Numbers 13:1

Nu 13:1-33. The Names of the Men Who Were Sent to Search the Land.

1-2. The Lord spake unto Moses, Send thou men, that they may search the land, of Canaan--Compare De 1:22, whence it appears, that while the proposal of delegating confidential men from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan emanated from the people who petitioned for it, the measure received the special sanction of God, who granted their request at once as a trial, and a punishment of their distrust.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Introduction

Twelve men, one out of every tribe, are sent to examine the nature and state of the land of Canaan, Num 13:1-3. Their names, Num 13:4-16. Moses gives them particular directions, Num 13:17-20. They proceed on their journey, Num 13:21, Num 13:22. Come to Eshcol, and cut down a branch with a cluster of grapes, which they bear between two of them upon a staff, Num 13:23, Num 13:24. After forty days they return to Paran, from searching the land, and show to Moses and the people the fruit they had brought with them, Num 13:25, Num 13:26. Their report - they acknowledge that the land is good, but that the inhabitants are such as the Israelites cannot hope to conquer, Num 13:27-29. Caleb endeavors to do away the bad impression made, by the report of his fellows, upon the minds of the people, Num 13:30. But the others persist in their former statement, Num 13:31 : and greatly amplify the difficulties of conquest, Num 13:32, Num 13:33.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish in the wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears, De 1:22, that the motion to search out the land came from the people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of God's wisdom. Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports and representations of sense rather than Divine revelation. We walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be of good courage. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution; but a great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful. Courage in such circumstances can only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain