Two Optimistic Spies

More than 400 years later, the nation of Israel stood poised to enter Canaan, "a land flowing with milk and honey." (exodus 3:8; Deuteronomy 6:3) Moses commissioned 12 chieftains to 'search out the land and bring back word concerning the way by which they should go up and the cities to which they will come." (Deuteronomy 1:22; Numbers 13:2)  All 12 spies were unanimous in their description of the land's prosperity, but 10 of them gave a pessimistic report that instilled fear in the hearts of the people. -Numbers 13:31-33. 

Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, presented to the people an optimistic message and did all they could to allay their fears. Their attitude and report reflected full confidence in Jehovah's ability to fulfill his word to return them to the Promised Land-but to not avail. Instead,  "all the assembly talked of pelting them with stones." -Numbers 13:30; 14:6-10. 

Moses urged the people to trust in Jehovah, but they refused to listen.  Because they persisted in their pessimistic attitude, the whole nation had to wander 40 years in the wilderness. Of the 12 spies, only Joshua and Caleb experienced the rewards of optimism. What was the basic problem?  Lack of faith, as the people looked to their own wisdom. -Numbers 14:26-30; Hebrews 3:7-12. 

Next time: Jonah's Vacillations

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998