“And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe.”
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It contains the speeches of Moses to the Israelites, recounting their journey from Egypt and providing them with instructions and laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
In Deuteronomy 1, Moses addresses the Israelites before they cross the Jordan River to possess the land that God had promised to their ancestors. In verse 22, Moses recounts how the people suggested sending spies to explore the land. The verse you mentioned, Deuteronomy 1:23, describes Moses’ response to their suggestion.
The phrase “And the saying pleased me well” indicates that Moses approved of the people’s suggestion to send spies to scout the land. It demonstrates Moses’ willingness to listen to and consider the advice of the people.
Moses then took twelve men, one from each tribe, to serve as spies. These men were chosen to represent the entire nation of Israel. Their task was to gather information about the land, its people, its resources, and its fortifications, which would aid the Israelites in their future conquest.
The number twelve is significant in biblical symbolism, representing completeness and divine order. Choosing one representative from each tribe ensured that the report of the spies would reflect the perspectives and experiences of the entire nation.
However, as the story unfolds in the following verses, we learn that the majority of the spies brought back a negative report filled with fear and discouragement. This report caused the Israelites to doubt God’s promise and led to disastrous consequences for that generation, as they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years until the faithless generation passed away.
Overall, Deuteronomy 1:23 teaches us about the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel from others, as Moses valued the opinion of the people and listened to their suggestion. It also highlights the significance of choosing representative leaders who can provide an accurate assessment of a situation.
Additionally, the verse reminds us of the need for faith and trust in God’s promises, as the lack of faith displayed by the majority of the spies had severe consequences. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to fear and doubt, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and faithfulness.
In summary, Deuteronomy 1:23 illustrates Moses’ approval of the people’s suggestion to send spies, his selection of twelve representatives from each tribe, and the significance of seeking counsel and trusting in God’s promises.
