with them figs, grapes, and other rich fruits, as specimens of what the land produced.
They told Moses and all the people that the Land of Chanaan was good, flowing with milk and honey, as might be seen by these fruits; but that it would be very difficult to conquer the country, as the men were big and strong, and the cities surrounded by walls. They added: “There we saw certain monsters of the sons of Enac, of the giant kind, in comparison to whom we seemed like locusts."[1] Then the people, losing courage[2] and confidence in God, began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, wishing that they had died in Egypt, or in the desert. They exclaimed: “Let us appoint a captain and return to Egypt!"
In vain did Caleb and Josue, who were of the number of the spies, or explorers, endeavour to appease the anger of the multitude, saying that the Land of Chanaan was very good, and that, if the men of that country were strong, the Lord would fight for the children of Israel. But the people would not listen to reason. They threatened[3] to put Josue and Caleb to death.
Then the glory of the Lord appeared over the Ark, and God said to Moses: “How long will this people detract Me?[4] How long will they not believe Me for all the signs that I have wrought before them? I will strike them, therefore, with pestilence, and consume them." Moses interceded for the people, saying: “Forgive, I beseech Thee, the sin of the people, according to the greatness of Thy mercy."
The Lord answered: “I have forgiven, according to thy word. But yet, all the men that have seen the signs that I have done in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted Me now ten times, shall not see the land. You shall wander forty years[5] in
- ↑ Like locusts. This was evidently an exaggeration, in which Josue and Caleb took no part.
- ↑ Losing courage. Feeling quite convinced that they would never be able to conquer the country.
- ↑ Threatened. To stone them. They wished to choose another leader instead of Moses, who would take them back to Egypt.
- ↑ Detract Me. Because they will not believe My promises, and will not trust in My omnipotence.
- ↑ Forty years. Counting from the time they left Egypt.
