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The Reaction of the Children of Israel

Text: Numbers 14
22 February 2016

THE REACTION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

1. Upon hearing the report of the 10 spies

a) They wept   (Numbers 14:1)
b) They complained against Moses and Aaron   (Numbers 14:2)

2. Content of their complaint

a) If only we had died in the land of Egypt   (Numbers 14:2)
b) If only we had died in the wilderness   (Numbers 14:2)
c) Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, That our wives and children should become victims?   (Numbers 14:3)
d) Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?   (Numbers 14:3)

3. Further thought

a) Choosing of another leader other than Moses
b) Let us select another leader and return to Egypt   (Numbers 14:4)

RESPONSE OF MOSES AND AARON

1. They fell upon their faces before the whole assembly   (Numbers 14:5)

2. They must have been aghast at this reaction

RESPONSE OF JOSHUA AND CALEB

1. These two men were part of the team of spies sent out   (Numbers 14:6)

2. Their reaction

a) They tore their clothes
b) They spoke to the children of Israel
c) They were in protest

3. Content of what they said

a) The land is an exceedingly good land   (Numbers 14:7)
b) If the LORD delights in us He will bring us into the land and give it to us   (Numbers 14:8)
c) Only do not rebel against the LORD   (Numbers 14:9)
d) Nor fear the people of the land   (Numbers 14:9)
e) For they are our bread   (Numbers 14:9)
f) Their protection has departed from them   (Numbers 14:9)
g) And the LORD is with us   (Numbers 14:9)
h) Do not fear them   (Numbers 14:9)

REACTION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

They wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb   (Numbers 14:10)

RESPONSE OF THE LORD

1. He made His presence felt

2. The glory of the Lord appeared in the Tabernacle of meeting   (Numbers 14:10)