
Num. 10:1–10 The trumpets signal when the different tribes are to set out (see vv. 5–7). They are also used to call the congregation (v. 3) or the chiefs (v. 4). Their use in war and on the festival days is described (vv. 9–10). But blowing the trumpets was also a kind of prayer, a plea to God to remember his people and their needs, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God (v. 9). Blowing the trumpets involves long notes, whereas sounding an alarm is done with short blasts. On the day of your gladness (v. 10) would include such occasions as festivals or victory celebrations after battle.
The Hebrew Calendar
The Hebrew calendar was composed of 12 lunar months, each of which began when the thin crescent moon was first visible at sunset. They were composed of approximately 29/30 days and were built around the agricultural seasons. Apparently some of the names of the months were changed after the time of Israel’s exile in Babylon (e.g., the first month of Abib changed to Nisan; for dates of the exile, see p. 31). The months of the Hebrew calendar (left column) are compared to the corresponding months of the modern (Gregorian) calendar shown in the center column. Biblical references (in the third column) indicate references to the Hebrew calendar cited in the Bible.
*Periodically, a 13th month was added so that the lunar calendar would account for the entire solar year.
Num. 10:11–28 The people of Israel have been at Sinai for almost a full year (see Ex. 19:1). They now begin their journey to the Promised Land, following the cloud that represents God’s presence.
Num. 10:29–32 The relationship of Hobab and Reuel to Jethro (Ex. 3:1; 18:1–2) is uncertain. The simplest solution is that Reuel and Jethro are alternative names of Moses’ father-in-law. This would make Hobab Moses’ brother-in-law. In Judg. 4:11, Hobab’s descendants are called Kenites, whereas here he is called a Midianite; the Kenites were most likely a subgroup of the Midianites. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred. Hobab apparently rejects a share in Canaan, and the text does not say whether Moses’ offer persuades him to reconsider. In Numbers 25 and 31, the Midianites are fierce enemies of Israel, but in Judg. 1:16 and 4:11, the Kenites are Israel’s allies in Canaan.
Num. 10:33–36 The repetition of three days emphasizes the short distance that was traveled.
Num. 11:1–3 This is a general complaint by the people. As on other occasions, Moses’ intercession stops God’s judgment (Ex. 32:11–14, 31–32; Num. 12:13–15; 14:11–25).
Num. 11:7 Bdellium is a pale yellow resin found in desert areas.
Fact: Bdellium
Bdellium (11:7) has been described as a precious stone similar to a pearl. It has also been described as a pale, yellow tree resin. Ancient history books tell of its being used to make perfumes, which means it was probably a resin.
Num. 11:16–23 Though God gives his people the meat they want, he punishes them for their ungrateful attitude.
Num. 11:24–30 These seventy elders prophesied for only a short time (they did not continue doing it), but this was enough to give them credibility as Moses’ assistants. Their prophesying would have involved speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is unclear whether Eldad and Medad were attached to the group of 70. In any case, they prophesied in a different place (in the camp), whereas the 70 had prophesied around the tent (v. 24). This made their prophesying much more obvious to the other Israelites, which was a concern to Joshua (vv. 27–28). Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets! Moses’ positive response (v. 29) will later be echoed by the prophet Joel’s vision of the “day of the LORD,” when “your sons and daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28; compare Acts 2:17). When the OT speaks of the work of the Spirit, it is focusing on the empowering of the Spirit for service, rather than on an internal, personal experience.
Num. 11:31–34 Quail (small partridges) migrate north across the Sinai Peninsula in the spring and fall, so these were not a regular food item. There were so many quail that anyone could collect at least ten homers (v. 32), roughly 60 bushels (480 dry gallons or 2,200 liters)! The people’s greed was punished by a very great plague (v. 33). It led to many deaths, and the place was named Kibroth-hattaavah, “graves of craving” (v. 34).
Num. 11:4–35 The people complain about the monotony of their diet of manna. What they really want, however, are the pleasures of Egypt (vv. 4–5). They are not satisfied with God’s plans.
Fact: The feeding of the 5,000
Each of the four Gospels records the feeding of the 5,000. In John, this is Jesus’ fourth sign showing that he is the Son of God (6:1–15). Just as God provided manna for Israel, Jesus provided food (see Numbers 11). Jesus wanted people to see that he is the bread of life (John 6:35).
Fact: Did Moses have a second wife?
Did Moses have a second wife? The “Cushite woman” mentioned in 12:1 was probably Moses’ second wife. “Cush” can refer to Ethiopia or to a much larger portion of Africa, depending on the era in biblical history. The controversy about her may have been due to ethnic prejudice. If so, God’s response indicates that the Lord’s people must reject such prejudice.
Num. 12:1–2 Nothing is known about the Cushite woman beyond this brief mention. Cush normally refers to ancient Ethiopia, so the Cushite woman probably was Moses’ second wife.
Num. 12:3–4 The Hebrew term translated meek is more often rendered as “humble” or “poor.”
Num. 12:6–8 Unlike with ordinary prophets, who receive their revelations in vision and dream, God speaks to Moses mouth to mouth. This implies verbal communication. He is faithful in all my house. The Lord regarded Moses as a trusted household manager. It is not clear how seeing the form of the LORD differs from seeing his face. The Lord had previously forbidden Moses to see his face (Ex. 33:18–23). Someday, however, believers will see the Lord face to face (Ps. 17:15; Rev. 22:4). Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? To oppose Moses was also to oppose God himself.
Num. 12:9–12 Miriam and Aaron should have realized that Moses had a unique kind of access to God. Their lack of awareness prompts God’s anger. leprous, like snow. In the Bible, “leprosy” includes a variety of skin diseases (see note on Lev. 13:1–59).
Num. 10:11–12:16 Marching from Sinai to Kadesh. Numbers alternates sections on law-giving and organization with “travel reports.” In chs. 10–12 Israel moves from the foot of Mount Sinai to Kadesh (later called Kadesh-barnea; 32:8), an oasis on the southern border of Canaan. Another such report of travel will come in chs. 20–21.
Num. 12:1–16 Moses’ brother Aaron, the high priest, and his sister Miriam, a prophetess (Ex. 15:20), challenge his unique position. Their initial remarks, concerning Moses’ Cushite wife, are only a cover for their real complaint: Has the LORD . . . spoken only through Moses?
Num. 12:13–16 As final proof of Moses’ special status before the Lord, his prayer for his sister’s healing is immediately answered. But she must be shut outside the camp seven days before being readmitted (see Lev. 14:1–9; Num. 5:2). God explains this punishment by comparing it to the punishment given to rebellious children (12:14; compare Deut. 25:9).
Miriam
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. It was probably Miriam who saw Pharaoh’s daughter rescue Moses from the water, and offered to call a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. As a result, Moses was nursed by his own mother, who was paid wages to care for him. Miriam was a prophetess. Following the exodus she led the women of Israel in song and dance to celebrate God’s deliverance. Along with Aaron, she criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, thus challenging his authority. God punished Miriam by inflicting her with leprosy, though she was healed after Moses prayed for her. Micah 6:4 lists Miriam alongside her brothers as one whom God appointed to lead Israel. (Exodus 15:20–21)
Num. 13:2 land . . . which I am giving. God reminds Moses of his promise to Israel.
Num. 13:4–16 This list of tribal leaders differs from that in chs. 1–2. Perhaps younger, more energetic leaders were needed for the spying mission. In 13:16, Hoshea (“he saves”) is renamed Joshua (“Yahweh saves”). The faith Joshua will display in 14:6 shows the suitability of his new name.
Num. 13:20 The season of the first ripe grapes is late July.
Num. 13:22 Hebron is about 20 miles (32 km) south of Jerusalem. It is where God had promised the land to Abraham forever (Gen. 17:8). Hebron is also the burial place of the patriarchs and their wives (see Genesis 23). the descendants of Anak. The Anakim were famous for their height (see Num. 13:33; Deut. 9:2). Zoan is Tanis, in the Nile delta. Several hundred years later, during Israel’s monarchy, it would be Egypt’s capital.
Num. 13:23 Eshcol (which means cluster) cannot be precisely located, but grapes grow well in the Hebron area.
Num. 13:17–24 The spies cover some 220 miles (354 km). They travel from the Negeb, south of Beersheba, all the way to the far north—Rehob, near Lebo-hamath—about 47 miles (76 km) north of Damascus.
Fact: Exaggerated claims?
Exaggerated claims? The spies’ reports about the size of the people of Canaan were exaggerations calculated to scare the people. However, their report about the size of the cities was true. Canaanite cities of that time were large and heavily defended. The city walls were often built of stone, and some were as thick as 24 feet (7.3 m).
Num. 13:25–33 The spies’ report covers the same events described in vv. 17–24. But while the earlier account is straightforward and factual, the spies’ account is vivid and exaggerated, designed to dismay the hearers. Their reference to Nephilim is most likely an excuse for their disobedience rather than an accurate report of what they saw in Canaan. The only other biblical mention of the Nephilim is before the flood (see note on Gen. 6:4).
S4:032 Numbers 10-13
Listen NowDive Deeper | Numbers 10-13
Finally! After a long journey filled with complaints, opposition, and more manna and quail than you can shake a stick at, the Israelites have arrived at the doorstep of the Promised Land! But the task isn't over yet. They are at a pivotal moment that will test their hearts and faith.
Spies are sent in to investigate the land and give a report of all that is within the land. After 40 days, they return with a good report—initially! (In Scripture, 40 days often signify a period of testing. Think of Jesus' days in the wilderness.) The land was plentiful, just as God had promised. But while two of the 12 spies saw opportunities, the rest saw insurmountable obstacles (Numbers 13:31-33). What should've been a moment of joy and excitement soon turned into a time of reluctance and doubt.
I think sometimes it's easy for me to read this story and think that the Israelites were so foolish for not wanting to go in. They had seen God provide for them time and time again in incredible ways. How could they be overwhelmed now, facing mere men? But that's just it. We often find ourselves with trials right in front of us each day, and a common temptation is to see them as bigger than God at the moment. We take our eyes off Jesus and look at the crashing waves all around us, resulting in our faith turning to fear. This lack of obedience at the moment can lead to consequences. For the Israelites, it was another 40 years in the wilderness.
But we don't have to live in this fear. When God calls us to new territories and things we have never faced before, we remind ourselves that He goes before us and with us in all our trials (Deuteronomy 31:8), and we know that we already have the victory in Christ through whom we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). So let us be like Caleb and Joshua, trusting in God's promises and resting in the assurance that He goes before us even in challenging circumstances.
This month's memory verse
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."
– Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Discussion Questions
1. Share an experience when you faced a daunting challenge and initially reacted with fear or doubt. How did you eventually overcome it, or what held you back from moving forward with faith?
2. The Israelites and 10 spies saw obstacles rather than opportunities. Why do you think it's easier to focus on obstacles rather than trust in God's promises? How can you train yourself to shift your perspective from fear to faith in your daily life?
3. Knowing that God goes before you in all your trials, how do you personally remind yourself of God's presence and promises during tough times? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust like Caleb and Joshua?