Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) Numbers/B’midbar 13:1-15:41

Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) Numbers/B’midbar 13:1-15:41

Haftorah Reading: Joshua 2:1-24

Messianic Scripture  Hebrews 3:7-19

Today we look at one of the most difficult passages we will study all year. It is not difficult because of grammar or use of unfamiliar words. Rather it is difficult to understand because we, looking at it in hindsight, wonder how could these ten men, leaders of the tribes, have made such a serious mistake. How could they have erred in their conclusions? Remember, these men had all seen G-d deliver Israel from Egypt. They had seen the army of Egypt drowned in the Sea while they walked through on dry ground. They sung with all Israel the song of triumph when they were delivered in Exodus 15:1-18. They were all present when G-d came down on the mountain and spoke to them and gave them the Torah.

What’s Your Perspective? – Shelach Lekha Numbers 13

 

Torah Portion: Shelach Lekha  Numbers 13:1-15:41

HafTorah: Joshua 2:1-24

I would like us to focus mainly on the story of the spies and see what we can learn from it. First let us see if we can clear up what seems to be a contradiction. In Numbers 13:1-2 we read in English that G-d spoke to Moses and told him to send the spies. In Deut. 1:22 we read Moses recounting this event by saying the people came to him and asked to send spies. So which is true? Here the Hebrew language helps a little. In Numbers 13:2 G-d’s word to Moses translated as “send men” should be translated as. “send for yourself” or you do what you think is right. Given this, then there is harmony between the two. G-d allowed this. He allows us the freedom of choice even when that choice is incorrect.