Parashat Sh’lah L’kha
20th June 2025
Week of 15 – 21 June 2025
Torah portion : Num. 13:1-15:41 ; Haftarah : Josh. 2:1-24
Theme: “send for yourself”
Sh’lah (“Send”) narrates the important journey of the Israelite spies as they explore Canaan. Their negative report prompts a significant lesson for the Israelites, leading to a period of wandering in the desert for forty years. This section of scripture not only emphasizes the consequences of fear and doubt but also concludes with valuable teachings about sacrifices; an intriguing account of a man who violates the Sabbath; and the meaningful commandment to wear ritual fringes, highlighting the importance of reminders in faith and practice. (cf. ETZ HAYIM Numbers 13:1-15:4 p 840-844; Joshua. 2:1-24 Catholic Study Bible p 269-270).
The opening sentence of Parashat Sh’lah L’kha beautifully invites us to consider the responsibilities of leadership: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites…’” (Ibid Num. 13:1-2 p 840). A more nuanced translation of the Hebrew phrase “Sh’lah L’kha” is “Send out spies for yourself” (Ibid Number 16-8 p. 860-861). This indicates that God is encouraging Moses, saying, “If you feel it’s important to send spies, you may proceed, but this is your initiative, not a command from Me. I am offering you the choice to move forward…” This narrative invites us to reflect on the attitudes and sense of ownership that Moses and the Israelites held regarding their mission. The Promised Land is designed to be a blessing, presenting opportunities rather than burdens.
The Hebrew Testament and New Testament are filled with God’s wonderful promises to His people, emphasizing the importance of our active engagement. For instance, “You will be my treasured possession If you keep my laws” (cf Exodus 19:5 p. 436-437). The land of Canaan symbolizes more than just a reward; it calls for genuine effort from those who aspire to inherit God’s promises.
In a similar spirit, marriage vows ask couples, “Did you come here of your own free will?” God empowers Moses and the Israelites to choose their path, honoring their autonomy and dignity. The promise resonates deeply: “I shall bring you up from Egyptian affliction to a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ibid Numbers 13:2 p. 840).
This parashah serves as a profound reminder of the journey to the Promised Land, illustrating why it took 40 years to arrive there. It consists of seven powerful sections, or aliyot “aliyah” “going up”, each brimming with essential lessons:
1. The bold decision to send twelve men from each tribe to spy on the land (Ibid Numbers 13:1-20, pp. 840-842).
2. The spies”see” or “spy out” (r’u) return, presenting an impressive cluster of grapes, followed by a disheartening report from ten of them (Ibid Numbers 13:21-14:7, pp. 842-845).
3. The steadfast appeals of Joshua and Caleb highlight the land’s abundance, alongside God’s serious warning and Moses’ passionate intervention (Ibid Numbers 14:8-25, pp. 845-847).
4. God’s emphatic declaration that all men aged 20 and older would perish in the wilderness, doomed to wander for 40 years, except for Caleb and Joshua, reveals the consequences of acting against God’s command (Ibid Numbers 14:26-15:7, pp. 847-851).
5. The sacred guidelines for offering a bull as a burnt offering, along with flour mixed with oil and wine, apply to both Israelites and resident aliens (Ibid Numbers 15:8-16, p. 851).
6. The call to set aside the first loaf when enjoying the fruits of the land, as well as the regulations for those who unintentionally fail to observe commandments (Ibid Numbers 15:17-16, pp. 851-860).
7. The vital rules for offerings related to unintentional sin, the stoning of a man who gathered wood on Shabbat, and the significant instructions for making tzitzit (fringes) (Numbers R. 18:3).
The haftarah beautifully recounts the bravery of sending two spies into Jericho, where the remarkable Rahab courageously concealed them. She boldly sought assurance that her family would be spared when God delivered Jericho to the Israelites, with the red cord becoming a powerful symbol of hope and safety (Ibid Joshua 2:1-24, p. 856).
Both readings underscore the act of sending spies and showcase Joshua’s decisive leadership. In the parashah, God expressed disappointment that the Israelites did not trust the “signs” (otot) of divine power He provided, while Rahab actively sought a true “sign” to fortify her faith (Ibid Numbers 14:11, p. 846).
This commentary emphasizes the theme of self-perception and reality (Ibid Numbers 13:33, pp. 840-844). The rabbis addressed the Israelites’ self-misperception with compassion: “And we were in our own eyes as grasshoppers, and so we were in their eyes” (Ibid Numbers 13:33, pp. 840-844). The Holy One challenged the scouts with a powerful message: “I can accept your feeling of being ‘grasshoppers,’ but I am offended by your belief that you appeared that way in their eyes. How could you know how I made you appear to them? Perhaps they saw you as angels.” (cf. Genesis 6:4 p 33-34)
By allowing self-doubt to cloud their vision, the Israelites overlooked the incredible strength that comes from being chosen by God. Despite witnessing His miraculous liberation from Egypt and the monumental occasion of receiving the Torah at Sinai, they succumbed to fear and despair. God grants us the freedom to choose our paths, even if those choices lead us to unexpected places. The sages remind us, “Man is led on by the path he wishes to pursue.” We can forge our journeys, and God is always ready to support us if we remain open to His guidance. Embracing this partnership can lead to profound growth and abundant blessings in our lives.
For Reflection and Discussion:
- Do people truly see us as we see ourselves? How does my self-image compare to the perspectives of those around me?
2. How can I embrace God’s promises and recognize the countless blessings that have come my way?
Bibliography: ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 1999; The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition ;)www.sefaria.org.il;)www.chabad.org) /;
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023
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