Moshe Rabbenu agreed with the people’s request to send meraglim (spies) before entering Eretz Yisrael. Although the people’s intent showed a lack of confidence in Hashem’s word, Moshe nonetheless commanded them to go. He saw positive aspects of the mission. One purpose was reconnaissance for military conquest. In addition, they could encourage the people with the wondrous qualities of the land. (Rashi and Ramban)
Instead, the spies failed in their mission. Not only did they not encourage the people – they discouraged them to an extreme degree. The people ultimately denied Hashem’s assurances. As result, the ninth of Av (when the people cried in fear and discouragement) was decreed as a day of calamity for generations.
Submit to the Highest Authority
There were many forces involved with the sending of the spies. The people were acting due to lack of faith. They had to see for themselves if the land was worth the sacrifice necessary to conquer it. The intent of the spies themselves was evil; they knew they would lose their authority in Eretz Yisrael and therefore sought to remain in the desert. Moshe’s intent, however, was purely for the good: He wanted them to see that it was, indeed, impossible to conquer the land by natural means – therefore they would need to have faith in Hashem’s promises. (Shlah Hakodesh)
Although the original intent of the people and the spies was not beneficial, Moshe had a plan to save the day. He would turn their agency into a mitzva. If they would devote themselves to the mitzva, everything would turn out right.
So it is with everything we do. Even if we have ulterior motives, if we can disregard our personal inclinations and devote ourselves to the mitzva at hand, we can elevate any endeavor. However, if we only have our own interests in mind, we may thwart the lofty intent of the mitzva. Ideally, a mitzva should be done purely for the mitzva, without any other purpose in mind. (Sefas Emes)
The mixture of their agendas – the people had one purpose, Moshe Rabbenu had another purpose – left the meraglim in a precarious position. The power of evil intent is great, and they didn’t overpower the negative influence. (Ohr Hechaim)
One Intention
The Brisker Rav was very demanding with single-minded intent. A committee was formed to raise money for a serious problem. The Rav agreed that the issue was of great concern and their idea was proper. However, he refrained from signing a proclamation for the committee. Privately, he explained that the activists would have other intentions; although these intentions would also be essentially good, their original intent would be spoiled.
In fact, it turned out – just as the Rav had perceived – no money whatsoever was given out for the initial purpose.
Higher Purpose
There was truly a great, eternal purpose for the meraglim. The Rama Mifano writes that it had been determined from creation that the generation that stood at Mount Sinai would die in the desert. This was in order to elevate in the future the souls who had died outside the land. (Imrei Noam) If so, what was the need to punish the meraglim?
Rather, the meraglim perceived that Yisrael could not go to Eretz Yisrael yet. Therefore, the meraglim tried to discourage the people from desiring to enter the land. However, they should have acted with temimus (simple purity) to fulfill the mitzva as it was given. (Divre Yoel)
Greatness in Character
Rav Shachna Zohn wrote that the world makes a serious mistake. People think that the great man is great in Torah, but in truth the great one is the Talmid Chochom who is full of Yiras Shomayim. (Kuntres Kavod Torah, part1, chapter 26)
The Chofetz Chaim writes that halacha obligates one to study ethical works of mussar daily. (Mishnah Brurah, simon 1)
We see many times in the Torah that perceived leaders stumble and fall due to failure of character. However, there are examples of strength and good midos, with positive outcomes. Dovid Hamelech defended Shimi Ben Geira when Dovid was wrongfully cursed. As a result of this great humility, Shimi was not killed at the time; eventually, Mordechai came into the world because his progenitor was spared.
The Rambam includes required character qualities in his great halacha compendium, the Mishnah Torah.
If the meraglim had listened to the dictates of faith and fulfilled their mitzva, they would have withstood the temptations of power and prevented tragedies.