QUESTION: If at the time the Spies they were all leaders and proper Jews, why did Moshe pray on behalf of Yehoshua to not follow their ways? And if they were all subject to going astray, why didn’t Moshe pray on behalf of all of them?
ANSWER: Initially, the group of Spies were “kosher” Jews, but their method of service was of separation from the world and engaging in spiritual pursuits. However, Yehoshua was different. As a future leader he was involved with the needs of the people, and Moshe prayed for him not to follow the path of the other Spies to separate from the world (which led them to their future error). (ספר השיחות ה'תש"נ כרך ב, עמ' 320)
QUESTION: What was the lesson of the three examples (split the Sea, brought the Quail, feed the Mahn) used by Calev to counter the message of the other Spies?
ANSWER: The Spies cited three items that indicated insurmountable obstacles to serving G-d in this material world. Calev countered, citing the actions of Moshe, taught that Jews, as the G-d’s representatives in this material world, could overcome these obstacles. (לקוטי שיחות כרך ח, עמ' 82)
“They are too strong in the Land”Split the Sea and drown them even without a battleThe place is too tough and coarse (for holiness)Fear of Amalek (doubt)Produced the Quail even when the Jews lacked faithOne is not worthy of such holy work (doubt of abilities)They would be attacked before reaching the LandBrought down the Mahn even prior to reaching the LandSide issues exists that seem to negate one’s involvementQUESTION: What was the error of the Spies, since they conveyed factually correct information?
ANSWER: The spies fulfilled their assigned task of spying out the land and providing information on its inhabitants. They erred in making conclusions relating the (insurmountable?) difficulties in conquering the land. The correct lesson is that one is obligated to attempt to seek natural means of salvation, but one also must have faith that G-d provides the necessary means to overcome difficulties, even when such means are not readily apparent. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יג, עמ' 93)
QUESTION: G-d threatens to destroy all 600,000 Jews, and Moshe did not protest the potential deaths, but only objected to the plan due to what the non-Jews would think?
ANSWER: G-d’s well-known love for the Jews, demonstrates that the reason for the Jews’ “shechita” (taking them out of this world), would be a punishment done for their benefit in order to atone for their multiple sins. Therefore, to counter that possible action Moshe offered a practical objection that the non-Jews might misunderstand why HaShem did so in the desert. (לקוטי שיחות כרך כג, עמ' 69)
QUESTION: Why did HaShem leave it up to Moshe to send the Spies?
ANSWER: Simply G-d does not want us to relay on miracles rather the land should be conquered by natural means. Even more, He additional wants that mankind should strengthen themselves and decide the best way to fulfill G-d’s will without Him providing all the specific methods. (ספר השיחות תשמ"ח, כרך ב, עמ' 90 )
