The Lord is with us: fear them not.
A noble effort to arrest a nation’s rebellion
I. Joshua and Caleb were deeply grieved by reason of the rebellion of the nation.
II. Joshua and Caleb nobly endeavoured to arrest the rebellion of the nation.
1. They reassert the excellence of the land.
2. They declare the attainableness of the land.
3. They exhort the people not to violate the conditions of its attainment.
(1) By rebelling against the Lord.
(2) By dreading the people of the land.
III. Joshua and Caleb were in danger by reason of their effort to arrest the rebellion of the nation. “All the congregation bade stone them with stones.” See here--
1. The tactics of an excited mob when defeated in argument.
2. The folly of an excited mob. This proposal to stone Joshua and Caleb was insane.
(1) Stoning would not disprove the testimony, or take away the wisdom from the counsel of the two brave explorers.
(2) Stoning would involve the nation in deeper guilt and disgrace.
3. The perils of faithfulness.
IV. Joshua and Caleb rescued from danger by the interposition of God. (W. Jones.)
An encouraging declaration
I. A supposition. “If the Lord delight in us” (Proverbs 8:30). God delights in His Son, &c. He delights in His holy angels, &c. But have we reason to suppose that He delights in His saints?
1. We might conclude, indeed, that He could not delight in them, when we reflect--
(1) On their nothingness and vanity. “Man at His best estate,” &c.
(2) On their guilt and rebellion. Not one but is a sinner.
(3) On their pollution and want of conformity to His likeness.
(4) And more especially when we reflect on His greatness, independence and purity.
2. But there are the most satisfactory evidences that He does delight in His people.
(1) Observe the names by which He distinguishes them. His “jewels”--“inheritance”--“treasure”--“diadem”--“crown” and “portion.” See the very term in the text. And Proverbs 11:20.
(2) Observe the declarations He has made respecting them. “He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of Mine eye.”
(3) Observe what He has done for them. Favoured--sustained--redeemed them--given His Son--Spirit--promises.
(4) What He has provided for them. “The Lord God is a sun,” &c. “My God shall supply,” &c. “Eye hath not seen,” &c.
(5) Eternal life and unceasing glory.
II. An inference. “Then He will bring us into this land,” &c. Observe here--
1. The land specified. It is “the land afar off.” The good land. The heavenly Canaan. Tile region of immortality.
2. This land is God’s gift. Not the result of merit. It is given in promise--given in Christ.
3. To this land God must bring His saints. Difficulties, enemies, and dangers intervene. He will guide to it. Keep--safely conduct, and at length put people into it, as He did Israel. “Fear not, little flock,” &c. “Let not your hearts be troubled,” &c. (Revelation 2:10; Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 3:12). (J. Burns, D. D.)
The boldness and fidelity of Joshua and Caleb
I. How sound was their reasoning!
1. They drew a strong argument from the assurance that the Lord was with them, bat that the defence of the Canaanites had departed from them. They spoke of the country itself as worthy of the contest.
2. They reminded the people of the danger of disobedience, as appeared from their past history; and from the character of God. Sin was the only giant that they had reason to fear. Happy would it have been for the people, had they listened to these arguments.
II. How resolute was their spirit! Personally, no doubt, it would have been much more pleasant to remain in the tent; but viewing this as an opportunity of doing good, and glorifying God, they encountered the shame of uttering sentiments which were reprobated; and the danger of advising measures which were disliked. Thus numbers in the present day say, “Religion is all very well in its place”; but they have no idea of glorifying God, and endeavouring to save souls, by acting with the decision that Caleb and Joshua did. We, too, may mourn over sin, but we must do something more; we must use all our influence to put it down, and to lead forward the Israel of God.
III. How undivided was their aim! Their one desire was to get the land; and therefore if popular opinion coincided with them, well; but if not, they would not be guided by it. They could do without riches, or honour, or life itself; but they could not do without Canaan. (George Breay, B. A.)