The problems continue. They increase (14:1-4).

Again, there is the word of encouragement. This time, it comes from Joshua as well as Caleb (14:5-9).

The people bring God’s judgment upon themselves. They will not enter the Promised Land. Of the current generation of adults, only faithful Caleb and Joshua were to enter the Promised Land. They would lead the next generation into the land of promise, thus fulfilling the Lord’s promise of grace, which is always free grace but never cheap grace.

Grace is freely given by God. It can never be taken for granted by us.

In verses 39-45, this message is very clear – we can never take God’s grace for granted!

God’s work among His people was directed towards the future: “Once you’re settled in the land I’m giving you” – and it was grounded in the past – “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of
Egypt to be your God” (15:2, 41).

Our present obedience draws strength from our past redemption – “It is finished” – and our future hope – “It is still to come”.

Numbers 14:1