Pisqa’ 231
1
“And they took in their hands some of the fruit of the Land” (Dt.1:25).
Said R. Shimon:
What contemptible people!
For they grabbed with their hands!2
Like a person who grabs figs or grapes for an issar—
that’s how they grabbed with their hands!
2
“And they brought it down to us” (Dt.1:25).
This indicates that
the Land of Canaan is higher
than all other lands,
in line with what is said:
“Let us ascend immediately, and take possession of it!” (Nu.13:30).
[And it says:]
”And they ascended and scouted the Land” (Nu.13:21),
[for it is said:]
”Ascending via the Negev” (Nu.13:22),
[and, finally:]
”And they ascended from Egypt” (Gn.45:25).
“And they proposed, saying: Good is the Land
that HASHEM our God is giving to us!” (Dt.1:25).
Now, did they really say good things about it?
Actually, they said evil things about it!
Who said good things?
Only Joshua and Caleb.
Nevertheless:
“But you did not consent to ascend,
and you defied the utterance of HASHEM your God.” (Dt.1:26).