Deuteronomy 1:19-25

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+1:19-25

Spies Sent Out

19 Then, as the LORD our God commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites through all that vast and dreadful wilderness that you have seen, and so we reached Kadesh Barnea. 20 Then I said to you, “You have reached the hill country of the Amorites, which the LORD our God is giving us. 21 See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 22 Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.” 23 The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe. 24 They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshkol and explored it. 25 Taking with them some of the fruit of the land, they brought it down to us and reported, “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.”

Study Notes:

1:22 The spies were sent into the land to determine not whether they should enter, but where they should enter. Upon returning, however, most of the spies concluded that the land was not worth the obstacles. God would give the Israelites the power to conquer the land, but they were afraid of the risk and decided not to enter. God gives us the power to overcome our obstacles, but like the Israelites filled with fear and skepticism, we often let difficulties control our lives. Following God regardless of the difficulties is the way to have courageous, overcoming faith.

1:23-40 Moses retold the story of the spy mission into the promised land (Numbers 13, 14). When the spies returned with reports of giants (Anakites) and walled cities, the people were afraid to move ahead and began to complain about their predicament. But the minority report of Joshua and Caleb pointed out that the land was fertile, the enemy was vulnerable, and God was on their side. We become fearful and immobile when we focus on the negative aspects of a situation. How much better it is to focus on the positive--God's direction and promises. When confronted with an important decision and you know what you should do, move out in faith. Focus on the positives while trusting God to overcome the negatives. Problems don't have to rob you of the victory.

So often we look at God's gifts and promises and wonder if they are good enough to believe in. "Is it trustworthy?" Let us spy and see the evidence. Stuff like that. It takes special faith to trust what we have not seen. Two out of the twelve upright men had a good report. Is that enough? My question is, "This was God Almighty commanding through Moses. Did they not realize God would guide them every step of the way? Did they not realize that He would give provision and protection, and that He already knows the dangers and toils and the ultimate benefits? Did they not trust the Lord, their God, enough? Ah, but this is war prep. Hmmm.

Our God and our guide, strengthen our faith and trust in You, Lord. Help our unbelief. Give us courage to move ahead in obedience to You. Oh Lord, don't let us get bogged down in our suspicions of others. Instead, keep our focus on You and what is true. You are true, Lord. And never-failing. Distraction upon distraction will try to avert our attention. Keep our aim steadfastly focused. Move us as we awaken. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=r5Q8Xa0bPy8

Have a blessed day.