- Who directs that the survey of Kanaan be undertaken?
- Why are twelve sent; and why are they all leaders?
- What direction does Mosheh give to the group? Do they all receive the same briefing?
- What are the two main concerns of the survey?
- Do the surveyors carry out their responsibility as directed?
- What does the word “aetiology” mean (utilizing Numbers 13:24)?
- Is the “tour” of substantial duration in time?
- To whom do the surveyors report?
- What does the epigram “zavat halav u’devash” imply?
- Is the report technically correct; is it exaggerated in any way? Is the report—especially the sequence of information—encouraging to the people?
- Do all of the surveyors make the same recommendation? As a matter of fact, were they asked to make any recommendation?
- Is the editorial comment of the surveyors consistent with their report (Numbers 13:32)?
- What is the message in the closing remarks “we felt like grasshoppers and that is the way we looked to them?”
- Is the opinion split 11 – 1 or 11 – 2 in this story?
- What (key) word is entirely missing in the dialogue of the surveyors?
- Does this chapter indicate that a plan, however carefully prepared, can go awry, since it depends on “people” and “people” exercise free will—so that anything can happen?
- Does the text indicate that an important task should be entrusted to those who are on the leadership echelon?
- And does the text indicate that an assignment should be carefully explained even to leaders?
- Since the perceived is rarely objective but largely determined by the perceiver, is it ever possible to instruct people (even leaders) in courage?
- Will the fainthearted, at first, say “we cannot do it” but hint and stress the problems?
- Put otherwise—is the majority always right?
- Is a lackluster self-image of inferiority and weakness usually what the individual believes others think of him?
- Is self-deprecation frequently self-fulfilling?
- Is the past (in this case the victory over Amalek, for example) forgotten by the fainthearted when faced with another challenge?
- And, from this chapter, would one learn that differences of opinion among the leadership should be voiced with full openness before the rank and file?
