Story 21
Promised Land ♫
Numbers 13:1-14:45; Joshua 1:1-6:27
The Bridge: Remember how God led His people out of Egypt? “The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night” (Exodus13:21-22). As they followed the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, the Lord led them towards the land He promised Abraham. When they were hungry, God fed them with Manna from heaven (Exodus 16:14-15). When they were thirsty, He gave them water to drink (Exodus 17:6).
The Story:
- The people arrived at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Paran. Moses sent scouts from each of the 12 tribes of Israel to see about the land and the people (Numbers 13:1-25).
- Ten came back saying that the people of the land seemed like giants and the cities were fortified. Joshua and Caleb came back saying that the land was flowing with milk and honey and the Lord would deliver the land to them just as He had promised. They brought back samples of fruit and produce to show them (Numbers 13:26-33). Upon hearing the reports, most of the people wanted to go back to Egypt. They didn’t believe that God would give them the land He had promised (Numbers 14:1-4).
- God saw their lack of trust and said that none of these people would see the Promised Land. They would wander in the desert for 40 years [one for every day the scouts spent in Canaan] until all of the people 20 years old or older died (Numbers 14:11-44). Since Joshua and Caleb believed God, they were allowed to enter along with the children of those who doubted.
- During the wilderness journey, the people needed water. God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod and water poured forth abundantly. God told Moses that he would not go into the Promised Land because of the sin of disobedience (Numbers 20:1-12).
- After Moses died, Joshua and Caleb led the people into the Promised Land. When they entered the land, they partially conquered the people with God’s help, and they lived on the land for many generations (Joshua, chapters 1-24).
How does the story of the Promised Land relate to salvation?
♫ The song “Go Down Moses” (verses 9-12) may help students learn the details of this story. (see “downloads” for lyrics and chords.)
