“Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and records the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. However, upon returning, ten of the spies brought a negative report, instilling fear and discouragement among the Israelites.
The evil report: The “evil report” refers to the negative and faithless account given by the majority of the spies. They focused on the challenges and obstacles they encountered in the land of Canaan, rather than trusting in God’s promise and power to give them victory. Their report caused the people to doubt God’s faithfulness and led to rebellion against God and His appointed leaders.
Consequences of unbelief: Numbers 14:37 highlights the severe consequences that followed the unbelief and disobedience of the spies and those who sided with them. As a result of their negative report and the subsequent rebellion of the people, God pronounced judgment on the entire generation, declaring that they would not enter the Promised Land but would wander in the wilderness for forty years until they died (Numbers 14:28-35).
Death by the plague: In Numbers 14:37, it is mentioned that those men who brought the evil report died by a plague before the Lord. This serves as a visible demonstration of God’s judgment upon their actions. Their deaths were a direct consequence of their unbelief and rebellion against God.
Lessons for us:
- Trust in God’s promises: The story of the spies reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s promises even when faced with challenges and obstacles. We should not allow fear or negative circumstances to undermine our faith in God’s faithfulness.
- The power of our words: The words we speak have a significant impact. The negative report of the spies had far-reaching consequences, leading to an entire generation missing out on God’s blessings. We should be cautious and mindful of the words we speak, ensuring that they align with God’s truth and promote faith rather than doubt.
- Consequences of disobedience: The account of the spies serves as a sobering reminder that disobedience and rebellion against God have consequences. God takes our faith and obedience seriously. It is vital for us to remain faithful and obedient to God’s commands, knowing that He desires our trust and allegiance.
- God’s justice and mercy: While the consequences were severe, it is important to remember that God is just and merciful. Despite the judgment upon that generation, God’s plan and promises were not abandoned. The next generation, under the leadership of Joshua and Caleb, eventually entered the Promised Land.
In conclusion, Numbers 14:37 serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises. The account of the evil report and its consequences teaches us valuable lessons about the power of our words and the need to remain faithful to God, even in the face of challenges and obstacles.
