“And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:”
In this verse, Moses is sending out twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan before the Israelites enter it. This event takes place after the Israelites had been delivered from Egypt and had journeyed through the wilderness. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
Context:The book of Numbers is primarily a historical account of the Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness, including their wanderings, challenges, and encounters with God. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are encamped at the border of Canaan, the Promised Land.
Moses’ Instructions:Moses sends out twelve spies, one from each tribe, to gather information about the land of Canaan. The spies were tasked with observing the land, its people, and its resources. In this verse, Moses gives them specific instructions regarding their journey. They were to travel southward and then proceed into the mountainous regions.
The Purpose of the Spies:The purpose of sending the spies was to gain intelligence about the land of Canaan. Moses wanted to know more about its cities, its people, the fertility of the land, and whether it was inhabited by strong or weak nations. This information would help the Israelites prepare for the conquest of Canaan.
Symbolism:The act of sending out spies reveals the prudence and careful planning of Moses. However, it also reflects the Israelites’ lack of complete trust in God’s promises. They were hesitant to enter the Promised Land without thoroughly assessing the situation and potential obstacles they might face.
The Promised Land:Canaan was the land promised to the Israelites by God. It was described as a land flowing with milk and honey-a fertile land abundant in resources. The exploration of the land was crucial to determine its suitability for settlement and prepare for the conquest.
Obedience to Leadership:This verse highlights Moses’ authority and leadership over the Israelites. The spies were to follow his instructions precisely, demonstrating the obedience required from the people.
This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events described in Numbers 13 and 14, where the spies explore the land, encounter the giants of Canaan, and report back to the Israelites. The account reveals both faith and unbelief among the spies and the people, leading to significant consequences for the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land.
Overall, Numbers 13:17 captures the moment when Moses sends out the twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, emphasizing the Israelites’ need for information and their struggle to trust in God’s promises completely. It serves as a reminder for us to trust in God’s faithfulness and guidance even when facing unknown circumstances.
