Numbers 13, G-d’s promise, and the danger of trusting what we see

We are approaching a critical turning point in the book of Numbers.
The children of Israel have been in the wilderness for quite some time. G-d has provided for them, protected them, and revealed His covenant faithfulness again and again. Now, He is ready to give them something greater: their inheritance in the land of Canaan.

To prepare them, G-d commands Moses to send men to tour and investigate the land—leaders from each tribe, men who should have been trustworthy, honorable, and faithful. Yet in this account, we discover a painful truth: not all leaders walk by faith.

And that lesson is not just for ancient Israel. If we do not walk in faith, the same spiritual consequences that fell upon them can visit us as well.

G-d Speaks – And His People Must Submit

Numbers 13 begins with a familiar phrase:

“And the L-rd spoke to Moses, saying…”

This is more than a narrative detail. Whenever we read that expression, it signals that:

• G-d is revealing His will.
• Moses is responsible to obey.
• The people are called to submit.

Biblically, nothing truly good happens without submission to G-d. Hearing His Word is not enough; it must be believed and obeyed.

“I Am Giving” – The Emphasis of G-d’s Promise

G-d’s instruction to Moses is simple and profound:

“Send men to tour the land of Canaan,
which I am giving to the children of Israel…”

In Hebrew, the verb form “I am giving” is used with a special grammatical construction that emphasizes the action. The point is not a technical grammar lesson; the point is this:

G-d strongly emphasizes: “I am giving this land.”

• It is not merely a possibility.
• It is not a vague offer.
• It is a definite, active, ongoing commitment.

What G-d gives, He gives fully and generously. He is not stingy, hesitant, or double-minded. The Promised Land is not a trap or a burden; it is a good gift from a faithful G-d.

Leaders Chosen to See G-d’s Faithfulness

G-d instructs Moses to send:

• One man from each tribe
• From the fathers’ tribes
• Men who are heads—the highest leaders, “presidents” of the tribes

These are not random volunteers. They are:

• Elevated
• Respected
• Publicly recognized

They should have been the most reliable men in Israel—men whose character matched their position, men who could be counted on to speak truth and lead in faith.

Among these leaders, two names stand out:

• Caleb son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah
• Hoshea (later called Joshua) son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim

Moses changes Hoshea’s name to Yehoshua (Joshua), a name that carries the idea of the L-rd as salvation. These two will prove to be faithful among a majority that is faithless.

Touring the Land: G-d Wants to Encourage His People

The assignment is clear. The men are to:

• Go up into the Negev (the south)
• Travel into the mountains
• Observe the land and the people
• Report whether the inhabitants are strong or weak, few or many
• Evaluate whether the land is good or bad, fertile or sparse
• Examine whether the cities are camps or fortified strongholds
• Bring back fruit of the land

All of this happens at the beginning of the grape harvest, a time of maximum fruitfulness.

This timing is not a coincidence. G-d is intentionally sending them at the best possible moment, so they will clearly see that:

• The land is rich and fertile
• The trees, vineyards, and crops produce in abundance
• G-d’s description of “a land flowing with milk and honey” is accurate

G-d wants the leaders to come back with a report that will encourage the people to receive what He is giving.

G-d Gives – We Receive by Faith

The heart of this chapter can be summarized in one phrase:

“I am giving it to the children of Israel.”

G-d’s part is to give.
Israel’s part is to receive by faith.

Even though battles lie ahead and enemies occupy the land, the outcome is not based on Israel’s strength, numbers, or military strategy. It is based on:

• G-d’s character (He cannot lie)
• G-d’s promise (He has sworn to give the land)
• G-d’s faithfulness (He has already proven Himself since Egypt)

If they would simply trust Him, they would enter the land and experience His goodness.

Faithless Leaders and a United Unbelief

Tragically, most of these leaders will fail. Instead of uniting the nation in faith, they will unite the nation in faithlessness.

• They were exalted into positions of leadership.
• They saw the land at its best.
• They had heard G-d’s promise: “I am giving it.”

Yet, they chose:

• To magnify the difficulties
• To fear the enemy more than they feared G-d
• To rely on their sight instead of G-d’s Word

In the weeks that follow, we will see that only two men—Caleb and Joshua—stand firm. The others yield to unbelief and spread discouragement.

The Principle for Us Today

This chapter is not just a historical lesson. It speaks directly into our time.

• G-d still gives: promises, callings, spiritual blessings, and kingdom purposes.
• We still must receive by faith.
• Our response will determine whether we walk in G-d’s goodness or in disappointment and loss.

When we let the enemy influence our perspective:

• We suffer loss.
• We experience unnecessary adversity.
• We exchange G-d’s truth for fear-filled lies.

But when we believe that:

• G-d is a G-d of truth, with no error in His Word
• Scripture is trustworthy and without contradiction
• His promises are sure and His character is unchanging

…then we can base our lives, decisions, words, and actions on His Word, and we will stand on solid ground.

Faith or Sight: The Choice Is Ours

Numbers 13 sets up a choice:

• Walk by faith, believing the G-d who says “I am giving.”
• Or walk by sight, trusting only what we see with our eyes.

Most of the spies chose the second path—and led a whole generation into disaster.

We are called to be different.

Faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the Word of G-d.

If we embrace the truth of Scripture and apply it to every area of life, we will be equipped:

• To overcome the enemy
• To withstand deception in the last days
• To maintain a G-d-pleasing testimony in a world moving toward the spirit of antichrist

G-d is still a G-d who gives.
The question is: Will we receive in faith—or retreat in unbelief?

Shalom from Israel.