Theory question 102
Moses and the Exodus(a) Give an account of the report brought to Moses by the twelve spies. (b) What three lessons can political leaders learn from the mission of the spies?
Show the model answer
(a) After forty days the spies returned with grapes, pomegranates and figs (Numbers 13:23-25).
They said the land flowed with milk and honey (Numbers 13:27).
But the people were strong and the cities fortified; they saw the sons of Anak (Numbers 13:28-29).
Caleb said, "Let us go up at once… we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30).
The others said, "We are not able… we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers" (Numbers 13:31-33).
The people wept and wanted to return to Egypt; Joshua and Caleb urged trust in God; the people wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:1-10).
God punished that generation to wander forty years; the ten spies died (Numbers 14:29-37).
(b) Any three: be truthful in reports; trust God and be courageous; do not spread fear; consult and plan before acting; follow good advice, not the crowd; faithfulness is rewarded.
Narrate Numbers 13–14, then three lessons.