Observation

This question was popular among the candidates. In the part a, candidates were able to mention the positive report from Caleb and Joshua as against the ill reports of the remaining ten spies but they failed to mention the reaction of the people of Israel regarding the way they murmured against Moses which made God angry with them and decided to destroy them until Moses pleaded on their behalf. After the spies returned from their mission, candidates were expected to list the following points;

1. The majority of the spies said the men of Canaan were of great stature and the Israelites looked like grasshoppers before them.
2. It was a land that devoured its inhabitants, they alleged
3. But Joshua and Caleb did not agree with them and insisted that they should go and occupy the land, since they could overpower them.
4. According to them, God would help them to defeat the Canaanites.
5. They rent their clothes and encouraged the Israelites not to be afraid.
6. But as a result of the report given by the majority of the spies, the Israelites complained bitterly against Moses, saying it would have been better to endure slavery in Egypt than to die in the wilderness.
7. They suggested that a leader should be appointed to lead them back to Egypt.
8. The people were so angry that they attempted to stone Caleb and Joshua.
9. God threatened to destroy the people with pestilence and disinherit them, but Moses interceded on their behalf.                  

The part b was less challenging to the candidates. They drew their experiences from the contemporary society using the politicians as a yardstick and applied their knowledge in answering the part b. Those who failed the demands of the question in part b were writing about the activities and functions of politicians and political parties and these points were in great contrast to what the question asked. Expected lessons political figures can learn from the mission of the spies are;

1. The majority view and decision may not always be right, or correct.
2. Feasibility work should always be done before undertaking any major project.
3. Exaggerations should be avoided, if its purpose is to put fear in the people.
4. Nothing should be hidden from the people/Need for transparency in public service.
5. Reporting true state of affairs should be encouraged.
6. Bold and faithful people should be appointed as leaders.
7. Political leaders are not to be discouraged by negative reports/ criticisms which come their way.
8. Positive self-image/believing in one’s self, is necessary for individual and national progress. This should be encouraged by political leaders.
9. There is need to trust God in all that we do/ Political leaders should have strong faith in God in all their endeavours/ intercede for their people.
10. Fear can paralyse an individual or a nation/it can cause one to lose his or her blessings.
11. Fear can discourage someone from taking risks/making decisions.
12. Political leaders should do all they can to give their people hope and positive vision.