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Numbers 14:38 - Faithful spies survive punishment

Numbers 14:38 - במדבר 14:38

Hebrew Text

וִיהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן וְכָלֵב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה חָיוּ מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁים הָהֵם הַהֹלְכִים לָתוּר אֶת־הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

but Yehoshua the son of Nun, and Kalev the son of Yefunne, of the men who went to spy out the land; they lived.

Transliteration

Vihoshua bin-Nun ve'Kalev ben-Yefune hayu min-ha'anashim hahem haholkhim latur et-ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נ֔וּן וְכָלֵ֖ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּ֑ה חָיוּ֙ מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָהֵ֔ם הַהֹלְכִ֖ים לָת֥וּר אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וִיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן־נ֔וּן וְכָלֵ֖ב בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּ֑ה חָיוּ֙ מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָהֵ֔ם הַהֹלְכִ֖ים לָת֥וּר אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Survival of Yehoshua and Kalev

The verse (Bamidbar 14:38) highlights that Yehoshua bin Nun and Kalev ben Yefunne were the only spies who survived the divine punishment decreed upon the other ten spies who brought back a negative report about Eretz Yisrael. Their survival is attributed to their righteousness and unwavering faith in Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 14:38) explains that the phrase "חָיוּ מִן־הָאֲנָשִׁים" ("they lived from among those men") means they were spared from the plague that struck the other spies (as mentioned in Bamidbar 14:37). Rashi emphasizes that Yehoshua and Kalev were protected due to their good intentions and their refusal to participate in the evil report of the other spies.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Shelach 7) elaborates that Yehoshua was saved in the merit of Moshe Rabbeinu’s prayer (as hinted in Bamidbar 13:16, where Moshe added the letter י to his name, changing it from הושע to יהושע). Kalev, on the other hand, was saved due to his personal prayer at the graves of the Avos in Chevron (Sotah 34b), where he sought strength to resist the influence of the other spies.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos De’os 6:1) uses this episode to teach the importance of distancing oneself from negative influences. Yehoshua and Kalev demonstrated חיזוק בדרך ה' (strengthening in the path of Hashem) by separating from the sinful counsel of the other spies, thereby meriting survival and entry into Eretz Yisrael.

Key Lessons

  • Emunah in Hashem: Yehoshua and Kalev trusted in Hashem’s promise despite the apparent challenges of conquering the land.
  • Resisting Peer Pressure: They refused to join the majority in speaking ill of Eretz Yisrael, showing moral courage.
  • The Power of Prayer: Both individuals utilized tefillah (prayer) to secure divine assistance in their mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 34b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, highlighting the righteousness of Yehoshua and Kalev.
📖 Sanhedrin 104b
Mentioned in the context of discussing the merits of the righteous individuals who did not participate in the sin of the spies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yehoshua and Kalev survive when the other spies died?
A: Yehoshua and Kalev survived because they remained faithful to Hashem and gave a positive report about the Land of Israel, unlike the other spies who spoke negatively and caused the people to despair (Rashi on Numbers 14:38). Their trust in Hashem's promise set them apart.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehoshua and Kalev in this verse?
A: The verse teaches us the importance of faith and courage in the face of opposition. Yehoshua and Kalev stood firm in their belief in Hashem's promise, even when others doubted. This teaches us to trust in Hashem and remain steadfast in our convictions (Midrash Tanchuma, Shelach 7).
Q: Why is Yehoshua called 'ben Nun' and Kalev 'ben Yefunneh' in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes their lineage to highlight their righteous character. Yehoshua is called 'ben Nun' (son of Nun) and Kalev 'ben Yefunneh' (son of Yefunneh) to show that their upbringing and family background contributed to their strong faith (Ramban on Numbers 13:6).
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of reward in Judaism?
A: This verse shows that those who remain loyal to Hashem are rewarded. Yehoshua and Kalev were granted life and eventually entered the Land of Israel as a reward for their faithfulness (Talmud, Sotah 34b). This reinforces the Jewish belief that righteousness is rewarded in this world and the next.
Q: What was special about Yehoshua and Kalev compared to the other spies?
A: Yehoshua and Kalev were unique because they saw the same challenges in the Land of Israel as the other spies but chose to focus on Hashem's power rather than the obstacles. Their optimism and faith made them worthy of survival and leadership (Sifrei on Numbers 14:38).