What did Israel's request to send spies reveal about their belief in God's promise?
Israel's request exposed unbelief and weakness of the flesh, not faith in God's promise. Though God promised to drive out enemies and prepare the land, they doubted He would do what He said, wanting spies to confirm and direct them. They removed matters from God's hands and placed them in mere mortals' hands.
Les explains that the sending of the twelve spies was not God's idea but arose from Israel's weakness of the flesh. God had told them He would have everything ready, drive out their enemies, and all they would have to do is occupy. Yet Israel said they did not know and asked to send spies. God, in His goodness and graciousness, permitted it, though it was not His intention. Les notes they did not really believe God would do what He said; they wanted men to confirm and tell them what to do, taking things out of God's hands and putting them into the hands of mere mortals.
And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
More Questions
Why did the Israelites want to send spies into the Promised Land?
The Israelites didn't believe God would do what He said, so they wanted to send spies to confirm and tell them what to do.