In this week's Torah portion we once again focus on the tragedy which befell our ancestors as a result of following the spies sent by Moshe to study the land promised to them.

Our commentaries point out that these spies gave an accurate report. The problem was that they added a "but", implying that there was no way that the formidable nations occupying the land could be conquered.

This was the result of believing only in their own abilities and failing to appreciate that G-d could grant them victory.

This misplaced confidence in their own power resulted in an entire generation losing its right to enter the land.

One lesson we can certainly learn from this is that despite the need to do everything we can to defend our land in a natural way, our confidence in ultimate victory over our enemies must be directed towards G-d who promised it to us forever.

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