"Ascend we will, and inherit the land, for we will be able to overcome it." [Bamidbar 13.30]

When considering the story of the spies Moses sent to see what lay ahead in the Promised Land, the question presents itself as to what, exactly, was their sin. Did they lie to the people upon their return? All they reported was what they saw, nothing more, and that was their mission. The land was, in fact, a harsh land with mighty inhabitants.

Was the fear that accompanied their report of what they observed unjustified? We learn of other great men in our history who feared. Of Jacob it is said (Bereshit 32.8); "And Jacob was greatly afraid, and he was distressed."

Joshua and Caleb, who were not swayed by the other spies, were also frightened by what they saw on their tour of the land. The Sages tell us that Joshua needed a special blessing and the changing of his name from Hoshea to Yeshoshua, adding God's name to his own, so that "God will deliver you from the counsel of the spies." Caleb was said to have prayed at the graves of the forefathers in Hevron for he feared that his mission would end in disaster.

There is no sin in fear. The sin lies in the conclusions we reach when afraid. Jacob, fearing his meeting with his estranged brother Esau, prepared himself with gift offerings, prayer and provision for war. Surely he experienced fear of Esau, but his response was one of preparation for victory, by whatever means necessary.

In contrast, the conclusion the spies reached as a result of their fear was (Bamidbar 13.31): "We will not be able to go up... for it is stronger than us." Their fear weakened them and led them to the further conclusion that (Bamidbar 14.2): "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt or in this wilderness would we had died!" To be weakened and paralyzed by fear is a sinful lapse of faith.

Such a sin leads inevitably to the final conclusion of (Bamidbar 14.4): "Let us make certain and return to Egypt."

Joshua and Caleb also feared. They did not contradict the other spies' observations, but only their conclusions. Their conclusion was different: "Ascend we will, and inherit the land, for we will be able to overcome it... the land is very good... if God desires us, He will bring us to this land."

It is natural and human to experience fear when observing a harsh land inhabited by powerful nations, but the conclusion that arises from conviction and faith is one of preparation and hope. The spies concluded that, "for it is stronger than us."

Joshua and Caleb concluded that, "For we will be able to overcome it." The reason behind their differing assessments, based on the same intelligence and data, was what Joshua and Caleb add in explaining their assessment: "If God desires us, He will bring us into this land."

May we too, possess and demonstrate faith in the Almighty, His plan, and His love of His people, so that we will not be swayed by fear in facing the challenges of establishing our home in the Promised Land.