Numbers 13:27
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
Numbers 13:27 (KJV)
Context
Moses sent twelve men, one from each tribe, from the wilderness of Paran to explore Canaan (Numbers 13:1-2). They were to assess the land, its people, cities, and produce (Numbers 13:17-20). After forty days, they returned to Moses and the congregation at Kadesh (Numbers 13:25-26). In this verse, they report that they reached the land and confirm its fertility.
Meaning
The phrase “flowing with milk and honey” is a common biblical description of a prosperous, abundant land. It points to rich pastures for cattle and plentiful crops, showing that Canaan was ideal for settlement. The spies also presented actual fruit as proof of the land’s goodness. Their report was truthful about the land’s quality. Yet the same facts could be read with fear or with faith.
Biblical connections
This expression appears often in the Old Testament to describe the Promised Land (Exodus 3:8; Deuteronomy 6:3). It emphasizes God’s faithful provision. The following verses (Numbers 13:28-33) show that ten spies focused on the inhabitants’ strength and fortified cities, causing fear. Only Caleb and Joshua urged trust in God (Numbers 13:30; 14:6-9). The land was indeed good, but the majority failed to trust God’s promise to give it to them.
Application
Seeing God’s goodness does not automatically produce faith. The spies saw the same land and fruit, but most responded with fear. Believers today may also recognize God’s blessings yet doubt His power over obstacles. Faith means holding God’s promises above circumstances and acting on them with obedience. This account teaches that truthful reporting is not enough; the heart must also trust God’s word.
Reflection
The fruit they carried was a foretaste of God’s provision, but it did not overcome their fear. This account warns that unbelief can turn a good report into a reason for rebellion. It encourages honest reporting and a faithful response to God’s word, trusting that He who promises is able to fulfill.
