Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: 'The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.'" Where can we go?This phrase captures the despair and confusion of the Israelites as they faced the daunting task of entering the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for "go" (יָלַךְ, yalak) often implies movement or journeying, suggesting a sense of direction or purpose. Here, it reflects a crisis of faith and direction, as the Israelites question their ability to proceed. Historically, this moment is pivotal, as it reveals the Israelites' struggle to trust in God's promises despite His past faithfulness. Our brothers have made our hearts melt
The phrase "made our hearts melt" uses the Hebrew verb מָסַס (masas), which conveys the idea of dissolving or losing courage. This expression highlights the power of negative reports and fear to undermine faith and resolve. The "brothers" refer to the spies who returned with a discouraging report, emphasizing the communal impact of their words. In a broader scriptural context, this serves as a warning against the spread of fear and doubt within a community of believers. saying ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are
This part of the verse reflects the Israelites' perception of their enemies, focusing on physical strength and stature. The Hebrew word for "stronger" (חָזָק, chazaq) implies might and firmness, while "taller" (גָּבֹהַּ, gavoah) suggests an intimidating physical presence. Historically, the Canaanites were known for their fortified cities and warrior culture, which contributed to the Israelites' fear. This highlights a common biblical theme: the tendency to focus on human limitations rather than divine power. the cities are large, with walls up to the sky
The description of the cities as "large, with walls up to the sky" uses hyperbolic language to convey their formidable nature. The Hebrew word for "large" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) denotes greatness or magnitude, while the imagery of walls "up to the sky" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim) emphasizes their perceived invincibility. Archaeologically, ancient Canaanite cities were indeed well-fortified, but this exaggeration reflects the Israelites' overwhelming fear. This serves as a reminder of the human tendency to magnify obstacles when faith is lacking. We even saw the Anakites there
The mention of the "Anakites" (עֲנָקִים, Anakim) refers to a race of giants known for their size and strength, often associated with fearsome warriors. The Anakites were descendants of Anak, and their presence in the land added to the Israelites' dread. Historically, the Anakites were a real people group, and their reputation contributed to the Israelites' reluctance to enter the land. This highlights the biblical theme of facing giants, both literal and metaphorical, with faith in God's promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, recounting the events and the people's response to the report of the spies. 3. SpiesRepresentatives from each tribe of Israel sent to scout the Promised Land, whose report caused fear among the Israelites. 4. AnakimA race of giants in the land, known for their formidable size and strength, causing fear among the Israelites. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Teaching Points Faith vs. FearThe Israelites' fear of the Anakim and the fortified cities reveals a lack of trust in God's promises. Believers today must choose faith over fear, trusting in God's power and promises. Influence of Negative ReportsThe negative report of the spies influenced the entire community, leading to disobedience. Christians should be cautious about the influence of negative voices and focus on God's truth. God's Promises and Human PerspectiveThe Israelites focused on the physical obstacles rather than God's promise. Believers are encouraged to view challenges through the lens of God's faithfulness and power. Consequences of UnbeliefThe Israelites' unbelief led to wandering in the wilderness. Unbelief can hinder spiritual progress and blessings in a believer's life. Courage in LeadershipMoses and Caleb exemplify courage and faith in leadership. Christian leaders are called to inspire faith and courage in others, even in the face of daunting challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fear of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:28 compare to the faith of Caleb in Joshua 14:12-15, and what can we learn from this contrast? 2. In what ways can negative reports or influences affect our faith journey, and how can we guard against them? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a "giant" in your life. How did your perspective influence your response, and what role did faith play? 4. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's promises rather than our own understanding in our daily lives? 5. What steps can we take to ensure that our leadership, whether in family, church, or community, is characterized by faith and courage? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 13-14Provides the detailed account of the spies' mission and the Israelites' reaction, highlighting their lack of faith. Joshua 14:12-15Caleb's faith and courage in facing the Anakim, contrasting with the fear of the other Israelites. Hebrews 3:16-19Reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites in the wilderness, serving as a warning to believers. People Amorites, Anakites, Caleb, Canaanites, Eshcol, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jephunneh, Joshua, Laban, Moses, Nun, Og, Seir, SihonPlaces Arabah, Ashtaroth, Bashan, Dizahab, Edrei, Egypt, Euphrates River, Hazeroth, Heshbon, Horeb, Hormah, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Laban, Lebanon, Moab, Mount Seir, Negeb, Paran, Seir, Suph, Tophel, Valley of EshcolTopics Anakim, Anakims, Anakites, Besides, Bigger, Brethren, Brothers, Cities, Discouraged, Fear, Feeble, Fenced, Fortified, Greater, Heart, Hearts, Heaven, Large, Lose, Melt, Melted, Moreover, Saying, Sky, Sons, Stronger, Taller, Towns, Walled, Walls, WhitherDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 1:28 4272 sky
4831 largeness
5014 heart, human
5256 city
5315 fortifications
5848 exaggeration
5916 pessimism
8713 discouragement Deuteronomy 1:19-40 5923 public opinion Deuteronomy 1:26-28 5945 self-pity Deuteronomy 1:27-28 5838 disrespect Deuteronomy 1:27-31 5819 cowardice Deuteronomy 1:27-33 8723 doubt, results of Library Foretastes of the Heavenly Life
Early in the year 1857. NOTE: This edition of this sermon is taken from an earlier published edition of Spurgeon's 1857 message. The sermon that appears in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 45, was edited and abbreviated somewhat. For edition we have restored the fuller text of the earlier published edition, while retaining a few of the editorial refinements of the Met Tab edition. "And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 45: 1899Preventive against Backsliding.
It is most instructive to note how exceedingly anxious the early Christians were, that, as soon as a man was converted, he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and Peniel, between the Cross and Pentecost. They knew it was not God's will that forty years of wilderness wanderings should lie between Egypt and the Promised Land (Deut. i. 2). When Peter and John came to the Samaritans, and found that they were …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life 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 Scripture Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final Development of Hellenism in Its Relation to Rabbinism and the Gospel According to St. John.
It is strange how little we know of the personal history of the greatest of uninspired Jewish writers of old, though he occupied so prominent a position in his time. [173] Philo was born in Alexandria, about the year 20 before Christ. He was a descendant of Aaron, and belonged to one of the wealthiest and most influential families among the Jewish merchant-princes of Egypt. His brother was the political head of that community in Alexandria, and he himself on one occasion represented his co-religionists, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of the Holy Scripture, So Far as Every Christian must Competently Know, and Necessarily Believe, that Will be Saves.
Although no creature can define what God is, because he is incomprehensible (Psal. cxliii. 3) and dwelling in inaccessible light (1 Tim. vi. 16); yet it has pleased his majesty to reveal himself to us in his word, so far as our weak capacity can best conceive him. Thus: God is that one spiritual and infinitely perfect essence, whose being is of himself eternally (Deut. i. 4; iv. 35; xxxii. 39; vi. 4; Isa. xlv. 5-8; 1 Cor. viii. 4; Eph. iv. 5, 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; John iv. 24; 2 Cor. iii. 17; 1 Kings …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Mountainous Country of Judea.
"What is the mountainous country of Judea? It is the king's mountain." However Judea, here and there, doth swell out much with mountains, yet its chief swelling appears in that broad back of mountains, that runs from the utmost southern cost as far as Hebron, and almost as Jerusalem itself. Which the Holy Scripture called "The hill-country of Judah," Joshua 21:11; Luke 1:39. Unless I am very much mistaken,--the maps of Adricomus, Tirinius, and others, ought to be corrected, which have feigned to …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
(Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. Monday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 18, 19, 12, 13; ^B Mark XI. 12-18; ^C Luke XIX. 45-48. ^b 12 And ^a 18 Now ^b on the morrow [on the Monday following the triumphal entry], ^a in the morning ^b when they were come out from Bethany, ^a as he returned to the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [Breakfast with the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord's ministry were full of activity that did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it. Our …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Moses and his Writings
[Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 1:28 NIVDeuteronomy 1:28 NLTDeuteronomy 1:28 ESVDeuteronomy 1:28 NASBDeuteronomy 1:28 KJV
Deuteronomy 1:28 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
