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Why did the people believe the spies' claim that the inhabitants were stronger than Hashem (ה׳) after witnessing miracles in Egypt? The people weren't doubting God's power but rejecting complete dependence on Him in Eretz Yisrael, preferring Egyptian slavery to rain-dependent agriculture that required maintaining their relationship with Hashem. This analysis reveals how personal bias leads people to rationalize harming even their families while claiming to help them.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L presents a profound analysis of Parshas Shelach, focusing on the episode of the Meraglim (spies) and the Jewish people's refusal to enter Eretz Yisrael. He begins by examining the parallel account in Parshas Devarim, where Moshe adds details about the people's complaint that Hashem (ה׳) hated them by taking them out of Egypt only to destroy them in the promised land. Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation reveals a deeper issue: the people complained that Hashem took them from Egypt (which had the Nile river) to bring them to Eretz Yisrael (which depends on rain). Using a parable of a king with two sons and two fields - one with water, one without - Rashi explains they felt Hashem gave the inferior land to the less-loved son. However, Moshe responds that Hashem actually loved them, while they hated Him and projected their hatred onto Him.
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Parshas Shelach
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