Sin of the Spies or Sin of the People?

Here’s what we know.  Moshe sent twelve meraglim (scouts or spies).  They all come back with a very nice report concerning the land, but ten of them were far less glowing in terms of the chances of success in conquering the land.  The Jews, in character, complain.  The whole generation is condemned to die during 40 years in the desert.  (I always wondered how the punishment for this sin could be 40 years – as the Torah says: one year for each day the spies spent in the land - if they had already been in the desert for one year.  Was the punishment only 39 years?  Were the Jews in the desert for 41 years?  I’m open to suggestions!)

Now, it’s time assign the blame.  It would seem pretty obvious.  Looks can be deceiving.

Ramban, Nachmanides, places the blame squarely on the spies. They may have technically spoken truthfully, but he highlights the word “efes – but” that the spies used in presenting their report (Bamidbar/Numbers 13:28).  This shows they had a pessimistic, negative attitude that colored their report and discouraged the Jewish people, culminating in the punishment of 40 years in the desert.

Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin, the Netziv, presents a different view.  It was also the people’s fault.  “Va-yotzi’u dibat ha-aretz – The spies presented a report of the land.” (13:32)  The verse does not say that they presented a negative report.  They gave over the facts of what they saw.  These facts, however, can be interpreted in a positive or a negative way.  It depends on who is listening.  Alas, it was a people who took the report and focused only on the negative.  They heard only the scary stuff, and acted accordingly.  Scientific studies have demonstrated that people actually seek out information that confirms what they already believe, while, for the most part, ignoring contrary information.

These two approaches highlight the complexity of the story of the spies.  Leaders need to genuinely lead.  At the same time, followers need to do more than follow. 

Leadership and follow-ship are not easy. We read too often about leaders failing to lead and also followers (communities) not demanding more from leaders.  Let’s strive to be the best leaders and followers we can be.