Natural Preparations for Miracles

Moses reminded the people how the scouts that were sent to spy out the Land of Israel spread their ill-founded fear among the people when they returned. As a result, that generation forfeited the privilege of entering the Land of Israel.

The plan pleased me; I took 12 men from you, one man for every tribe. 

Deut. 1:23

Moses knew that despite the fact that G-d had promised His supernatural assistance in conquering the Land of Israel, it was proper to approach the entry into the land in a natural way, for we are not meant to rely on miracles. By preparing ourselves maximally in a natural way, we make it possible for G-d to bless our efforts in a miraculous way, and even elicit Divine favor.

This is why Moses approved of sending out spies to see how the land could be conquered naturally.

—From Daily Wisdom