THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
(a) Give an account of the report brought to Moses by the twelve spies he sent to the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-33, 14:1-19).
(b) What three lessons can political leaders learn from the mission of the spies
A) REPORT BROUGHT TO MOSES BY THE TWELVE SPIES (NUMBERS 13:1 -33, 14: 1-19 )
i. When the people of Israel got to the wilderness of Paran at Kadesh, God told Moses to select twelve men, one from each tribe.
ii. They were to survey the strengths and weaknesses of the Promised Land/find out if the nature of the land was fertile or not.
iii. The spies were also asked to find out whether the inhabitants were weak or strong/few or many/ if the cities were fortified or not.
iv. After wandering for forty days, the reported that the land was fruitful.
v. As proof, the spies came to the valley of Eschol where they cut a branch with a cluster of grapes.
vi. They also cut pomegranates and figs to show that the land was very fertile (flowing with milk and honey).
vii. However, they added that the people who lived on the land were strong.
viii. They further said that the cities were fortified and the descendants of Anak (very tall and strong) lived on the land, as well as the Hittites, Amorites and Jebusites.
ix. Majority of the spies said the men of Canaan were of great stature and the Israelites looked like grasshoppers before them.
x. It was a land that devoured its inhabitants, they alleged.
xi. But Joshua and Caleb did not agree with them and insisted that they should go and occupy the land since they could overpower them.
xii. According to them, God would help them to defeat the Canaanites.
xiii. They rent their clothes and encouraged the Israelites not to be afraid.
xiv. But as a result of the report given by the majority of the spies, the Israelites complained bitterly against Moses, saying it would have been to endure slavery in Egypt than to die in the wilderness.
xv. They suggested that a leader should be appointed to lead them back to Egypt.
xvi. The people were so angry they attempted to stone Caleb and Joshua.
xvii. God threatened to destroy the people with pestilence and disinherit them, but Moses interceded on their behalf.
(B) LESSONS POLITICAL LEADERS CAN LEARN FROM THE MISSION OF THE SPIES.
(i)The majority view and decision may not always be right, or correct.
(ii) Feasibility work should always be done before undertaking any major project.
iii. Exaggerations should be avoided, if its purpose is to put fear in the people.
Iv. Nothing should be hidden from the people/Need for transparency in public service.
v. Reporting true state of affairs should be encouraged.
vi. Bold and faithful people should be appointed as leaders.
vii. Political leaders are not to be discouraged by negative reports/ criticisms which come their way.
viii. Positive self-image/believing in oneself is necessary for individual and national progress. This should be encouraged by political leaders.
ix. There is need to trust God in all that we do/ Political leaders should have strong faith in God in all their endeavours/ intercede for their people.
x. Fear can paralyse an individual or a nation/it can cause one to lose his or her blessings.
xi. Fear can discourage someone from taking risks/ making decisions.
xii. Political leaders should do all they can to give their people hope and positive vision.
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