Parsha: Sh’lach (Numbers 13:1-Numbers 15:41)

Parsha Sh'lach Day #1: Numbers 13:1-20 (Study Notes)

(Numbers 13:1-20) A Call to Scan the Promised Land

Right after we read about the plague of quail that killed thousands of Israelites and the plague of leprosy that befell Miriam (but not Aaron for the same sin), Hahem commands Moshe to send 12 spies into the promised land to see what type of land it was. This mission seems more a test of faith than an actual scouting mission.

In the opening lines of Numbers chapter 13, we read that Hashem commands Moshe to choose 12 men to go and scan the promised land. The Hebrew word used in the first verse to describe Hashem's interaction with Moshe is: אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה.

This word (or conjunction of words) connotes the idea that Hashem more than spoke to Moshe. Indeed, it connotes the idea that Hashem "spoke into Moshe." If we consider that every Jewish person has the neshamah (or spark of Hashem's own spirit) deep within us, we can better understand what is being conveyed here.

Hashem is not merely telling Moshe, "go do x, y, z."

Rather it is as if Hashem is speaking courage, strength, and resolve into Moshe's spirit so that Moshe can convey such attributes into his own men before sending them out. These attributes were much needed, given the events which we read about in the last Parsha study.

From Jewish soul to Jewish soul, Hashem speaks the definitive promise that He is going to give to the Jewish Israelites the land of Canaan:

These words are clear, decisive, and should cause no doubt for the 12 chieftains (the Hebrew נָשִׂ֥יא translates to English as "presidents") whom Moshe would elect and send. Instead, this declarative statement by Hashem should give hope, strength, and courage to the 12 elect men that no matter what the land or inhabitants looked like, Hashem would ensure that His Jewish Israelites would conquer the land and it would bloom, even in desert places.

After hearing the restated promise of Genesis 15:17-19: "I will give you this land," Moshe then commands the men to go and scan (or spy out the land), noting the following attributes:

1. What kind of country is the land?

2. Are the people in the land strong or weak?

3. Are the people in the land few or many?

4. Is the country good or bad?

5. Are the towns open or fortified?

6. Is the soil rich or poor?

7. Is the land wooded or not wooded?

The men were also supposed to

Verse 20 also makes clear that Hashem was sending the men out during the season of the first ripe grapes. Meaning He was sending them out during a time when the good produce of the land would be undeniably visible. He was not sending the men during a fallow or drought period. But at a time of harvest.

If we look at the attributes that Hashem commanded the Jewish Israelites to look out for, He was not asking them to consider "can we conquer the land or not." Instead, it was as if He was giving them a test of faith. He had just told them that He was going to give the promised land to them. Now Hashem was just asking them to go look and see what that promised land looked like. Would their faith stand and rest upon Hashem's promised regardless of what they saw?

For 2, yes.

For 10, no.

In verses 4-15, we read the names of the elected chieftains. If we look at the census of chieftains in Numbers chapter 1:5-15, we note that none of the named chieftains are the same. Thus, we must ask if Hashem elected a second set of chieftains (or military leaders) specifically for the spy task?

A second election would make sense. For, if the 12 originally named chieftains were sent out, then the 12 Tribes would be left without military leadership for the duration of the spies' mission. A second "special-ops" selection would allow a representative from each tribe to be sent into the Promised Land, while also leaving leadership in the camp should a problem arise (or a move be required) while the spies were on their mission.

When we look at the provided list of newly named chieftains, there are two men who stand out (when we read ahead in this week's parsha). Of note are Caleb from the tribe of Judah and Hosea (later named Joshua by Moshe) from the tribe of Ephraim.

It is interesting to note that in the end, only Caleb and Joshua give the "good report." This seems no small coincidence when we remember and consider the blessings placed on the 12 sons by Jacob in Egypt.

In Genesis 49-50, we see that Judah is promised to be the tribe that would raise up the scepter for the Jewish Israelites. Throughout biblical History, it is the tribe of Judah from whom much bloodshed comes in the various wars that are fought (many of which they help to win). Judah is the strong arm of Hashem's army. Like David, the bloodshed is necessary to defeat adversaries and win victory for Israel. In Numbers 13:30, we will see the strong scepter raised by Caleb in his confident report of the promised land.

In Genesis, Joseph is said to the "prince of his brothers," from whom all blessings of earth and heaven would come. In Genesis 48:17-22, we see that Ephraim (the younger of Joseph's sons) is promised to be the one that would bring his entire people back to the land of our fathers (the land of Canaan). As we will see in later chapters and in the book of Joshua, Joshua indeed is the one who will lead our ancestors into (and conquer) the promised land.

Relating this part of the Torah portion to today's events, we can see that Hashem is currently giving us the same test. He has placed "giants" around us, yet His promise to us Jewish Israelites about the promised land still stands. Are we going to look at the size of our enemies and give the bad report? Or, in spite of what comes against us and/or the Jewish nation, will we still give the good report, bless Hashem, and speak about His power and might?

May we all be like Joshua and Caleb and trust in Hashem even when our flesh wants to cower in fear!

Am Yisrael Chai!

Kimberly Davis