and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. They came backThis phrase indicates the return of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. The Hebrew root for "came back" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or turn back. This return is significant as it marks the completion of their mission and the beginning of a pivotal moment for the Israelites. The act of returning is not just physical but also symbolic of bringing back knowledge and insight that would influence the future of the nation. to Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the leadership of the Israelites. Moses, as the prophet and leader, and Aaron, as the high priest, represent both the spiritual and administrative guidance of the people. Their presence in this narrative underscores the importance of divine leadership and the need for godly wisdom in interpreting the report of the spies. and the whole congregation of the Israelites
The term "whole congregation" emphasizes the collective identity and unity of the Israelite community. The Hebrew word "עֵדָה" (edah) refers to an assembly or gathering, highlighting the communal aspect of their journey and decision-making process. This gathering at Kadesh is a moment of communal discernment and decision, reflecting the shared destiny of the people. at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Paran
Kadesh is a significant location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The name "Kadesh" means "holy" or "sacred," indicating its importance as a place of decision and revelation. The Wilderness of Paran is a vast desert area, symbolizing both the challenges and the divine provision experienced by the Israelites. This setting serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama of faith and fear. There they reported to them
The act of reporting is crucial in this narrative. The Hebrew word "נָגַד" (nagad) means to declare or make known. The spies' report is not just a factual account but a narrative that would shape the perception and faith of the Israelites. It underscores the power of words and testimony in influencing belief and action. and to the whole assembly
Reiterating the involvement of the entire community, this phrase highlights the democratic nature of the decision-making process among the Israelites. The assembly, or "קָהָל" (qahal), is a gathering for deliberation and response, emphasizing the collective responsibility in responding to God's promises and challenges. and showed them the fruit of the land
The fruit of the land serves as tangible evidence of the land's fertility and promise. The Hebrew word for "fruit" is "פְּרִי" (peri), symbolizing abundance and blessing. This act of showing the fruit is a visual testimony to God's faithfulness and the potential fulfillment of His promises. It challenges the Israelites to trust in God's provision despite the obstacles they might face. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 2. AaronMoses' brother and the first high priest of Israel, who assisted Moses in leading the people. 3. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were on a journey to the Promised Land. 4. KadeshA significant location in the Wilderness of Paran where the Israelites camped and where the spies returned to report. 5. The SpiesRepresentatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel sent to scout the Promised Land and bring back a report. Teaching Points Faith vs. FearThe report of the spies highlights the tension between faith in God's promises and fear of the obstacles. Believers are called to trust in God's provision and promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. Leadership and ResponsibilityMoses and Aaron's roles emphasize the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to guide their people in faith and obedience. Community and AccountabilityThe involvement of the whole congregation in receiving the report underscores the importance of community in the faith journey. Believers are accountable to one another and should encourage each other in faith. The Power of TestimonyThe spies' report and the display of the land's fruit serve as a testimony to God's faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to share testimonies of God's work in their lives to build up the faith of others. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the response of the Israelites to the spies' report about handling fear and uncertainty in our own lives? 2. How does the role of Moses and Aaron in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today? 3. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, support each other in maintaining faith in God's promises? 4. How does the account of the spies in Numbers 13 compare to the account of the spies in Joshua 2, and what lessons can we draw from these differences? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a "giant" in your life. How did your faith influence your response, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:19-25This passage recounts the same event, providing additional details about the mission of the spies and the initial reaction of the Israelites. Hebrews 3:16-19Reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, using this event as a warning to believers. Joshua 2:1-24The account of Rahab and the spies sent by Joshua, showing a contrast in faith and obedience compared to the spies in Numbers 13. 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 Aaron, Account, Assembly, Bring, Community, Company, Congregation, Desert, Fruit, Israelite, Kadesh, Paran, Proceeded, Produce, Reported, Shew, Shewed, Showed, Sons, Waste, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:26 7206 community Numbers 13:21-27 5704 inheritance, material Numbers 13:26-27 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 13:26-33 5714 men 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 13:26 NIVNumbers 13:26 NLTNumbers 13:26 ESVNumbers 13:26 NASBNumbers 13:26 KJV
Numbers 13:26 Commentaries
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