Berean Study Bible The Spies Explore CanaanGod continued to direct Israel through Moses as they approached Canaan. Having delivered them from Egypt and established His covenant at Sinai, the LORD now led the nation toward the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Moses served as God’s appointed mediator and leader, receiving divine instruction for Israel’s next decisive step. Deu 31:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death… “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, God directed Moses to survey Canaan before Israel entered it. The land was inhabited by fortified city-states and peoples who practiced idolatry, yet it was the land God had appointed for Israel’s possession. The reconnaissance would reveal both the land’s abundance and the opposition Israel would face. Deu 1:22 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… which I am giving to the Israelites. Canaan was God’s gift to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Its occupation depended ultimately on God’s faithfulness, not Israel’s military strength. The coming report would test whether the nation trusted God’s promise despite the power of its inhabitants. Jos 1:2-3 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise… From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man Each tribe was represented so that the entire nation would share in the mission and receive a firsthand report through its own delegate. The arrangement reflected Israel’s tribal order, descended from the sons of Jacob, and involved every tribe in the decision that followed. Num 1:4 And one man from each tribe, the head of each family,… who is a leader among them.” Moses chose recognized leaders whose influence would carry weight among their tribes. Their responsibility extended beyond gathering information; their report would shape the nation’s response to God’s command. Most of these leaders allowed fear to govern their judgment, while Joshua and Caleb urged Israel to believe and obey. Num 1:16 These men were appointed from the congregation;… So at the command of the LORD, Israel’s reconnaissance of Canaan began under God’s direct authority. The mission was not a human plan but part of the Lord’s guidance as He brought His people toward the land He had promised. Num 9:23 They camped at the LORD’s command, and they set out… Moses sent them out Moses carried out the Lord’s instruction as Israel’s appointed leader. He selected representatives to examine the land and report what they found before the nation advanced. Jos 14:7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD… from the Wilderness of Paran. Paran lay south of Canaan and served as Israel’s encampment before entering the land. From this wilderness, the spies could travel north into the territory promised to Abraham’s descendants. Num 12:16 After that, the people set out from Hazeroth… All the men were leaders of the Israelites, Each man represented one of Israel’s tribes and held recognized authority among his people. Their position made their report especially influential, and their later response would affect the faith and direction of the entire nation. Num 7:2 And the leaders of Israel, the heads of their families,… and these were their names: Moses appointed twelve tribal leaders to survey Canaan, one from each tribe. Their names establish the public responsibility borne by these men. Exo 1:1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who went… From the tribe of Reuben, Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, gave his name to a tribe that later settled east of the Jordan. Though Reuben lost the privileges of the firstborn through his sin, the tribe remained part of Israel’s covenant inheritance. Num 1:20 From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel,… Shammua son of Zaccur; Shammua, whose name means “heard” or “hearing,” represented Reuben in the mission to inspect the land God had promised Israel. His identification as Zaccur’s son records his recognized place within the tribe and the accountability of his household. 2Sa 5:14 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem… from the tribe of Simeon, Simeon received its inheritance within Judah’s territory and gradually became less distinct among Israel’s tribes. Its representative joined the other tribal leaders in the shared task of examining Canaan and reporting to Moses. Num 1:6 from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; Shaphat son of Hori; Shaphat, whose name means “he has judged” or “he will judge,” was chosen as Simeon’s leader among the twelve spies. His selection placed him under the responsibility to give an accurate account of the land God had promised Israel. 1Ki 19:16 You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king… from the tribe of Judah, Judah, whose name means “praise,” held a leading place among Israel’s tribes and later became the royal tribe of David’s dynasty. Its territory included Jerusalem, placing Judah at the center of Israel’s national and religious life. Gen 49:8-10 Judah, your brothers shall praise you.… Caleb son of Jephunneh; Caleb represented Judah among the twelve spies. Though called a Kenizzite elsewhere, he was fully identified with Judah and received an inheritance within its territory. Along with Joshua, he trusted God’s promise to give Israel the land and remained faithful when the other spies discouraged the people. Num 14:24 But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit… from the tribe of Issachar, Issachar descended from Jacob and Leah and received territory in the fertile Jezreel Valley. Its location supported agriculture and placed the tribe near important routes through the land. Issachar’s representative joined the reconnaissance mission that would help Israel prepare to enter Canaan. Gen 49:14-15 Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between sheepfolds… Igal son of Joseph; Igal, whose name means “He redeems” or “He avenges,” was appointed to represent Issachar among the twelve spies sent by Moses. As the son of Joseph, he came from a family within the tribe entrusted with this demanding assignment. The spies were to examine Canaan’s land, cities, people, and resources before Israel’s advance. 2Sa 23:36 Igal son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, from the tribe of Ephraim, Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son, received Jacob’s greater blessing and became one of Israel’s leading tribes. Its fertile central territory and later prominence in the northern kingdom reflected its strength and influence among the tribes. Gen 48:19-20 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!”… Hoshea son of Nun; Hoshea, whose name means “salvation,” was Moses’ chosen representative from Ephraim and would later be called Joshua, meaning “The LORD is salvation.” He became Moses’ successor and led Israel into Canaan, faithfully carrying out God’s command to take possession of the land. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… from the tribe of Benjamin, Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, became the ancestor of a tribe known for courage in battle. Its territory lay between Judah and Ephraim, giving it importance in Israel’s national life. Benjamin later produced King Saul and the Apostle Paul. Num 1:36 From the sons of Benjamin, according to the records… Palti son of Raphu; Palti, whose name means “my deliverance” or “escape,” was appointed to represent Benjamin in the reconnaissance of Canaan. His selection, identified through his father Raphu, reflects the ordered participation of every tribe in this national mission. 1Sa 25:44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife,… from the tribe of Zebulun, Zebulun descended from Jacob’s tenth son and received an inheritance in northern Canaan. The tribe supplied one of the twelve men appointed to examine the land God had promised Israel. Gen 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor… Gaddiel son of Sodi; Gaddiel, whose name means “God is my fortune,” represented Zebulun among the spies sent from the wilderness of Paran. Though little else is recorded about him, he shared in the mission whose fearful report helped turn the nation away from entering Canaan in faith. Deu 1:22-25 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… from the tribe of Manasseh Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn son, became one of the tribes descended from Joseph. Its families later received territory on both sides of the Jordan, reflecting its large population and prominent place among Israel. Jos 17:1 Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh… (a tribe of Joseph), Jacob granted Joseph a double inheritance by counting Ephraim and Manasseh as separate tribes. Together they preserved Joseph’s tribal inheritance within Israel. Gen 48:5 And now your two sons born to you in Egypt… Gaddi son of Susi; Gaddi, whose name means “my fortune” or “fortunate,” represented Manasseh among the twelve men chosen to survey Canaan. As a tribal leader, he shared responsibility for reporting what Israel would face in the land God had promised them. Deu 1:22-23 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… from the tribe of Dan, Dan was descended from Jacob’s son Dan, whose name means “judge,” born to Bilhah. Although Dan’s original inheritance lay near the Philistine plain, pressure from stronger enemies led part of the tribe to migrate northward. Dan later became associated with idolatry, but at this time the tribe shared fully in Israel’s responsibility to inspect the land God had promised. Gen 49:16-17 Dan shall provide justice for his people.… Ammiel son of Gemalli; Ammiel, whose name means “people of God,” was appointed as Dan’s representative among the twelve leaders sent into Canaan. He took part in the forty-day exploration and returned with the others to report on the land and its inhabitants. The majority report emphasized the strength of Canaan’s cities and people, contributing to Israel’s refusal to enter the land. Num 1:12 from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; from the tribe of Asher, Asher, meaning “happy” or “blessed,” occupied fertile territory along the Mediterranean coast in northern Canaan, a region suited to agriculture and trade. Its representative joined the leaders from the other tribes in surveying the land God had promised to Israel. Jos 19:24 The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher: Sethur son of Michael; Sethur, whose name means “hidden” or “mystery,” was appointed to represent Asher among the twelve spies. Like the other tribal leaders, he witnessed the land’s abundance and its fortified cities, then returned to report to the congregation. 1Ch 27:18 over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers;… from the tribe of Naphtali, Naphtali, descended from Jacob’s sixth son by Bilhah, received territory in northern Canaan near the Sea of Galilee. Its fertile land and northern position later placed it within the region where much of Jesus’ earthly ministry occurred. Gen 49:21 Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. Nahbi son of Vophsi; Nahbi, whose name means “hidden” or “concealed,” represented Naphtali among the twelve men sent to inspect Canaan. As a tribal leader, he shared responsibility for bringing an accurate report of the land God had promised Israel. Num 1:42 From the sons of Naphtali, according to the records… and from the tribe of Gad, Gad occupied territory east of the Jordan, a fertile region well suited for the tribe’s livestock. Positioned along Israel’s eastern frontier, the tribe also supplied capable warriors for the nation’s defense. Its inclusion in the reconnaissance mission showed that every tribe shared in the responsibility of preparing to enter the land God had promised. Num 2:14 Next will be the tribe of Gad. The leader of the Gadites… Geuel son of Machi. Geuel, whose name means “majesty of God” or “God is exalted,” represented Gad among the twelve men sent to survey Canaan. His identification as Machi’s son established his family standing and personal accountability. Along with the other representatives, he was entrusted to examine the land, its people, and its cities before Israel’s intended entrance. Num 1:24 From the sons of Gad, according to the records… These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; Moses appointed twelve tribal leaders to survey Canaan before Israel entered it. Their mission was to assess the land, its cities, its people, and its produce, while representing the whole nation in this critical moment of preparation. Deu 1:22-25 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. Moses renamed Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” son of Nun, Joshua, meaning “The LORD is salvation,” identifying him as a man whose life and leadership would point to the LORD’s saving work. Joshua would later succeed Moses and lead Israel into the land God had promised them. Num 11:28 Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth… When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, Moses commissioned twelve tribal representatives to survey the land God had promised to give Israel. Their task was to observe its condition, resources, cities, and inhabitants before the nation entered to possess it. Deu 1:22-25 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… he told them, “Go up through the Negev The spies were to enter from the south through the dry Negev region, the natural approach from Israel’s encampment in the wilderness. Gen 13:1 So Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev—… and into the hill country. From there they were to continue into the central highlands, where many Canaanite settlements stood, including the area around Hebron. Their report would reveal both the richness of the land and the opposition Israel would face. Deu 1:7 Resume your journey and go to the hill country… See what the land is like Moses sent the spies to survey Canaan, the land God had promised to Israel’s fathers. They were to observe its fertility, resources, and suitability for the nation that would soon settle there. Deu 1:22-25 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… and whether its people are strong or weak, The spies were also to assess the Canaanite population, including their military strength and the defenses of their cities. Their report would reveal the obstacles Israel would face, though God had already promised to give them the land. Deu 2:10-11 The Emites used to live there, a people great and many… few or many. The size of the population would indicate both the land’s prosperity and the scale of the opposition. Israel’s response to these findings would show whether they trusted God’s promise or allowed the apparent strength of Canaan to control their judgment. 1Sa 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come… Is the land where they live good or bad? The spies were to assess whether Canaan could sustain Israel’s families, herds, and future growth. God had promised Abraham’s descendants this land, and its fertility would confirm the richness of the inheritance awaiting them. Deu 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Israel also needed to know the strength of the inhabitants and the defenses they would face. Many Canaanite cities were walled and fortified, presenting obstacles beyond Israel’s natural ability to overcome. Their report would reveal both the realities of the land and Israel’s need to trust God in taking it. Deu 3:5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates… Is the soil fertile or unproductive? The land’s agricultural strength would determine whether it could sustain the nation God was bringing into Canaan. Productive fields meant grain, pasture, and security for a growing population, while poor soil would make settlement difficult. Deu 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… Are there trees in it or not? Trees indicated dependable rainfall and healthy ground. They also supplied fruit, shade, building material, and fuel, making them an important measure of the land’s resources. Deu 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates;… Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” The spies were to observe carefully and return with visible proof of what they had found. Their mission required courage because Canaan was occupied by established peoples and fortified cities. The fruit would confirm the richness of the land the Lord had promised Israel. Jos 1:6-9 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give… (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) The mission occurred in late summer, when the earliest grapes were ready to harvest. This detail explains why the spies could bring back produce and emphasizes that Canaan was capable of yielding abundant crops. Isa 18:5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone… So they went up and spied out the land Moses sent the twelve leaders to survey Canaan as the Lord commanded. Their journey gave Israel a firsthand report of the land’s fertility, cities, and inhabitants before the nation advanced. Deu 1:24-25 They left and went up into the hill country,… from the Wilderness of Zin The survey began in the arid southern region near the Negev, where Israel stood on the edge of Canaan after its wilderness travels. Num 20:1 In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered… as far as Rehob, The spies traveled through the land to its far northern reaches, showing the breadth of the territory God had promised Israel. Jos 19:28 It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah… toward Lebo-hamath. Lebo-hamath marked the northern approach to Hamath in Syria. The route described spans much of Canaan, from the southern wilderness to the fertile northern borderlands. Num 34:8 and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad, They went up through the Negev The spies entered Canaan through its dry southern region, a difficult land that formed the approach from the wilderness toward the hill country. Gen 13:1 So Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev—… and came to Hebron, Hebron was an ancient city in the Judean hills, associated with Abraham and the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs. Its name means “association” or “friendship.” It later became David’s first capital. Gen 13:18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks… where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. These men belonged to the Anakim, a people of unusual stature and strength. Their presence in Hebron revealed the military challenge Israel would face in possessing the land God had promised. Jos 15:14 And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—… It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. The comparison with Zoan, an important Egyptian city in the Nile Delta, emphasizes Hebron’s great antiquity and established place in the history of the land. Psa 78:12 He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt,… When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, The Valley of Eshcol (“cluster”) lay near Hebron in southern Canaan, a region associated with the patriarchs and God’s promise to their descendants. Its fertile soil provided visible evidence that Canaan could sustain the nation. Deu 1:24 They left and went up into the hill country,… they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, The unusually large cluster of grapes demonstrated the land’s exceptional productivity. Grapes and other crops were essential to daily life and confirmed the abundance God had promised. Gen 40:10 and on the vine were three branches. As it budded… which they carried on a pole between two men. The weight of the cluster required a practical method of transport and underscored the remarkable fruitfulness the spies encountered. 1Ch 15:15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders… They also took some pomegranates and figs. These fruits further confirmed the land’s agricultural richness. Pomegranates and figs were valued crops in Canaan, indicating a land suited for settled life, prosperity, and the provision of the Israelites. Deu 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates;… Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, The valley was named Eshcol, meaning “cluster,” because of the large cluster of grapes the Israelite spies cut there. This remarkable fruit provided visible evidence of Canaan’s fertility and God’s provision. Deu 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… that place was called the Valley of Eshcol. Near Hebron, the Valley of Eshcol, meaning “cluster” in Hebrew, became a lasting memorial of the cluster the spies carried from Canaan. Its name preserved the evidence of the land’s abundance and recalled Israel’s failure to enter promptly despite the clear proof of God’s provision. Gen 14:13 Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew.…
The Reports of the SpiesThe forty-day mission gave the spies sufficient time to examine Canaan’s agricultural strength, cities, defenses, and inhabitants. Their return brought the nation to a decisive moment of response to God’s promise. Gen 8:6 After forty days Noah opened the window he had made… the men returned The twelve tribal representatives completed the assignment Moses had given them. Their report would reveal both the richness of the land and the differing faith of the men who had seen it. Jos 2:23-24 Then the two men started back, came down from the hill… from spying out the land, They had surveyed Canaan, the land God had promised to give Israel. Though its fortified cities and powerful inhabitants presented real obstacles, the land itself confirmed God’s description of a fruitful inheritance. Deu 1:22-25 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel After forty days of exploring Canaan, the twelve spies returned to the camp and reported before Israel’s appointed leaders and the entire nation. Their mission concerned the future of the whole covenant community. Num 14:1-4 Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices… in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. Kadesh, near the southern border of Canaan, was Israel’s staging point before entering the land. From this desert encampment, the people stood within reach of the land God had promised them. Num 12:16 After that, the people set out from Hazeroth… They brought back a report for the whole congregation The spies publicly described the land, its people, and its defenses. Their report gave Israel evidence of both Canaan’s abundance and the challenges that lay ahead. Deu 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… and showed them the fruit of the land. The produce they carried back visibly confirmed that Canaan was fertile and rich, just as God had promised. The evidence placed before the people made their coming response a matter of trusting God despite the strength of the inhabitants. Deu 8:7-10 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land,… And they gave this account to Moses: The twelve men returned after surveying Canaan and reported to Moses, Israel’s God-appointed leader. Their testimony would shape the nation’s response to the land God had promised them. Deu 1:25-28 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… “We went into the land to which you sent us, The spies confirmed that they had completed the mission Moses assigned at the LORD’s command. They had entered the land promised to Abraham’s descendants and seen it firsthand. Deu 1:22-23 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Canaan was fertile, productive, and well suited to sustain Israel. Its abundance confirmed that God was bringing His people into the good land He had promised. Deu 26:9 And He brought us to this place and gave us this land,… Here is some of its fruit! The produce they carried back provided visible evidence of the land’s richness. The report should have strengthened Israel’s confidence in God’s provision, though the spies’ later assessment would reveal a divided response. Deu 26:2-3 you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce… Nevertheless, The report turns from the land’s richness to the obstacles Israel would face in possessing it. Deu 1:32 But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD… the people living in the land are strong, Canaan was occupied by established peoples capable of defending their territories, and the spies measured Israel’s prospects by the strength of its opponents. Deu 2:10 The Emites used to live there, a people great and many… and the cities are large and fortified. Many Canaanite settlements were protected by walls, gates, and elevated positions, making them difficult targets for an approaching army. Deu 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt,… We even saw the descendants of Anak there. The Anakim were unusually formidable men whose reputation heightened the spies’ fear and made the conquest appear impossible by human strength. Deu 9:2 The people are strong and tall, the descendants of… The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; Descended from Esau through Amalek, the Amalekites were longstanding enemies of Israel and had already attacked the nation after the exodus. Their presence in the arid southern region threatened Israel’s approach into Canaan and exposed the people to raids from a mobile, warlike enemy. 1Sa 30:1 On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag,… the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; These peoples occupied the central highlands, where elevated terrain, fortified settlements, and narrow routes favored defense. The Jebusites held Jerusalem, while the Amorites and Hittites were established among the major population centers of Canaan. Their strength made the land appear difficult to take by human means. Jos 11:3 to the Canaanites in the east and west;… and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.” The Canaanites controlled fertile and strategically valuable areas along the Mediterranean coast and in the Jordan Valley. Their cities, trade routes, agricultural resources, and military positions underscored the extent of the opposition Israel would face in entering the land God had promised. Jos 5:1 Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan… Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses Caleb, one of the twelve men sent to scout Canaan, stepped forward as the nation reacted to the fearful report of the other spies. He sought to stop the growing unrest and redirect the people toward trust in the Lord’s command. His action showed courage and loyalty to Moses’ leadership at a moment when fear threatened to turn Israel from the land God had promised. Num 14:6-9 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh… and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, Caleb urged immediate obedience. Israel had not been asked to decide whether God’s promise was possible, but to enter and receive what He had given them. Though the land’s cities were fortified and its inhabitants strong, God had brought Israel out of Egypt and led them to Canaan for this purpose. Deu 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess… for we can certainly conquer it!” Caleb’s confidence rested on the Lord’s faithfulness rather than Israel’s military ability. While the majority saw only the strength of Canaan’s inhabitants, Caleb believed God would give His people victory. His faith stood in sharp contrast to the unbelief that would soon lead Israel to refuse the land and face judgment in the wilderness. Deu 20:4 For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you… But the men who had gone up with him replied, The ten spies who explored Canaan with Caleb and Joshua rejected Caleb’s confidence that Israel could take the land. Though they had witnessed the same land and received the same promise from God, they interpreted its dangers differently. Num 14:36-37 So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land,… “We cannot go up against the people, The fortified cities, established populations, and trained warriors of Canaan convinced them that Israel’s military strength was insufficient. Their conclusion ignored the Lord’s purpose in bringing Israel out of Egypt and leading them to this land. Deu 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt,… for they are stronger than we are!” The Canaanites, including the Anakim, were formidable opponents by ordinary human standards. Yet the spies measured the situation only by Israel’s visible weakness rather than by the power of the God who had already delivered them from Egypt. Deu 7:1 When the LORD your God brings you into the land… So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: Apart from Joshua and Caleb, the spies allowed fear to govern their assessment of the land God had promised to give Israel. Their report stirred unbelief among the people and helped provoke the rebellion that brought Israel’s wilderness judgment. Deu 1:26-28 But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled… “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, The spies portrayed Canaan as a place where its people were continually overcome by conflict and danger. Though the land had fortified cities and powerful inhabitants, their conclusion ignored God’s promise and power. Lev 18:25 Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it… and all the people we saw there are great in stature. The spies emphasized the size and strength of the inhabitants, including the Anakim, to magnify the threat before Israel. Their focus on human power stood in contrast to Caleb and Joshua, who trusted the Lord to give Israel the land. Deu 9:2 The people are strong and tall, the descendants of… We even saw the Nephilim there— The spies reported giants in Canaan whose presence revived memories of the mighty men of ancient times. Their size and reputation made the land’s inhabitants appear impossible to defeat. Gen 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days… the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! The Anakim were powerful giants who occupied the hill country around Hebron. Their formidable ancestry and strength intensified the spies’ fear. Deu 9:2 The people are strong and tall, the descendants of… We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, Fear led the spies to view themselves as helpless and insignificant, losing sight of the Lord’s promise and power. Deu 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt,… and we must have seemed the same to them!” They assumed the Canaanites saw them as weak because they had already accepted that judgment of themselves. Their report stirred rebellion among Israel, while Caleb and Joshua remained confident that God would give them the land. Jos 2:9-11 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given…… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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