Numbers 14 7

Numbers 14:7 kjv

And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

Numbers 14:7 nkjv

and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land.

Numbers 14:7 niv

and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.

Numbers 14:7 esv

and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, "The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land.

Numbers 14:7 nlt

They said to all the people of Israel, "The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land!

Numbers 14 verses

Numbers 14 7 Meaning

Numbers 14:7 captures the faith-filled counter-report of Joshua and Caleb, asserting the inherent goodness and promise of the land of Canaan. Against the prevailing fear and doubt of the other ten spies and the assembly, they declared that the land which they had explored was not merely good, but "exceedingly good." This statement directly challenges the narrative of impossibility and danger presented by the unbelieving spies, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the abundant blessing prepared for His people. It signifies a perspective rooted in divine assurance rather than human limitation or perceived obstacles.

Numbers 14 7 Context

Numbers 14:7 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of the Israelite spies sent into Canaan, found in Numbers chapters 13 and 14. After forty days, twelve tribal leaders returned, and their report ignited a crisis of faith among the Israelites. Ten spies focused on the perceived impossibility of conquering the land due to strong inhabitants and fortified cities, spreading a "bad report" that caused the people to weep and express a desire to return to Egypt (Num 13:28-33, 14:1-4). This verse presents the contrasting view of Joshua and Caleb. Having personally seen the land and assessed its bountifulness, they recognized the land as a direct fulfillment of God's promises and trustworthy. Their declaration in verse 7 is part of their impassioned plea (Num 14:6-9) for the people to trust God and advance, warning them against rebellion and fearing the inhabitants. This crucial moment determined the fate of that generation: due to their pervasive unbelief, except for Joshua and Caleb, they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years, and none of that adult generation would enter the Promised Land. The historical and cultural context underscores the Abrahamic covenant's central promise of the land, which was to be the site of their national identity and worship. The crisis exposed a deep-seated distrust in Yahweh's power and faithfulness, challenging the very core of their covenant relationship. The declaration "exceedingly good land" is a polemic against the "evil report" of the majority and a direct challenge to the Israelites' growing fear and their misguided preference for the 'slavery' of Egypt over God's 'freedom' and 'abundance'.

Numbers 14 7 Word analysis

• and said,: This phrase, common in biblical narrative, introduces the direct speech of the two faithful spies, Caleb and Joshua (cf. Num 14:6). It signifies a declarative statement, one intended to persuade and counter the widespread negativity. It highlights their bold step to stand apart from the fearful majority.
• The land: The Hebrew word is ha'arets (הָאָרֶץ), meaning "the earth" or specifically "the land" in this context. It refers to Canaan, the promised inheritance. The land itself is central to the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:7), symbolizing God's faithfulness and provision. It's not just territory, but the promised dwelling place of God's people.
• that we went through to spy it out: This emphasizes that their report is based on personal observation and direct experience, lending credibility to their words. It contrasts with potential exaggeration or fear-induced misinterpretations of the other spies who focused solely on obstacles. They thoroughly investigated and arrived at a positive conclusion.
• is an exceedingly good land: This is the most significant phrase, composed of tov me'od (טוֹב מְאֹד).
  • tov (טוֹב): means "good, pleasant, agreeable, benevolent." It signifies something intrinsically beneficial and suitable. In this context, it speaks of the land's fertility, its resources, and its capacity to sustain life abundantly.
  • me'od (מְאֹד): means "exceedingly, very, utterly, mightily." It serves as an intensifier, indicating the highest degree of "goodness."
  • "exceedingly good" (tov me'od): This specific phrasing echoes God's assessment of His creation in Genesis 1:31 ("God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good"). By using this precise idiom, Joshua and Caleb elevate their description beyond mere subjective opinion; they align their perspective with a divine assessment of quality and blessedness. It is a theological declaration: the land, as God's gift, mirrors His perfect design and benevolence. This implies that doubting the land's goodness is, by extension, doubting God's goodness and His creative power. It directly challenges the "evil report" of the other spies who implied the land would "devour its inhabitants" (Num 13:32).

Numbers 14 7 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "good," tov, is fundamental in biblical theology, signifying not just ethical righteousness but also inherent beauty, suitability, and divine blessing. When linked with me'od (exceedingly/very), as in "tov me'od," it speaks to the highest level of divine approval and quality, indicating a perfection or abundance beyond mere sufficiency. This linguistic connection to Genesis 1:31 is critical; it positions the Promised Land not merely as a piece of real estate but as a manifestation of God's creative power and benevolent design for His people. It serves as a reminder that God’s gifts are perfect and reflect His own goodness.

Furthermore, this declaration by Joshua and Caleb highlights the nature of "goodness" as perceived through the lens of faith. The ten spies focused on the inhabitants and fortifications, seeing only "evil" or insurmountable obstacles. Joshua and Caleb, by faith, looked at the same land and saw "exceeding good." This illustrates that while facts exist, their interpretation is often shaped by one's spiritual condition, particularly faith or lack thereof. The message also contains an implied warning: rejecting what God declares "exceedingly good" through fear and unbelief has dire consequences, as it essentially accuses God of not providing adequately or being unable to fulfill His promises. It represents a pivot point in the spiritual trajectory of a generation.

Numbers 14 7 Commentary

Numbers 14:7 is a profound declaration of faith. In a moment of widespread fear and impending rebellion, Joshua and Caleb stood against the tide, their perspective rooted in God's covenant promises rather than human logic or perceived threats. Their statement that the land was "exceedingly good" (tov me'od) directly countered the ten spies' demoralizing report and recalled the divine approval of creation itself (Gen 1:31). This wasn't merely a factual observation about soil fertility; it was a theological affirmation of God's character and the unfailing nature of His word. It taught Israel, and teaches us, that trusting God means seeing possibilities where others see impossibilities. The true obstacles were not giants in the land but the giants of fear and unbelief in the hearts of the people. This verse served as a call to remember God's power, His provision, and His delight in His people. It’s a powerful lesson that a faithful outlook focuses on God’s revealed character and promised blessings, transforming seemingly overwhelming challenges into opportunities for His triumph.

• Examples:
  • When faced with a difficult project at work, seeing it not as an insurmountable problem but as an "exceedingly good" opportunity to learn and grow, trusting in divine provision for skills or resources.
  • In a health crisis, believing that despite the immediate challenge, there is an "exceedingly good" path for healing or grace available through faith.
  • Facing an unknown future, viewing it as "exceedingly good" because God holds it, rather than fearing the uncertainty.