In their discussion about whether or not the spies lied about their view of ha'aretz a rabbi teaches that any slander that does not begin with a truthful statement does not stand. An interesting idea: if we begin with a truth that people will believe, they will continue to believe us as we create lies.
In addition to determining which of the spies' statements, one by one, were lies, the rabbis note that Moses was to be believed as he demonstrated G-d's miracles to the people one after another. The remainder of amud (a) tells us the consequences of the spies' actions. Each faced death.
The Gemara returns to questions regarding the return of the Ark from the Philistines (during the period of Samuel). The rabbis attempt to understand how many people and who in particular were killed at this time. They also question why the killing took place. Did people look at G-d? Did they speak inappropriately? Were seventy men or fifty thousand men killed? Did some people who were killed represent others?
When David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, he was said to have sacrificed an animal at every six paces. The rabbis wonder exactly which animals were slaughtered.
At the end of our daf, the rabbis question how the stones mentioned in Deuteronomy 27:8 were used. Were the words of Torah written on the stones themselves? Or on the plaster used to secure the stones? The rabbis discuss the tenacity of stone over other substances, including plaster.
We end with a comment regarding the acceptance of any strangers living within Eretz Yisrael, whether they are Gentiles or Canaanites who have repented for their actions. There is no obligation for Israelites to bar others from living in the land.
An important political note for us to remember at all times. Certainly Gentiles and others were wanting rights for themselves two thousand years ago, as well. If we were able to figure it out then, why can't we figure it out now?
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