Numbers 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The congregation of Israel weeps and complains about their journey, wishing they had died in Egypt or the wilderness (vv. 1-3). They propose to appoint a leader to return to Egypt (v.

Key verse

“But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him I will bring into the land into which he went. His offspring shall possess it.”
Numbers 14:24 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 14:1–5 Israel's Mourning and Complaint
Numbers 14:6–10 Joshua and Caleb's Appeal
Numbers 14:11–19 God's Response to Rebellion
Numbers 14:20–24 Divine Judgment Declared
Numbers 14:25–35 Wilderness Consequences Announced
Numbers 14:36–39 Fate of the Spies
Numbers 14:40–45 Failed Attempt to Enter Canaan

Discussion questions

In v4, what do the Israelites decide to do after hearing the bad report?
In v10, how does the congregation respond to Joshua and Caleb's encouragement?
God's statement in v12 about disinheriting Israel: what does this say about His relationship with this generation?
Moses' plea in v19 for Yahweh to pardon Israel: what does this show about intercession?
When have you felt tempted to give up on a promise, similar to the Israelites in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 14: Deuteronomy 1, Exodus 34, Hebrews 3.

Before next time: read Numbers 15.