Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol. That placeThe phrase "that place" refers to a specific location that holds significant meaning in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. In the Hebrew text, the word for "place" is "maqom," which often denotes a site of particular importance or divine encounter. This highlights the significance of the Valley of Eshcol as a landmark in the Israelites' exploration of the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the tangible evidence of the land's fertility. was called
The act of naming in the biblical context often signifies authority, ownership, or a defining characteristic. The Hebrew verb "qara" is used here, indicating that the naming of the Valley of Eshcol was intentional and carried weight. This naming serves as a memorial for the Israelites, marking a moment of discovery and the potential fulfillment of God's promises to them. the Valley of Eshcol
The "Valley of Eshcol" is a geographical location that becomes symbolic of abundance and God's promise. "Eshcol" in Hebrew means "cluster," specifically referring to a cluster of grapes. This valley, therefore, becomes a testament to the fertility and richness of the land that God had promised to the Israelites. Historically, the valley is situated in the region of Hebron, an area known for its agricultural productivity, which aligns with the biblical narrative of a land flowing with milk and honey. because of the cluster of grapes
The "cluster of grapes" is a powerful symbol of the land's bounty. In Hebrew, "eshcol" directly translates to "cluster," emphasizing the extraordinary size and quality of the produce found there. This imagery of abundance serves to inspire the Israelites, reinforcing the idea that the Promised Land is indeed a place of plenty. The cluster of grapes becomes a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and the blessings awaiting them. the Israelites cut off there
The action of cutting off the grapes signifies the Israelites' direct interaction with the land and their participation in God's promise. The Hebrew verb "karath" implies a deliberate act of harvesting, which not only demonstrates the land's fertility but also the Israelites' readiness to claim what God has set before them. This act of cutting off the grapes is a precursor to the eventual possession of the land, symbolizing hope and the fulfillment of divine promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who were on a journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. They were tasked with exploring Canaan. 2. The Valley of EshcolA fertile area in Canaan known for its abundant produce, particularly the large cluster of grapes that the Israelite spies brought back as evidence of the land's richness. 3. The SpiesA group of twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan and report back on its conditions and inhabitants. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to send the spies into Canaan to assess the land promised to them. 5. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, described as a land flowing with milk and honey. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesThe exploration of Canaan was a test of faith in God's promises. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. The Abundance of God's ProvisionThe cluster of grapes symbolizes the abundance and richness of God's provision. Christians are encouraged to recognize and be thankful for God's blessings in their lives. The Importance of ObedienceThe spies were obedient to Moses' command to explore the land. Similarly, believers are called to obey God's commands, trusting that His plans are for their good. Overcoming Fear with FaithDespite the challenges reported by the spies, faith in God's power and promises should overcome fear. Believers are encouraged to face their fears with faith. Bearing Spiritual FruitJust as the Valley of Eshcol was fruitful, Christians are called to bear spiritual fruit, living lives that reflect the character and love of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Valley of Eshcol represent in terms of God's promises and provision, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 2. How does the report of the spies in Numbers 13 challenge us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming? 3. In what ways can we recognize and give thanks for the "clusters of grapes" or blessings in our own lives? 4. How can the account of the exploration of Canaan inspire us to overcome fear with faith in our daily walk with God? 5. What are some practical ways we can bear spiritual fruit in our lives, reflecting the abundance of God's provision and grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18-21God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land of Canaan to his descendants, setting the stage for the exploration in Numbers 13. Deuteronomy 1:24-25A recounting of the exploration of Canaan, emphasizing the goodness of the land and the Israelites' initial positive report. John 15:1-5Jesus' teaching on the vine and branches, symbolizing spiritual fruitfulness, which can be related to the physical fruitfulness of the Valley of Eshcol. People Aaron, Ahiman, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammiel, Amorites, Anak, Asher, Benjamin, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Eshcol, Gad, Gaddi, Gaddiel, Gemalli, Geuel, Hittites, Hori, Hoshea, Igal, Israelites, Issachar, Jebusites, Jehoshua, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Machi, Manasseh, Michael, Moses, Nahbi, Naphtali, Nun, Oshea, Palti, Raphu, Rehob, Reuben, Sethur, Shammua, Shaphat, Sheshai, Simeon, Sodi, Susi, Talmai, Vophsi, Zaccur, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Hebron, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Negeb, Paran, Rehob, Sinai, Valley of Eshcol, Wilderness of Paran, Zin, ZoanTopics Brook, Cluster, Cut, Eshcol, Grapes, Israelites, Named, Sons, Thence, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:20-25 4458 grape Numbers 13:21-25 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 13:21-27 5704 inheritance, material Numbers 13:23-24 4450 fruit Library Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Hebron
From Jericho we proceed to Hebron, far off in situation, but next to it in dignity: yea, there was a time, when it went before Jerusalem itself in name and honour;--namely, while the first foundations of the kingdom of David were laid; and, at that time, Jericho was buried in rubbish, and Jerusalem was trampled upon by the profane feet of the Jebusites. Hebron was placed, as in the mountainous country of Judea, so in a place very rocky, but yet in a very fruitful coast. "There is no place, in all …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Epistle xvii. To Felix, Bishop of Messana.
To Felix, Bishop of Messana. To our most reverend brother, the Bishop Felix, Gregory, servant of the servants of God [246] . Our Head, which is Christ, to this end has willed us to be His members, that through His large charity and faithfulness He might make us one body in Himself, to whom it befits us so to cling that, since without Him we can do nothing, through Him we may be enabled to be what we are called. From the citadel of the Head let nothing divide us, lest, if we refuse to be His members, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 13:24 NIVNumbers 13:24 NLTNumbers 13:24 ESVNumbers 13:24 NASBNumbers 13:24 KJV
Numbers 13:24 Commentaries
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