Numbers 13 20

Numbers 13:20 kjv

And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes.

Numbers 13:20 nkjv

whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land." Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

Numbers 13:20 niv

How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)

Numbers 13:20 esv

and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land." Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

Numbers 13:20 nlt

Is the soil fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Do your best to bring back samples of the crops you see." (It happened to be the season for harvesting the first ripe grapes.)

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 20 Meaning

Numbers 13:20 presents Moses' specific instruction to the twelve spies dispatched into Canaan: to thoroughly observe and assess the nature of the land's inhabitants. The primary focus is to ascertain two crucial aspects of the people dwelling there: their inherent strength (whether they are mighty or feeble) and their numerical size (whether they are few or many). This information was intended to provide vital intelligence for the impending conquest of the Promised Land, guiding military strategy and readiness.

Numbers 13 20 Context

Numbers chapter 13 begins with the Lord's command to Moses to send men to scout the land of Canaan, which He was giving to the Israelites. This scouting mission takes place from Kadesh-barnea, a crucial point on their journey, roughly two years after their exodus from Egypt. Moses, as instructed, selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes. These verses lay out the specific instructions Moses gives the spies before they enter Canaan for a forty-day reconnaissance. Verse 20, specifically, directs their attention to the characteristics of the land's inhabitants, detailing an assessment vital for military strategizing as the Israelites prepared to claim their divine inheritance. Historically and culturally, this mirrors ancient Near Eastern military practices of reconnaissance before conquest. However, in this biblical narrative, it becomes a pivotal test of faith for Israel, revealing their focus on human obstacles rather than divine promise.

Numbers 13 20 Word analysis

• And see (וּרְאִיתֶם, u-re'item): From the root ra'ah (to see, perceive, discern, examine). This is not a casual glance but an imperative command for a careful, analytical observation and assessment, implying a full understanding of what is viewed. It signifies active intelligence gathering.
• what the land is (וּמָה הָאָרֶץ, u-mah ha-arets): While the full scope of their instruction included assessing the land's produce (Num 13:19), this phrase in v.20 here primarily introduces the specific assessment of its inhabitants. It subtly reinforces that the people are inextricably linked to the land they occupy.
• and whether the people who dwell in it (וּמָה הָעָם הַיּוֹשֵׁב בָּהּ, u-mah ha-am hayoshev bah):
  • Ha'am (the people, nation): Refers to the collective inhabitants, encompassing all their characteristics as a group.
  • Hayoshev (who dwell/inhabit): From yashav (to sit, dwell, remain, inhabit). Emphasizes their established presence and roots in the land. This indicates that they are settled, not nomadic.
  This phrase precisely targets the specific focus of inquiry: the resident population.
• are strong (הֶחָזָק, hehazaq): From hazak (strong, firm, courageous, powerful, mighty). Implies physical prowess, military strength, resilience, and fortitude. This is a critical metric for a people facing invasion. Biblically, strength is often associated with the hand of God (Exod 32:11) or the courage of God's people (Josh 1:6-7).
• or weak (הֶרָפֶה, herafeh): From raphah (to grow slack, fail, sink, relax, discourage). Describes those who are feeble, lacking power or courage, susceptible to defeat. This term frequently portrays weakness or despair, sometimes of "hanging down hands" (Isa 13:7), symbolizing surrender or inability to fight.
• whether they are few (הֲמַעַט, hama'at): From ma'at (few, little, small). Refers to numerical insignificance, a smaller population size. In military contexts, fewer numbers typically imply lesser fighting force.
• or many (אִם רָב, im rav): From rav (many, numerous, great, abundant). Denotes a large population size or significant numerical strength. In strategic assessment, this translates to a larger potential army and greater logistical challenge for an invading force.

Words-group analysis

• "And see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it": This segment clearly shifts the focus from the land's fertility to the human element. The question "what the land is" here introduces the characteristics of the place where these people reside, setting the geographical and socio-political backdrop for understanding the inhabitants.
• "are strong or weak, whether they are few or many": This constitutes a dual binary evaluation, instructing the spies to determine both the quality (strength/weakness) and the quantity (few/many) of the enemy. These two categories represent core components of any military intelligence report regarding a potential adversary. This holistic assessment was crucial for formulating a sound invasion strategy.

Numbers 13 20 Bonus section

The careful details Moses provides in his instructions to the spies in Numbers 13 are sometimes seen by scholars as indicative of actual ancient Near Eastern scouting practices. While God had promised the land, His leading included the use of human faculties and strategic thought. The inclusion of these pragmatic elements shows that divine intervention does not negate human responsibility for preparation and discernment. Moreover, this reconnaissance, initially intended to build confidence for conquest, instead became the immediate catalyst for profound fear and unbelief among the Israelites, exposing a deep-seated lack of trust in Yahweh despite His many wonders. This mission was less about needing information for God, and more about allowing Israel to feel prepared, while simultaneously testing their heart posture.

Numbers 13 20 Commentary

Numbers 13:20 encapsulates Moses' shrewd and practical leadership, instructing the spies to conduct a vital reconnaissance of Canaan's inhabitants. The questions regarding strength/weakness and few/many were essential for strategic military planning, revealing a God who permits human prudence in gathering information even when ultimate victory depends on Him. This verse underscores that effective leadership involves diligent preparation and an accurate assessment of obstacles. However, it also implicitly highlights the tension between reliance on human insight and divine power. The tragic irony is that the spies fulfilled this directive by accurately observing the formidable strength and numbers of the Canaanites (Num 13:28-29), but failed to couple this intelligence with faith in God's superior power, leading to Israel's unbelief and subsequent wilderness wanderings. Thus, the verse, while a simple directive, foreshadows a monumental failure of faith, serving as a reminder that divine commands, even if practical, require a heart of trust beyond mere observation.