Parshat Shelach (Numbers 13:1–15:41) — We look at the Sin of the spies and their eternal implications.The remedy for that sin is also explored.
Shorashim Overview and Study Guide
Moshe listens to the people and sends spies to spy out the land. In our portion we hear of G-d’s approval of the plan though in Deuteronomy we hear that it was the people who demanded it:
And you all approached me, and said: “Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land and bring us back word regarding the road by which we shall go up and the cities to we shall enter.” And the thing was favorable in my eyes; and I took twelve men from amongst you, one man per tribe… (Deuteronomy 1:22-23)
So whose plan was it?
The twelve spies enter the Land of Canaan from the south and then the verse says “And they went up… and he came unto Hebron” (13:22).
Who was the he that went upon his own to Hevron (Hebron)and what are the spiritual and physical implications of that visit?
Forty days later they return, with huge and bountiful fruit.
If it was their intention to describe negative things about the land..why did they bring of the beautiful fruit?
Ten of the spies warn that the inhabitants of the land are giants and warriors “more powerful than we”; The words used to describe “than we” is the hebrewword MIMENU
What is the double meaning in that word and what does it teach us?
Caleb and Joshua insist that the land can be conquered, as G‑d has commanded.
But the people weep and . G-d decrees that Israel’s entry into the Land shall be delayed until that entire generation will die out in the desert. A group of the Israelites storm the mountain on the border of Land, and are routed by the Amalekites and Canaanites.
Why would that happen..they were trying to rectify the situation?
Then the torah says that when the Israelites enter the land they must learn of the laws of meal, wine and oil offerings the laws of the consecration of the dough (challah) to G‑d when making bread.
Why are they told of these laws specifically now?
We then learn of the man who violates the Shabbat G‑d instructs to place fringes (tzitzit) on the four corners of our garments.
What is the connection between this commandment and obedience and to the sin of the spies?
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