“Well, I will bring them safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised” (Numbers 14:31, NLT).

Moses sent twelve men on a reconnaissance mission to the land of Canaan. When they returned, ten of the twelve reported to Moses and the people of Israel that even though the land was rich and fertile, it was inhabited by potentially formidable foes.

The testimony of the faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, which was to conquer the land immediately, was rejected and rebellion against Moses’ leadership and threats of violence against Joshua and Caleb spread through the entire Israelite community.

God marveled that Israel had not yet learned to trust Him, even after He had miraculously rescued them from Egyptian slavery and provided for their needs as they traveled in the wilderness.

Israel’s lack of trust in God’s promises,“what you have despised,” was rebellion against God. Only Moses’ intervention saved Israel from complete destruction.

God punished Israel with a forty-year wilderness sojourn, one year for each day the spies explored the land of Canaan (vs. 34).

All the adults who despised God’s promises died during the forty-year wandering, but their children trusted in God’s plans and promises and conquered the land of Canaan.

When the challenges of life cause you not to trust in God and pursue His will for your life, then you may miss an opportunity to receive and enjoy His blessings.

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