Numbers 13 19

Numbers 13:19 kjv

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;

Numbers 13:19 nkjv

whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds;

Numbers 13:19 niv

What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified?

Numbers 13:19 esv

and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds,

Numbers 13:19 nlt

See what kind of land they live in. Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls, or are they unprotected like open camps?

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 19 Meaning

Numbers 13:19 presents Moses' instruction to the twelve spies regarding their assessment of the land of Canaan. Specifically, it directs them to examine the fundamental characteristics of the territory they are to possess: its fertility and natural resources, particularly the presence of trees or lack thereof. This detail-oriented inquiry highlights the pragmatic concerns for sustaining a large population upon entering and settling the land.

Numbers 13 19 Context

Numbers chapter 13 details Moses sending twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan prior to the Israelites' invasion. This verse, Numbers 13:19, is part of Moses' specific instructions to these spies. These inquiries about the land's fertility ("fat or lean") and natural resources ("wood") were crucial for understanding the potential for sustenance, building materials, and overall viability for a new nation of millions. This context falls within the wilderness journey, after receiving the Law at Sinai and before the direct conquest, marking a critical juncture where trust in God's promise was to be tested by observable realities. The questions were not about a test of God's power, but a practical assessment for logistical and military planning.

Numbers 13 19 Word analysis

• And: (וּמָה - "u-mah") - A conjunction connecting this instruction to the previous ones in the same list (vv. 18-20). It indicates continuity in the detailed reconnaissance mission.
• what the land is: (הָאָרֶץ - "ha'aretz") - Refers to the physical territory of Canaan. Moses desires a clear understanding of its general nature and character beyond superficial observation.
• whether it be fat: (הַשְּׁמֵנָה - "hashshemenah") - From the root meaning "fat," "rich," "fertile," "prosperous." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, "fat" land implied agricultural productivity, indicating good soil quality, water sources, and capacity to yield abundant crops and sustain livestock. This was a primary concern for an agrarian society.
• or lean: (אִם־רָזָה - "im-razah") - From the root meaning "thin," "meager," "infertile." This contrasts with "fat" land and denotes a barren, unproductive, or difficult-to-cultivate land. Moses sought to know if the land truly matched God's promise of being "flowing with milk and honey" or if it was poor.
• whether there be wood therein: (הֲיֵשׁ־בָּהּ עֵץ - "hayeish-bah etz") - Literally "is there in it tree/wood?" "עֵץ" (etz) can mean a single tree or collectively, wood/timber. Trees were vital resources for fuel (for cooking and warmth), building materials (for houses, altars, tools), and often indicated water sources or shaded areas. Forests could also provide cover for ambushes or be cleared for cultivation.
• or not: (אִם־אַיִן - "im-ayin") - A direct negative query, completing the binary choice for the presence or absence of this resource.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean..."This phrase captures Moses' specific interest in the agricultural and pastoral potential of Canaan. "Fat or lean" is a direct and simple way to ask about the fertility of the soil, crucial for sustaining the multitude of Israelites and their livestock. This reflects the foundational economic reality of the time – survival depended heavily on the land's productivity. It relates directly to God's promise of a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exod 3:8), which implicitly denotes abundant produce and rich pastures. The spies were tasked to confirm this physical reality.
• "...whether there be wood therein, or not."This segment highlights the inquiry into the natural resources vital for basic living and building. "Wood" or "trees" were indispensable for survival and development in an ancient society. Absence of wood could imply a barren or desert-like environment, making settlement difficult, whereas presence signified a more habitable and resourced land. This practical detail underscores Moses' comprehensive approach to understanding the challenges and opportunities the Israelites would face.

Numbers 13 19 Bonus section

The meticulous detail in Moses' instructions, extending to the quality of the soil and presence of timber, contrasts sharply with the fearful report brought back by ten of the twelve spies, who primarily focused on the strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities. While Moses did ask about the inhabitants in subsequent verses (Num 13:20), these early questions about the land's inherent qualities emphasize that God's gift was not just an empty space but a richly endowed territory. The spies' failure lay not in observing but in allowing fear of the strong people to overshadow God's promise and the undeniable goodness of the land itself, as attested by the gigantic fruit they carried back (Num 13:23). This serves as a timeless reminder that while due diligence is good, fear can blind one to the abundance and provision of God.

Numbers 13 19 Commentary

Numbers 13:19 presents a seemingly mundane yet fundamentally practical instruction from Moses to the spies. His focus on whether the land is "fat or lean" (fertile or barren) and whether "there be wood therein, or not" (availability of trees) underscores the critical necessity of assessing the physical viability of the Promised Land. This wasn't merely curiosity; it was about ensuring the basic resources for survival—food, fuel, and shelter—for an entire nation poised to relocate. These specific questions indicate Moses' prudent leadership, anticipating the material needs of the Israelites for their sustained habitation and growth. The nature of the land’s fertility and its resources would dictate farming techniques, building strategies, and even military movements. However, what the spies ultimately brought back was overshadowed by their fear concerning the inhabitants, rather than a factual assessment of these positive material provisions that God promised. The lesson here extends to focusing on God's provision and the potential He offers, even when facing significant challenges.