Numbers 13 21

Numbers 13:21 kjv

So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

Numbers 13:21 nkjv

So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath.

Numbers 13:21 niv

So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath.

Numbers 13:21 esv

So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.

Numbers 13:21 nlt

So they went up and explored the land from the wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 21 Meaning

Numbers 13:21 details the initial action of the twelve Israelite spies. They embarked on a comprehensive reconnaissance mission, traversing the promised land of Canaan from its southernmost boundary, the Wilderness of Zin, northward through its full length, extending as far as Rehob, in the direction of Lebo Hamath. This journey signifies the full extent of the territory they were commanded to investigate, demonstrating their initial obedience to Moses' specific instructions.

Numbers 13 21 Context

Numbers chapter 13 details a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, occurring during their encampment at Kadesh Barnea, a location at the doorstep of the Promised Land. Following years of miraculous deliverance from Egypt and receiving the Law at Sinai, the Israelites are poised to enter Canaan. The sending of the twelve spies, one from each tribe, is commanded by the Lord Himself, as later recalled in Deuteronomy 1:22. Moses provides precise instructions to determine the land's nature, its inhabitants' strength, and its suitability for habitation. This verse, Numbers 13:21, marks the commencement of the spies' actual journey, outlining the extensive geographical scope of their mission—from the deep south of Canaan to its northernmost limits. Their findings, and the people's subsequent reaction, would determine the next forty years of Israel's history.

Numbers 13 21 Word analysis

• וַיַּעֲלוּ (Vayyalu): "and they went up." From the Hebrew root עָלָה (ʿalah), meaning "to ascend," "to go up." This verb choice is significant as geographically, the promised land of Canaan, particularly the central highlands, sits at a higher elevation than the surrounding deserts or coastal plains. Therefore, entering Canaan from the south would naturally involve an ascent. It also can carry a connotation of moving towards a place of importance or destiny.
• וַיִּתֻּרוּ (Vayyitturu): "and they explored," or "and they spied out." From the root תּוּר (tur), which means to "journey around," "explore," "investigate," or specifically "spy out" for reconnaissance. This is a technical term used in military or investigative contexts, emphasizing that this was not a casual stroll but a deliberate, comprehensive examination with a strategic objective.
• אֶת־הָאָרֶץ (Et-ha'aretz): "the land." This refers specifically to Canaan, the land promised by God to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:7). The definite article 'the' emphasizes its unique and designated identity as God's chosen inheritance for His people.
• מִמִּדְבַּר צִין (Mimmivbar Tzin): "from the Wilderness of Zin." This identifies the southernmost starting point or boundary of their exploration. The Wilderness of Zin was a desert region south of Canaan, located to the east of the Negeb and bordering Edom, often associated with Kadesh Barnea, where the Israelites were encamped. This firmly grounds the exploration within a specific, identifiable geographical region known to the ancient Israelites.
• עַד־רְחֹב (Ad-Rehov): "as far as Rehob." Rehob signifies the northern extent of their direct journey within the immediate area of the land. There were several places named Rehob, but this one likely refers to a locality near Beth-rehob or Laish/Dan in the extreme north of what would become Israel, indicating the wide breadth of their exploration.
• לְבוֹא חֲמָת (Le-vo Hamath): "toward Lebo Hamath" or "as men come to Hamath." The phrase לְבוֹא (le-vo) means "to enter" or "to come toward." חֲמָת (Hamath) was a major Aramaean city-state situated far to the north, beyond the ideal borders of the Israelite land, on the Orontes River in modern Syria. "Lebo-Hamath" (or "the entrance of Hamath") served as a common geographical marker in the Old Testament to define the absolute northern limit or furthest reach of territory associated with Israel, signifying the most comprehensive and far-reaching possible boundary of the land promised by God. This indicates the vast scope of the land, from the wilderness in the south to its northernmost fertile and inhabited limits.

Numbers 13 21 Bonus section

The precise geographical delineation in this verse, outlining the entire longitudinal span of the land (north-south), underscores the literal nature of God's promise. This was not a vague, spiritual inheritance but a tangible piece of real estate, mapped out with explicit boundaries known to ancient peoples. The route taken by the spies suggests they navigated the central mountain spine of the land. Furthermore, the selection of 12 men, representing each tribe (excluding Levi), was a collective undertaking. Their shared experience of exploring the land was meant to foster unity and collective resolve for conquest. Instead, their diverse interpretations of what they saw led to disunity and a catastrophic crisis of faith. This verse emphasizes the immense scale and potential of the inheritance God intended for His people.

Numbers 13 21 Commentary

Numbers 13:21 succinctly describes the comprehensive reach of the spies' mission. By traveling from the "Wilderness of Zin" in the deep south to "Rehob toward Lebo Hamath" in the far north, the spies physically spanned the entire promised territory, illustrating the meticulous nature of their task. This thorough reconnaissance highlights God's intent for Israel to possess a vast, specific, and identifiable land. The diligent physical act of exploration, however, starkly contrasts with the spiritual failure that would follow. Despite witnessing the land's bountifulness (as reported in Num 13:27), the fear induced by its formidable inhabitants ultimately overshadowed their faith in God's ability to grant them victory. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for a critical test of faith, demonstrating the detailed fulfillment of a human task that led to a divine consequence.