It looks as though Israel is at last ready to possess the land promised to Abraham. Read Numbers 13-14. What happened?
To me it looks like the generation of Israelites that arrived at the border, doesn't remember God's promise of the land milk and honey. How easy it is to forget the goodness received from God right? This is a tough lesson. God had high expectations from these people. They complain again and pay a huge price for it. When they decide go on their own (without God in the Ark) they were defeated by their enemies. Only people who trusted God were able to make it. This situation is a pure test of faith and trust. When I put myself in that situation, I see the need for gratitude towards God's past help. I think only deep gratitude can build this trust that was needed to overcome the fear expressed by some spies.
