Numbers Chapter 13 — Spies in the Land of Canaan
Moses sends twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan, but they return divided on whether Israel can conquer the inhabitants.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 13:27
“They told him, and said, “We came to the land where you sent us. Surely it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.””
This verse confirms that the land God promised was as fertile and prosperous as He had said.
Numbers 13:30
“Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!””
This shows Caleb's courage and faith in God's promise despite the intimidating report from the others.
Numbers 13:33
“There we saw the Nephilim... We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”
This verse illustrates the deep fear and lack of perspective that plagued the ten spies.
Chapter Summary
In Numbers Chapter 13, at God's command, Moses selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes to scout the land of Canaan. Among the spies are Caleb and Joshua. They are instructed to assess the land's fertility, the strength of the inhabitants, and the fortification of the cities. After forty days of exploration, the spies return from the Valley of Eshcol carrying a massive cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs. They report that the land indeed flows with milk and honey. However, ten of the spies express great fear, highlighting the strength of the people, the size of the fortified cities, and the presence of the formidable descendants of Anak. While Caleb tries to encourage the Israelites by insisting they are well able to overcome the land, the other spies spread a discouraging report, claiming the land 'eats up its inhabitants' and that they felt like grasshoppers in comparison to the giants they encountered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses sent twelve leaders, one from each tribe, including Caleb from the tribe of Judah and Joshua (originally named Hoshea) from the tribe of Ephraim.
Ten of the twelve spies claimed the land was impossible to conquer because the inhabitants were giants and the cities were too well-fortified, causing the Israelites to fear.
The name Eshcol means 'cluster,' and it was named after the massive cluster of grapes the spies cut down and carried back on a staff to show the land's fertility.
While the text doesn't provide a long explanation, it records that Moses renamed Hoshea the son of Nun to Joshua before sending him on the mission to spy out the land.
Study Note
The mention of Hebron being built seven years before Zoan in Egypt provides a rare archaeological and chronological anchor within the Pentateuch.
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