Parsha Shelach - Why Send Spies?
When God says to Moshe, “שְׁלַח־לְךָ (Shlach l’cha) - Send for yourself”, what does that most strongly imply? Who gets to decide whether or not to send spies?
Moshe
Which type of information is Moshe most clearly asking the spies to gather?
Military and practical details about the land
Rashi comments on Yehoshua’s name change: By renaming him “Yehoshua,” Moshe was basically praying for him: “י-ה (God) יושיעך (Yoshiacha, “save you”) — May God save you from the bad advice of the spies.” According to Rashi, what was the main purpose of changing Hoshea’s name?
To pray that God would save him from the spies’ influence
According to Pirkei Avot 5:17, what defines a dispute that is “for the sake of Heaven”?
It is motivated by truth and higher purpose, not ego
Why is Yaakov afraid when he hears Esav is coming with 400 men?
Esav promised to kill him years earlier
Why might the Torah emphasize that all the spies were leaders of the people?
To show that even respected people can make serious mistakes
Why does Moshe ask whether the cities are “open camps or fortified cities”?
To understand how difficult conquest might be
Rashbam says: "When Moshe appointed Yehoshua as his servant (before even the mission), the name-change was already given. The name-change marks an elevation…"
How does Rashbam understand Yehoshua's name change?
Rashbam connects it to status and future leadership
What was Korach’s central complaint against Moshe and Aharon?
They raised themselves above the community despite everyone being holy
What does Yaakov do to protect his family before meeting Esav?
Divides them into two camps
Rashi comments: “God tells Moshe: “Send them if you want — it’s your choice.” The people asked for spies. Even though God already promised the land was good, they lacked trust.” According to Rashi, who originally wanted the spies to be sent?
The people
According to Rashi, when Moshe asks the spies if there are any trees, what does the word “trees” symbolize?
Righteous individuals whose merit protects the land
What character from Torah does Yehoshua get an extra letter to his name from?
Sarah
How does Moshe respond to Korach’s accusation?
He proposes a test that allows God to decide
Who wrestles with Yaakov during the night?
An angel
Why would God allow something He knows may end up in failure?
To teach about people to use their free will and take responsibility for their actions
Ibn Ezra explains: "Moshe sent the spies because it is common for any nation preparing to enter unknown territory to scout it out ahead of time." How does Ibn Ezra understand the decision to send spies?
As a normal and reasonable strategy
What letter is added to Yehoshua's name (to go from Hoshea to Yehoshua)?
yud
Why is holiness a strategic accusation for Korach to use?
It appeals to people’s desire for equality and dignity
Where is Yaakov injured during his wrestling match with the angel?
His gid ha-nasheh (hip socket)
What larger question about trust does the story of the spies raise?
When to rely on trust and when to seek evidence
When the spies arrived in the land of Canaan, they saw many funerals and thought the land was extremely dangerous. According to Midrash Tanchuma, why were there really so many funerals in Canaan at the time?
God caused death and funerals in order to distract the locals from noticing the spies
What idea does the Midrash suggest by transferring the letter yud from Sarah to Yehoshua?
Names can carry spiritual legacy across generations
How does the presence of the 250 respected leaders affect how we view the rebellion?
It makes the challenge seem broader and more persuasive
How does Esav react when he meets Yaakov?
He runs toward him, hugs him, and cries