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Why did Hashem (ה׳) tell Moshe 'shelach lecha' - leaving the decision to send spies up to him - instead of giving clear guidance? The shiur argues that Moshe faced an impossible dilemma: refusing might increase the people's suspicions, while agreeing carried the risk that materialized. Hashem's ambiguous response reflected that the people's lack of emunah (אמונה) had already created their own trap - they would likely fail regardless of which path Moshe chose.
This shiur examines the complex dynamics surrounding the sending of the spies (Meraglim) in Parshas Shelach, particularly focusing on the seemingly puzzling exchange between Hashem (ה׳) and Moshe Rabbeinu. The analysis begins with Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation of 'shelach lecha' - that Hashem was not commanding Moshe to send spies, but rather leaving the decision to him. The shiur explores why Hashem would give such an ambiguous response when Moshe clearly needed guidance on how to handle the people's request. The discussion delves into the chronology of events, comparing the account in Parshas Shelach with the version in Parshas Devarim. According to Rashi, the people approached Moshe first requesting to send spies. Moshe's response - 'it was good in my eyes' - is explained through a mashal of a donkey seller who agrees to all testing requests, hoping the buyer will realize there's nothing to hide and purchase without testing. Similarly, Moshe hoped that by readily agreeing to send spies, the people would recognize that there was nothing to conceal and abandon their request.
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Parshas Shelach
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