Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. NeverthelessThis word serves as a pivotal transition in the narrative. It introduces a contrast between the positive report of the land's abundance and the daunting challenges that lie ahead. In Hebrew, the word used here is "אפס" (efes), which can imply a sense of limitation or exception. It reflects the spies' hesitance and doubt, setting the stage for the Israelites' struggle between faith and fear. This moment challenges believers to consider how often they allow "nevertheless" moments to overshadow God's promises. The people living in the land are strong
The Hebrew word for "strong" is "עָצוּם" (atzum), which conveys might and power. Historically, the Canaanites were known for their formidable warriors and advanced military tactics. This acknowledgment of strength is not just a physical assessment but also a spiritual test for the Israelites. It calls Christians to recognize the reality of challenges while remembering that God's strength surpasses any earthly power. And the cities are large and fortified
The description of the cities as "large and fortified" highlights the significant obstacles the Israelites perceived. The Hebrew word for "fortified" is "בְּצֻרוֹת" (betzurot), indicating strongholds or fortified places. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of heavily fortified cities in Canaan during this period, such as Jericho and Hazor. This phrase serves as a reminder of the daunting tasks believers may face, yet it also foreshadows God's ability to bring down walls and overcome human defenses. We even saw the descendants of Anak there
The mention of the "descendants of Anak" introduces the element of fear associated with giants. The Anakim were reputed to be a race of giants, and their presence in the land added to the Israelites' intimidation. The Hebrew term "עֲנָק" (Anak) is linked to the Nephilim mentioned earlier in Genesis, evoking a sense of overwhelming challenge. This phrase underscores the theme of facing giants, both literal and metaphorical, in one's spiritual journey. It encourages believers to trust in God's power to conquer even the most intimidating adversaries. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 2. The SpiesTwelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. 3. The Land of CanaanThe Promised Land that God had assured to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. The Descendants of AnakA race of giants known for their formidable size and strength, causing fear among the Israelites. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who sent the spies to explore Canaan. Teaching Points Faith Over FearThe report of the spies highlights the challenge of choosing faith over fear. Despite the intimidating circumstances, believers are called to trust in God's promises. The Power of PerspectiveThe spies' report shows how perspective can influence faith. A focus on obstacles rather than God's power can lead to discouragement. The Importance of LeadershipMoses' role in sending the spies and later addressing the people's fears underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward faith. Trust in God's PromisesThe Israelites' fear contrasts with God's repeated assurances of victory. Believers today are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises despite daunting challenges. Overcoming GiantsThe mention of the Anakim serves as a metaphor for the "giants" or challenges in our lives. With God's help, these can be overcome. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the Israelites' reaction to the report of the spies about handling fear and uncertainty in our own lives? 2. How does the presence of the Anakim in Canaan relate to the "giants" or challenges we face today, and what biblical strategies can we use to overcome them? 3. In what ways does the account of the spies in Numbers 13:28 connect with the faith demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua later in the biblical account? 4. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's promises, as seen in Numbers 13:28, to situations where we feel overwhelmed by obstacles? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a "fortified city" in your life. How did your faith influence the outcome, and what biblical principles can you apply to future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:28This verse echoes the report of the spies, highlighting the fear and discouragement among the Israelites due to the strength of the Canaanites and their fortified cities. Joshua 14:12-15Caleb, one of the spies, later requests the hill country of Hebron, where the Anakim lived, demonstrating faith and courage in God's promise. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, another descendant of the giants, illustrates overcoming fear through faith in God. Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith, which is crucial for understanding the contrast between the fearful report of the spies and the faith required to trust in God's promises. 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 Anak, Besides, Cities, Descendants, Dwell, Dwelling, Fenced, Fierce, Fortified, Further, Howbeit, However, Large, Moreover, Nevertheless, Strong, Surely, Towns, Walled, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:28 4831 largeness
5315 fortifications Numbers 13:26-33 5714 men Numbers 13:27-29 4029 world, human beings in Numbers 13:27-32 4926 delay, human Numbers 13:27-33 4207 land, divine gift 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 13:28 NIVNumbers 13:28 NLTNumbers 13:28 ESVNumbers 13:28 NASBNumbers 13:28 KJV
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