The Spies Despised the Land

The sin of the spies speaking badly about Eretz Yisrael, was one of the worst sins in our history. Rav Kook wrote that this was the primary reason that Jews went into exile.

The fear that overtook these so called leaders of Israel, was inexcusable. How was it possible to doubt the power of Hashem, when they had witnessed so many incredible miracles in Egypt and in the desert?

Their complaints and negativity, succeeded in ruining the morale of the people. Only Yehoshua and Kalev were able to stand up and proclaim that, “It is a very, very good land.

We can see Moshe’s disappointment and disgust with the spies. He prayed for forgiveness of the people, but did not ask for forgiveness of the spies.

He convinced Hashem that He must not take things out against the nation, because He would look weak and it would be a desecration of His holy Name.

People need to learn their lesson about speaking badly about our homeland. It is insulting Hashem, Who gave us this beautiful and holy land. The spies all died a horrible death because of their lack of faith, and the damage they did.

It is clear that there is a special bond with Hashem, the Torah, the people, and the land. As the Torah says, “The eyes of Hashem or on this land from the beginning of the year, to the end of the year.”

We are witnessing this bond as we see our enemies and their threats, being driven from the land. We must love and cherish Eretz Yisrael. And we must never speak badly of this sacred land.