Page 6 of 6
The Spies and the People’s Fear
In Numbers 13:1-14:4, God told Moses to send twelve men to explore the land of Canaan, which He had promised to the Israelites. After forty days, the spies returned with reports of a fertile land but also strong enemies. Ten of them spread fear, saying the people there were too powerful to defeat. Only Joshua and Caleb trusted God and encouraged the Israelites to move forward. Instead of believing God’s promise, the people panicked and wanted to return to Egypt.
The Consequence of Doubt
In Numbers 14:5-45, Joshua and Caleb urged the Israelites to trust God and enter the promised land, but the people refused and even talked about choosing a new leader. God was angry at their lack of faith and declared that they would wander in the desert for forty years until the unbelieving generation passed away. When the people realized their mistake, they tried to enter the land without God’s help, but they were defeated.
The Bronze Snake
In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites grew impatient as they traveled and complained against God and Moses. As a consequence, poisonous snakes bit many of them, and many died. When the people admitted their sin and asked for help, God told Moses to make a bronze snake and place it on a pole. Anyone who looked at it was healed.
Balaam and the Talking Donkey
In Numbers 22:5-38, a king named Balak wanted a man named Balaam to curse Israel, hoping to stop them from entering the land. On his way to meet Balak, Balaam’s donkey suddenly stopped because it saw an angel blocking the path—something Balaam couldn’t see. When Balaam got angry and hit the donkey, God made the animal speak to him! Then Balaam’s eyes were opened, and he realized that God was in control.
A Call to Remain Faithful
In Deuteronomy 29:1-29, Moses reminded the Israelites of all that God had done for them, from rescuing them from Egypt to providing for them in the wilderness. He urged them to keep their covenant with God, warning that turning away to follow other gods would bring disaster. However, those who remained faithful would be blessed. Moses also emphasized that some things belong only to God, but what He has revealed is meant to guide His people.
Choose Life by Following God
In Deuteronomy 30:1-20, Moses told the Israelites that even if they turned away from God and faced hardship, He would welcome them back if they repented. God promised to bless them if they loved and obeyed Him, but turning away would lead to destruction. Moses made it clear that they had a choice: life and blessings or death and hardship. He urged them to choose life by staying faithful to God.
Be Strong and Courageous
In Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Moses told the Israelites that he would not lead them into the Promised Land, but Joshua would take his place. He assured them that God would go before them, defeat their enemies, and never leave them. Moses encouraged them to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. He gave Joshua the same promise, reminding him that God would be with him every step of the way.
Moses Sees the Promised Land
In Deuteronomy 34:1-12, God led Moses to the top of a mountain and showed him the Promised Land—the place He had promised to give the Israelites. However, Moses was not allowed to enter it. After seeing the land, Moses died, and God Himself buried him. Even though Moses did not go into the land, he was honored as a great leader who had done amazing miracles through God’s power. The Israelites mourned his death, and Joshua became their new leader.