This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Numbers 14 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Numbers 14 the problem with the Israelites wasn’t the realisation they couldn’t take the land, but not trusting God who could do it. Joshua and Caleb had it figured out, they knew the Lord was with them, and He is with you.
It is a fact that when God is with you, you STILL go to difficult places, but you go through them with him. It is a mistake to think that if God is with you, there will not be problems. There may be even greater problems, but this is to teach us that we trust in Him. The NT scriptures say, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) It is precisely in our weakness, and in danger, and in trouble that God is able to shine, and so he takes us to those places deliberately.
So God is displeased and has to punish. He decides that everyone twenty or older will not inherit the promised land, with the only exceptions being Caleb and Joshua. By the time they do come to conquest in another 39 years or so, the new groups of Israelites are going to think differently. They will not think like slaves, and will be ready to inherit what God promised.
There is nothing more insulting to God than refusing to receive his promises, that is refusing to trust Him for them. God has made promises to you too and he wants to take you the hard way to get there and in doing so show himself to you.
May 16, 2021 | Message by David Alley