After forty days the men returned from spying out the land, After forty daysThe phrase "after forty days" is significant in biblical numerology, where the number forty often symbolizes a period of testing, trial, or probation. In Hebrew, the word for forty is "ארבעים" (arba'im). This period of forty days mirrors other significant biblical events, such as the forty days and nights of rain during the flood ( Genesis 7:12), Moses' forty days on Mount Sinai ( Exodus 24:18), and Jesus' forty days of fasting in the wilderness ( Matthew 4:2). Each instance represents a time of preparation and transformation. Here, the forty days of exploration in Canaan were meant to test the faith and obedience of the Israelites, preparing them for the challenges ahead. the men returned
The phrase "the men returned" indicates the completion of the reconnaissance mission by the twelve spies sent by Moses. In Hebrew, "returned" is "וישבו" (vayashuvu), which implies a coming back to the starting point. This return is not just physical but also symbolic of bringing back knowledge and insight. The men were tasked with gathering intelligence about the land of Canaan, its inhabitants, and its resources. Their return marks a pivotal moment where the gathered information would influence the future decisions and faith of the Israelite community. from spying out the land
The act of "spying out the land" was a strategic mission to assess the Promised Land's potential and challenges. The Hebrew word for "spying" is "לתור" (latur), which means to explore or scout. This exploration was not merely for military purposes but also to understand the land's fertility, the strength of its cities, and the nature of its inhabitants. Historically, this was a common practice among ancient civilizations to ensure successful conquests and settlements. The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was a land flowing with milk and honey, symbolizing abundance and divine blessing. The spies' report would test the Israelites' trust in God's promise and their willingness to follow His lead despite apparent obstacles. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SpiesTwelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, were chosen to scout the land of Canaan. Their mission was to assess the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. 2. CanaanThe Promised Land that God had assured to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a land described as "flowing with milk and honey." 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who sent the spies into Canaan. He was responsible for guiding the people according to God's commands. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, who were on a journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their faith and obedience were continually tested. 5. The Forty DaysA significant period of time in biblical accounts, often associated with testing, trial, and preparation. Teaching Points The Importance of Faithful ObedienceThe mission of the spies was a test of faith. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. The Role of LeadershipMoses' leadership in sending the spies reflects the need for godly leaders to guide and make decisions based on God's direction. The Significance of God's TimingThe forty days symbolize a period of testing and preparation. In our lives, God's timing is perfect, and we must be patient and trust His process. The Power of PerspectiveThe spies' report was influenced by their perspective. As Christians, we are encouraged to view challenges through the lens of faith, not fear. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the spies' mission about the importance of preparation and assessment in our spiritual journey? 2. How does the concept of "forty days" as a period of testing and preparation appear in other parts of the Bible, and what can we learn from these instances? 3. In what ways can we apply the lessons of faith and obedience from the Israelites' experience to our own lives today? 4. How does the account of the spies in Numbers 13 connect with the New Testament teachings on faith and unbelief, particularly in Hebrews 3? 5. What role does leadership play in guiding a community of faith, and how can we support our leaders in making decisions that align with God's will? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:22-25This passage provides additional context about the decision to send spies into Canaan, showing the people's desire to have a report on the land. Joshua 2The account of Rahab and the spies sent by Joshua, which parallels the mission of the spies in Numbers 13, highlighting themes of faith and God's providence. Hebrews 3:16-19Reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, connecting to the report of the spies and the people's reaction. 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 Exploring, Forty, Returned, Searching, Spying, Turn, ViewingDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:25 1654 numbers, 11-99 Numbers 13:20-25 4458 grape 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 13:25 NIVNumbers 13:25 NLTNumbers 13:25 ESVNumbers 13:25 NASBNumbers 13:25 KJV
Numbers 13:25 Commentaries
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