In the Book of Numbers 13:1 - 15:41, the Israelites lose their faith in God to conquer the idolatrous inhabitants of the Land of Israel. Moses tells them of God's decree to delay their entry by forty years. The reaction of the ancient tribe was deep regret. And the nation mourned excessively.
There was a group of those who
were sincerely repentant, and understood the cause of their errors to be a lack of faith in God. They were determined to reverse course and make amends, even though Moses warned them that their actions would not be successful. Sure enough, they were murdered. Their intentions seemed noble, what was their mistake?
One Bible scholar suggests, God was not willing to save and protect them because
the wound was fresh. Even actions with good intentions will ultimately backfire if the timing is not quite right.
Do not appease your friend at the height of his anger; do not comfort him while his dead still lies before him; do not ask him about his vow he moment he makes it; and do not endeavor to see him at his time of degradation.
Ethics of the
Fathers
When you do something that causes a rift in your relationships with others, and you desperately want to make things right, it's pointless if you attempt to do it only on your own terms. When you offend or upset someone, focus on their needs, and their timing - not yours.
The Israelites should have focused on God's will instead of
trying to make the situation better for their own personal gain. Consider this Bible lesson the next time you ask for forgiveness.
