So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath. So they went upThis phrase indicates the beginning of a significant journey undertaken by the Israelite spies. The Hebrew root for "went up" is "עָלָה" (alah), which often implies an ascent or a movement towards something of greater significance or holiness. In the biblical context, going up often signifies moving towards God’s promises or purposes. This ascent is not just physical but also spiritual, as the spies are moving towards the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. and spied out the land
The act of spying, from the Hebrew "תּוּר" (tur), means to explore or seek out. This was not merely a military reconnaissance but a divine mission to witness the fulfillment of God's promise. The spies were to observe the land's fertility, its inhabitants, and its fortifications. This exploration was a test of faith, as the Israelites were to trust in God's promise despite any formidable obstacles they might encounter. from the Wilderness of Zin
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region located in the southern part of Canaan. The Hebrew word "צִן" (Tsin) is associated with dryness and barrenness, symbolizing the challenges and trials the Israelites faced. This wilderness journey reflects the spiritual journey of believers, who often traverse through dry and challenging seasons before reaching the promises of God. as far as Rehob
Rehob, meaning "broad" or "spacious" in Hebrew, was a city located in the northern part of Canaan. This indicates the extensive scope of the land the spies were to explore. The journey from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob symbolizes the vastness of God's promise and the abundance He has in store for His people. It serves as a reminder of the breadth of God's provision and the expansive nature of His blessings. toward Lebo-hamath
Lebo-hamath, meaning "entrance of Hamath," marks the northern boundary of the land of Canaan. This phrase signifies the completeness of the exploration, from the southernmost to the northernmost parts of the land. Historically, Hamath was a significant city-state, and its mention here underscores the strategic importance of the land. Spiritually, it represents the fullness of God's promise, encompassing all that He has ordained for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Wilderness of ZinA desert region in the southern part of Canaan, marking the starting point of the spies' exploration. It represents the boundary between the known and the unknown for the Israelites. 2. RehobA location in the northern part of Canaan, indicating the extent of the land the spies explored. It symbolizes the promise of God's provision and the vastness of the land He intended for His people. 3. Lebo-hamathA northern boundary of the land of Canaan, often associated with the entrance to the land. It signifies the completeness of the land God promised to the Israelites. 4. The SpiesRepresentatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, tasked with exploring the Promised Land. Their mission was to gather information about the land and its inhabitants. 5. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesThe exploration of the land serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when facing unknown territories in life. Courage in the Face of ChallengesThe spies' journey from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob demonstrates the need for courage. Christians are called to step out in faith, trusting that God goes before them. The Importance of PerspectiveThe spies' report later in Numbers reveals differing perspectives. Believers should seek God's perspective, focusing on His power rather than the obstacles. Unity in MissionThe twelve spies were representatives of the entire community, highlighting the importance of unity in pursuing God's mission. The church today is called to work together in fulfilling God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the journey from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob teach us about trusting God in unfamiliar situations? 2. How can we apply the courage demonstrated by the spies in our own lives when facing daunting tasks or challenges? 3. In what ways does the exploration of the Promised Land in Numbers 13:21 connect to God's promises in Genesis 15:18-21? 4. How can we ensure that our perspective aligns with God's when evaluating the challenges and opportunities before us? 5. What steps can we take to promote unity within our church or community as we pursue God's mission together? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18-21This passage outlines the boundaries of the land promised to Abraham's descendants, connecting to the exploration of the land in Numbers 13:21. Deuteronomy 1:19-25Moses recounts the sending of the spies and their exploration, providing additional context and emphasizing the importance of trusting God's promises. Joshua 1:3-4God's promise to Joshua about the land echoes the exploration in Numbers 13:21, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and the call to courage. 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 Desert, Entrance, Got, Hamath, Lebo, Lebo-hamath, Rehob, Searched, Spied, Spy, Towards, View, Waste, Wilderness, ZinDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:21 4230 desert Numbers 13:20-25 4458 grape Numbers 13:21-14:10 5923 public opinion Numbers 13:21-23 4440 fig-tree Numbers 13:21-25 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 13:21-27 5704 inheritance, material 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 13:21 NIVNumbers 13:21 NLTNumbers 13:21 ESVNumbers 13:21 NASBNumbers 13:21 KJV
Numbers 13:21 Commentaries
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