The report from the scouts terrified the people, “Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?” Caleb and Joshua spoke against the bad report, tore their robes and pleaded with the people, “do not rebel against the Lord…do not be afraid.”
Moses pleaded with the Lord to forgive his people,
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. Numbers 14:19
The Lord forgives, but the punishment is great,
not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times–not one of them will ever see the land I promised Numbers 14:22-23
And so they turn away from Canaan, back to the desert they go. Ultimately, Joshua and Caleb will be the only two who will enter the Promised Land because of their commitment and faith.
Korah, a Levite, along with 250 Israelite men rose up against Moses and Aaron, “You have gone too far! Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:3) Korah and his followers, their households and all their stuff was swallowed up as the ground under them split apart. Gone. The next day some people continued to grumble and another 14,700 people died from a plague.
Not a good testimony from the annuls of “the chosen” people, but here it is for all to read. Lord, help me to learn from these mistakes, from my mistakes, and move into that which you have promised.
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