Numbers 13:20

And what the land is, whether it be fat or leane, 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 (KJV)

The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and records the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. In chapter 13 Moses sent twelve spies—one from each tribe—to explore Canaan and bring back a report. The command to explore, as reflected in the quoted verse, instructed the spies to assess the fertility of the land (“whether it be fat or lean”), note the presence or absence of wood, and bring back some of the fruit of the land. This directive emphasized a thorough observation of the terrain and its produce.

Moses also urged the men to be courageous. The verse explicitly says, “be ye of good courage,” encouraging the spies to trust in God’s promise even as they faced the unknown. While the broader narrative of Numbers and other passages such as Deuteronomy 1:21 call the people to be strong and courageous, the specific exhortation appears in this quotation.

The passage adds a seasonal detail: “Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.” Some readers note that this phrase does not appear in every translation of Numbers 13:20, indicating that the quoted wording is not a verbatim rendering of the original KJV text. Nonetheless, the reference to the grape season suggests that the spies were sent at a time when the land was fruitful, providing an opportunity to observe abundant produce.

Spiritual lessons emerge from this account. It reminds believers of the importance of gathering reliable information before making significant decisions, of preparing diligently for new ventures, and of maintaining faith in God’s promises amid uncertainty. Observing the blessings and opportunities that God provides, as symbolized by the fruit and the grape season, encourages gratitude and discernment.

Overall, Numbers 13:20 teaches the value of preparation, courageous trust in divine guidance, and careful observation of God’s provision as the people move toward the promised inheritance.