Moses Consults God Before Sending the Spies to Canaan

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Sh'lach 8:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[(Numbers 13:2:) SEND MEN FOR YOURSELF.] When they said to Moses (in Deuteronomy 1:22), "Let us send men," Moses began standing and wondering. He said: It is impossible for me to do anything until I take counsel with the Holy One, blessed be He. He went and took counsel. He said to Him: Such-and-such Your children are requesting. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: This is not the beginning for them. While they were in Egypt they mocked Me, as it is said (Hosea 7:16), "This was their derision in the land of Egypt." They are accustomed to this. I have no need, as it is said (Daniel 2:22), "He knows what is in the darkness, etc." The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: I know what they are [saying]; but if you wish, send [men for yourself], for your own sake. From where? As it is written (Numbers 13:16), "These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land."

Themes

MosesEgyptHumorBlessingWit

Biblical References

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