Chapter Summary

Spies sent into Kadesh-barnea, and their report.

Discussion Questions for Numbers, Chapter 13

1. According to the recounting of this story in Deuteronomy 1:22, who initiated the idea of sending spies into the land? Is this contradictory to the telling in Numbers? What are some other stories in scripture when the Lord guided His people through the mistakes they were actively making? Describe a time in your life when you were kept from the worst hurts of a sin by the providence of God.
2. Why would Israel need to spy out a land the Lord had already promised to them? Previously in Numbers 10, who and what led the way and ‘spied out’ the wilderness before Israel? How do we overcome the temptation to rely on our worldly wisdom over and against godly wisdom and being obedient to the Lord? Reflect on areas in your life where you have a harder time trusting in God’s promises over your own sight.
3. How has Moses been training up Joshua, back in chapter 11:26-30 and here as he is sent out as a spy? How is this an early model of the example and command that Jesus gave to His followers to “go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19)? What are some of the steps of Christian disciple making? Who is discipling you and what does that look like? Who are you disciplining and what does that look like?
4. How does Moses say, “Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land” (v20, ESV), when he has not seen the land or if there is fruit to bring back? How can followers of Jesus have the kind of confidence that Moses had when Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, ESV)? How do believers encourage one another to trust in the promises of God?
5. Moses calls Hoshea “Joshua” or “the Lord will deliver/save.” Why might have Moses highlighted Hoshea’s new name just before going into the promised land? Joshua is the Hebrew form of the name Jesus. If you are a believer, what did Jesus save you from in your life before Him?
6. These scouts bring back a giant cluster of grapes that is a foretaste of all of the fertility and goodness of the land the Lord has promised Israel. What good things does God give believers as a foretaste of eternity, whether spiritually, physically, or otherwise? What do these look like in your life in particular? What do you think these things in your life will be like in the new heaven and new earth?
7. In the face of such a good plentiful land, why are most of these scouts afraid of entering the promised land? What are some common fears that keep some from following Jesus into an abundant life (John 10:10)? Describe a time when some great fear held you back from following God.
8. In verse 30, why do think that Caleb is not afraid? Are the men correct in saying that “they are stronger than we are” (v. 31, ESV) when talking about the people of Israel themselves? Who has been doing the fighting of their enemies according to Numbers 10:35-36? How does it look in your life to have faith as Caleb had, and to have faith in Jesus when he says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)?
9. Why did some of the scouts say, “the land devours its inhabitants” (v.32, ESV) when they just “showed them the fruit of the land” (v. 26, ESV) moments before? Why did they also say, “we saw the Nephilim” (v.33), who were a race of partly divine men (Genesis 6:4) that the Lord wiped out in flood during the time of Noah? What are some lies, excuses, and other “bad report(s)” (v.32, ESV) often given for not following Jesus? What are some excuses you have brought before God, rather than obeying Him?
10. As it is apparent in verse 30, why were the people of Israel so quick to believe the “bad report” (v.32) that some of the spies brought to them? Recount a time you may have taken bad council just because you agreed with it or it seemed easier. How do believers best avoid the pit of “having itching ears…accumulate[ing] for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3, ESV)? How do believers hold to the truth, even if it comes as a rebuke or if that truth is a challenge to your life?

Key Words/Phrase

Searching, v. 25.

Characters

God, Moses, Caleb, Joshua.

Strong Verse(s)

27, 30.