The Sin of the Spies Year 9 Iyun

Questions and Answers

What did Rashi explain is meant by 'Send for yourself'?

Rashi explains that what is meant is that Hashem was not commanding Moshe to send spies, but rather giving him the option to do so based on his own understanding and the request of the Jewish people.

According to Rashi, why did Hashem allow the opportunity for the Jewish people to make an error through the words of the spies?

Rashi explains that Hashem allowed the opportunity for the Jewish people to make an error through the words of the spies because they did not trust Him, and He wanted to prevent them from inheriting Eretz Yisrael.

According to Rashi, what was the difference in intentions between Hashem and the Bnei Yisrael when suggesting to send spies?

The Bnei Yisrael wanted the spies to report back to them as they were anxious about conquering the land, while Hashem had different intentions, wanting to test the Bnei Yisrael's faith and trust in Him.

According to Rav Yehuda Henkin, how can we understand why such a negative report was brought back by the spies?

Rav Yehuda Henkin suggests that such a negative report was brought back by the spies because they didn't first go to Moshe to raise their concerns who had sent them. Had they done this it could have been presented to the Bnei Yisrael in a much better way. Signup and view all the answers

What instructions did Hashem give to Moshe regarding the sending of spies, and how did the spies ultimately act in contradiction to those instructions?

Hashem instructed Moshe to send spies and report back directly to him and Aharon, but the spies ultimately reported not only to Moshe and Aharon, but also to the entire congregation, following the people's instructions and agenda, not Moshe’s. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rashi's commentary, what was the significance of the word in the Torah 'the spies went and came back'?

Rashi suggested that their departure as well as their return had evil intent, indicating that their mission was tainted from the start. Signup and view all the answers

What did the spies mean when they said, 'For they are too strong for us' according to Rav Chanina ben Papa in the Gemara?

Rav Chanina ben Papa interpreted this statement as the spies expressing doubt in Hashem's ability to help them conquer the Canaanites, suggesting a lack of faith - 'they are too strong for Him'. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ramban explain the spies' words in relation to the questions Moshe had asked them to address and what they said that was wrong and wicked?

The Ramban explained that the spies spoke the truth and answered as they were commanded, but their wickedness lay in the word 'efes,' indicating something that is impossible for a person. Signup and view all the answers

What were the positive and negative aspects of the land reported by the spies, according to the Ramban?

The positive aspect was that the land was fertile and flowing with milk and honey, while the negative aspect was the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, which they deemed impossible to conquer. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason the spies showed the fruit of the land, according to the Ramban?

The spies showed the fruit of the land in response to Moshe's command to find out if there were trees in it or not, fulfilling their duty to show him as they were commanded. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rav Henkin suggest about the importance of private assessment versus public disclosure of information?

He explains that not everything should be made public and certain information must be assessed in private rather than in the media and public eye. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rashi's Explanation of 'Send for Yourself'

Rashi interprets 'Send for yourself' as a directive for the Jewish people to take responsibility for their own decisions, indicating God’s willingness to grant autonomy.

Hashem's Allowance for Error

Hashem permitted potential error through the spies to test the faith and choices of the Jewish people, allowing them the opportunity to choose between faith and doubt.

Intentions of Hashem vs. Bnei Yisrael

Hashem intended for the spies to reinforce trust in His promise of the land, while Bnei Yisrael sought validation of their fears, showcasing a contrast in their motivations.

Understanding the Negative Report

Rav Yehuda Henkin suggests that the spies' negative report reflected not only the conditions of the land but also the spies’ own pessimism, diverging from the faith that had been cultivated in the Jewish community.

Instructions from Hashem to Moshe

Hashem instructed Moshe to send spies to explore the land, focusing on its characteristics, but the spies contradicted this by focusing on fear and challenges rather than the land’s potential.

Significance of 'The Spies Went and Came Back'

Rashi emphasizes the phrase implies that the spies took initiative for their actions, which eventually led to detrimental consequences for the people.

Meaning of 'For They Are Too Strong For Us'

Rav Chanina ben Papa in the Gemara interprets this statement as the spies expressing their own fear and lack of faith, suggesting a misrepresentation of reality.

Ramban's Explanation of the Spies' Words

Ramban clarifies that the spies failed to answer Moshe’s questions effectively by exaggerating the dangers and neglecting the land's positive attributes, which was viewed as both wrong and wicked.

Positive and Negative Aspects of the Land

According to Ramban, spies reported that the land was indeed fruitful ('flowing with milk and honey') but exaggerated the strength of its inhabitants and the difficulties they would face.

Reason for Showing Fruit

The Ramban explains that the spies presented the fruit to illustrate the land’s richness, yet used it to create a deceptive narrative of danger and fear.

Private Assessment vs. Public Disclosure

Rav Henkin suggests that while personal evaluations may be accurate, their public sharing can lead to widespread panic or misunderstanding, emphasizing the responsibility in communication of assessments.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Torah and commentaries with this quiz on the verses that seem to contradict each other in the book of Numbers. Explore the nuances and deeper meanings behind the conflicting instructions given to Moses regarding spying out the land of Canaan.