So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: "The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. So they gave the Israelites a bad reportThe phrase "So they gave" indicates an action taken by the spies who were sent to explore the land of Canaan. The Hebrew root for "gave" is "natan," which means to give, put, or set. This action of giving a report is significant because it reflects the responsibility and influence the spies had over the people of Israel. In a broader scriptural context, this act of giving a report is not just a simple relay of information but a powerful moment that would shape the faith and future of the Israelites. The act of giving here is not neutral; it carries the weight of interpretation and perspective. the Israelites
The term "the Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This group is the chosen people of God, set apart to inherit the Promised Land. Historically, the Israelites were a people who had experienced the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and were on a journey to claim the land promised to their forefathers. The identity of the Israelites is deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God, and their journey is a testament to God's faithfulness and their struggle with faith and obedience. a bad report
The phrase "a bad report" is translated from the Hebrew word "dibbah," which can mean an evil or slanderous report. This is not merely a negative assessment but one that is harmful and misleading. The spies' report was not just unfavorable; it was a distortion of the truth that incited fear and rebellion among the people. In the historical context, this report was pivotal because it led to the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, resulting in their wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Theologically, this moment underscores the power of words and the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. about the land they had explored
The phrase "about the land they had explored" refers to the land of Canaan, which the spies had been sent to scout. The Hebrew word for "explored" is "tur," meaning to seek out or investigate. This exploration was meant to be a reconnaissance mission to gather information about the land God had promised to give them. Archaeologically, Canaan was a land of great diversity and fertility, known for its fortified cities and established cultures. The exploration was supposed to affirm God's promise and encourage the Israelites, but instead, it became a source of doubt and fear due to the negative report. saying, 'The land we explored devours its inhabitants'
The word "saying" introduces the content of the report, which is a direct quotation from the spies. The phrase "The land we explored devours its inhabitants" is a hyperbolic statement meant to instill fear. The Hebrew word for "devours" is "akal," which means to consume or eat. This imagery suggests a land that is hostile and dangerous, contrary to God's description of it as a land flowing with milk and honey. This statement reflects a lack of faith and a focus on the obstacles rather than the opportunities. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of fear and unbelief. and all the people we saw there are of great stature
The phrase "and all the people we saw there are of great stature" emphasizes the physical presence and perceived threat of the inhabitants of Canaan. The Hebrew word for "stature" is "middah," which can refer to size or height. This observation highlights the spies' focus on the physical challenges rather than the spiritual assurance of God's promise. Historically, the Canaanites were known for their fortified cities and warriors, but the emphasis on their stature reveals the spies' intimidation and lack of trust in God's power to deliver them. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeing challenges through the lens of faith rather than fear. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SpiesTwelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, were sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Their mission was to assess the land and its inhabitants. 2. The IsraelitesThe people of Israel, who were on the brink of entering the Promised Land, were the recipients of the spies' report. 3. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was described as a land flowing with milk and honey. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who sent the spies into Canaan to gather information about the land and its people. 5. The Bad ReportTen of the twelve spies gave a negative report, instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites about their ability to conquer the land. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to influence and shape perceptions. The negative report of the spies led to widespread fear and rebellion among the Israelites. As believers, we must be mindful of the words we speak and the reports we believe. Faith vs. FearThe contrast between the ten spies and Joshua and Caleb highlights the battle between faith and fear. Trusting in God's promises requires courage and conviction, even when circumstances seem daunting. Consequences of UnbeliefThe Israelites' failure to trust in God's promise resulted in a prolonged wilderness journey. Unbelief can hinder our spiritual progress and prevent us from experiencing God's blessings. Leadership and ResponsibilityLeaders have a responsibility to guide others in faith and truth. The ten spies' failure to do so had dire consequences for the entire community. Christian leaders must lead with integrity and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the negative report of the ten spies reflect a lack of faith in God's promises? How can we guard against similar unbelief in our own lives? 2. In what ways can our words and attitudes impact the faith and morale of those around us? Provide examples from both the Bible and personal experience. 3. Compare the response of Joshua and Caleb to that of the other spies. What can we learn from their example about trusting God in difficult situations? 4. Reflect on a time when fear prevented you from stepping into a promise or opportunity. How can you apply the lessons from Numbers 13:32 to overcome fear in the future? 5. How does the account of the spies and their report connect to the broader account of God's faithfulness throughout the Bible? Consider other instances where God's people faced challenges and how they responded. Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua and Caleb's Faith In contrast to the ten spies, Joshua and Caleb gave a positive report, trusting in God's promise. This is further explored in Numbers 14, where their faith is commended. Hebrews 3:19This verse reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites, which prevented them from entering the Promised Land, drawing a parallel to the consequences of disbelief. Deuteronomy 1:28This passage recounts the Israelites' fear and reluctance to enter Canaan, echoing the negative report's impact on their faith. 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 Account, Bad, Bring, Causing, Common, Destruction, Devours, Eateth, Eating, Eats, Evil, Explored, Inhabitants, Israelites, Midst, Passed, Report, Saying, Search, Searched, Size, Sons, Spied, Spread, Spy, Spying, Stature, ThereofDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:26-33 5714 men Numbers 13:27-32 4926 delay, human Numbers 13:27-33 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 13:30-33 5819 cowardice Numbers 13:31-32 5424 nationalism
8723 doubt, results of Numbers 13:31-33 5916 pessimism
8726 doubters Numbers 13:32-33 5848 exaggeration 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 13:32 NIVNumbers 13:32 NLTNumbers 13:32 ESVNumbers 13:32 NASBNumbers 13:32 KJV
Numbers 13:32 Commentaries
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