At this time in Israel’s history, God had delivered His chosen people from the hand of Egyptian slavery. Along the way, His power had been displayed by many signs and wonders. Yet, when challenged by Moses to take the land He had promised them, the people hesitated. Instead they requested that spies be sent first. Moses took their request to the Lord, who approved their plan and commanded Moses to appoint the spies. Thus, 12 spies were sent out to view the land.

When the spies returned, 10 of them gave what scripture calls an “evil” report, one not of faith. They concentrated on the size of their enemies as compared to their own and focused on their own abilities rather than God’s. Something we are often prone to do as well. And, even though God had promised them victory, they rebelled and did not listen. After God pronounced His judgement over their refusal to listen to His command, Israel further defied the Lord by attempting to go in and conquer the land after He had said He would not go with them. The Lord showed His displeasure by not helping them or sympathizing with their defeat by the Anakites. Due to their failure to listen to God’s command they would not escape death in the desert as they wondered for 40 years in the wilderness.

God takes seriously our refusal to listen to His commands. Examine yourself. Are you listening with obedient hearts to the voice of the Lord?

Father, may we listen with obedient hearts to all your word and willingly obey. Amen.

Go Deeper — Read Scripture today with a listening ear. Trust God to supply the grace necessary to walk in obedience to His revealed commands.



Tags: Listen Deuteronomy 1
Photo Credit: Robson Hatsukami Morgan