Twelve Spies and 12 Tribes

As the people of God approached the land of Canaan that God had promised them, Moses took a census to record the number of people in the twelve tribes. A representative from each of these tribes entered into the land of Canaan to spy it out. When the spies returned, ten of them reported that the Canaanites were too big and strong to overcome. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, had confidence that God would help them conquer the land. The Israelites were then made to wander in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their lack of faith.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Numbers 1-3, 13-14

Outline:

1. Moses organised the tribes and camp. (Numbers 1-3)
2. Twelve spies checked out the land and then reported back. (Numbers 13)
3. The Israelites rejected God’s plan and received punishment. (Numbers 14)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about the tribes using a pizza as a visual aid. Cut into 12 slices and place on small plates. Place a cup or coloured plate in the centre of the table and then arrange the plates around the cup to mimic the placement of the tribes around the tabernacle. After this, you can use the pieces to represent the 12 spies. Then, of course, eat the pizza!
• If adults are meeting in another room from the children, then ask the children to be spies and obtain information. For example, find out how many people are wearing black shoes or how many purses are in the room. Children will enjoy trying to do this without adults seeing them. Make sure you let the leader of the adult group know before you do this.
• Depict giant grapes by blowing up purple balloons and tying them together to form a cluster.

Tips for teaching adults:

•  Bring grapes and pomegranates to class for the students to eat while you are teaching.
• Since this story is probably too long to read in class, ask the class to read Numbers 13-14 the week before, or alternatively, you can summarise the story during class time. 
• If the class is large enough, appoint twelve people to stand before the class and represent the spies.  Two of the twelve will act the parts of Joshua and Caleb. Each group should try to convince the class of their point of view.  As the teacher, encourage each group to refer to the Scripture for their argument. 
• A smaller class might focus on the opposing positions of the spies.
  • The ten believed Israel should not try to take the land.  Be sympathetic to their position and discuss why you think they make sense to many people.  
  • Why was it so difficult for Joshua and Caleb to change the people’s minds? 
• Ask the class to discuss some things that they are afraid of and how that affects their lives—their decisions, choices, and actions. Follow up with, “How do you handle your fear? How should you handle your fear?”
• Pray about these fears.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Twelve Tribes and Twelve Spies  

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org