THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Consider the serious nature of unbelief in the sight of God. It was essential for those who bore this burden to face severe consequences. This is the experience encountered by Israel, as evidenced by the teachings of the Old Testament that illuminate the New Testament, and reveal the deeper truths concealed in the shadows.
Read more (189 words)
The entire assembly fell into a state of despair and cowardice; even as Joshua sought to inspire them with courage, tearing his garments and extolling the virtues of the Promised Land, they were unwilling to accept encouragement. Their irrational fear turned against the Lord who had suffered for them, trusting instead in their own strength over the fulfillment of His promises. Consequently, God swore an oath that none among them would enter the land He had promised, "except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun" (Numbers 14:23, 30).
While Israel was initially chosen, it found itself placed behind the Gentiles who were welcomed into the fold. As the Savior declared, "the last shall be first, and the first last" (Matt. 20:16). It is evident that the people of Judea are outnumbered significantly by the vast multitude of Gentiles. How could it be otherwise? Therefore, God spoke to Moses, the sacred mystic, "Let Me be, that My wrath may burn against them... I will strike them with pestilence and obliterate them, and I will raise up from you a people more numerous and stronger than they."