8 If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” 10 Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel. 11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?
I studied this last week and this is such a crucial moment in the history of the Israelites. The 12 spies just returned from searching out the land, and when they return, 10 have a bad report and 2 have a good report. The 10 rile up the Israelites with such fear that they are wishing the could be back in Egypt. This moment is the last hope for Caleb and Joshua and Moses to convince the people that indeed God is with them, they do not need to fear and they were promised this land long ago. But, the people would listen, they would not remember God's provision and miracles, and they set out to stone they faith-filled fearless men. God showed up and protected them, but as for the rest of the Israelites, 40 years of wandering in the desert was the result of their fear of God. Such a great reminder to trust God where he leads us so that we don't waste our lives wandering.
Fear God
Genesis 50:19 - But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
