Verspieders Jozua en Kaleb 1545

This line drawing shows the spies Joshua and Caleb, and was made by an anonymous artist. The biblical story of Joshua and Caleb, who scouted the land of Canaan, is laden with themes of faith, doubt, and the complex dynamics of group psychology. The spies return bearing grapes so large they require two men to carry them. This image, while seemingly celebratory, occurs at a pivotal moment of decision for the Israelites. Their reaction to the bounty reflects their internal fears and desires. The spies’ journey underscores how fear can shape collective memory, influencing how a community understands its history and future. This drawing captures the tension between the promise of abundance and the pervasive anxieties that determine choices. It reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves can profoundly shape our collective path, and that even in the face of apparent plenty, fear can lead us astray.