Exploring Canaan

LESSON 10

By: Bec Philippines

1

Big Idea:

When things look bad, complaining, disobeying, and forgetting God’s promises all have consequences.

Bible Reference: Numbers 13-14

The Big Mistake

Do you think the Israelites believed this message?

• Likely NO, as their later actions of complaining and lack of trust indicate doubt in God’s message.

• "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him, he will not forgive your rebellion since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies... (27) I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run."

Important Message from God (Exodus 23:20-22, 27):

At Kadesh Barnea - How many days were the spies gone? (Numbers 13:25)

• 40 days

• Shammua (Reuben)
• Shaphat (Simeon)
• Caleb (Judah)
• Igal (Issachar)
• Hoshea a.k.a. Joshua (Ephraim)
• Palti (Benjamin)
• Gaddiel (Zebulun)
• Gaddi (Manasseh)
• Ammiel (Dan)
• Sethur (Asher)
• Nahbi (Naphtali)
• Geuel (Gad)

List of Spies

Only two of the spies were faithful. Circle their names (Numbers 14:6).

​

• AJoshua (Hoshea) and Caleb

​

Reactions to the Report

Two positive (good) things the spies reported:

• fertile land
• amazing fruit

• large fortified cities
• giant powerful people

Two negative (bad) things the spies reported:

• Leviticus

What book have we left out?

Thinking Post

• Leviticus contains laws and instructions for worship, rituals, and the roles of priests.

What does this book contain?

• Levi (the tribe of Levi, from which the priests came).

It is named after one of the tribes - which one

Forgiveness & Consequences (Numbers 14:20-45)

Although God forgave Israel (Num 14:20), there were still consequences of their disbelief, lack of trust, and rebellion.

​

• Three Consequences:
• The BIG consequence: How long?
• Numbers 14:34 - They would wander for 40 years.
• The ten spies who spread the bad report died of a plague (Num 14:37).
• Only Joshua and Caleb survived.
• Despite this, the people did not listen! They said, “We have sinned, we will take the land after all.” Against Moses’ warning, they marched towards Canaan! Their enemies attacked and beat them back (Num 14:45), and they had to return to the wilderness.

​

Forgiveness & Consequences

Choices Have Consequences

• In My Life section story:
• The story shows how actions have consequences, despite forgiveness. Here, the child's trip to the beach is canceled due to repeated behavior, highlighting the concept that while forgiveness is possible, consequences remain for disobedience.

​

Without Complaining (Philippians 2:14-15)

• The verse encourages believers to avoid complaining and arguing, to shine like pure, blameless children of God. This serves as a memory verse, emphasizing the need for patience and trust in God.

​

QUESTIONS

What is the BIG IDEA of this lesson? What does it mean?

• Answer: The big idea is that disobedience and lack of trust in God lead to consequences, even if forgiveness is granted. It teaches the importance of trusting God’s promises and being obedient to His commands.

​

QUESTIONS

What important message had God given the Israelites before they left Mt Sinai?

• Answer: God promised to send an angel ahead to guard them and bring them safely to the land He had prepared for them, urging them to obey and trust Him.

​

QUESTIONS

What important message had God given the Israelites before they left Mt Sinai?

• Answer: God promised to send an angel ahead to guard them and bring them safely to the land He had prepared for them, urging them to obey and trust Him.

​

QUESTIONS

Name a few events that happened between Mt Sinai and Kadesh Barnea.

• Answer: Some events include the Israelites’ complaints, the sending of the twelve spies to explore Canaan, and the spies’ return with their report.

​

QUESTIONS

(a) How many spies went into the Land of Canaan?

(b) How many can you name?

(c) How long were they gone?

(d) What report did they bring on their return?

ANSWER

• (a) 12 spies went in.
• (b) Two of them were Joshua and Caleb.
• (c) They were gone for 40 days.
• (d) The majority brought back a fearful report, stating that the land had giants and fortified cities, while only Joshua and Caleb were confident in God’s help to conquer it.

​

QUESTIONS

(A) How many spies brought back a “glass half-empty” report, and what did they say?

(B) Which spies brought back a “glass half-full” report and what did they say?

• Answer:
• (a) 10 spies brought back a negative report, saying the land was full of giants and they could not conquer it.
• (b) Joshua and Caleb brought back a positive report, urging the people to trust in God’s promise and take the land.

​

QUESTIONS

There were a lot of reactions to the spies' return. How did the following react?

(a) the Israelites

(b) Moses and Aaron

(c) Joshua and Caleb

(d) the ten spies

(e) the Lord

• Answer:
• (a) The Israelites grumbled, expressed fear, and wanted to return to Egypt.
• (b) Moses and Aaron fell face down, seeking God’s mercy.
• (c) Joshua and Caleb urged the people not to rebel and to trust God.
• (d) The ten spies discouraged the people with a fearful report.
• (e) The Lord was angered by their lack of faith and declared consequences.

​

QUESTIONS

What were the three consequences of the people choosing to ignore God’s important message?

• Answer:
• Wandering for 40 years in the wilderness.
• The ten spies who spread a bad report died by plague.
• Only Joshua and Caleb would live to enter the Promised Land.

​

QUESTIONS

Say Philippians 2:14-15 off by heart. Show me this verse in your Bible.

• Verse: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation."

​

QUESTIONS

Say Romans 6:16b off by heart.

• Verse: "...you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness."

​