Deuteronomy 1:24

KJV

And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they turned {H6437} and went up {H5927} into the mountain {H2022}, and came {H935} unto the valley {H5158} of Eshcol {H812}, and searched it out {H7270}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they set out, went up into the hills, came to the Eshkol Valley and reconnoitered it.

Berean Standard Bible

They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied out the land.

American Standard Version

and they turned and went up into the hill-country, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and spied it out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:24 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing the reconnaissance mission of the twelve spies sent from Kadesh-Barnea. This verse describes their ascent into the mountainous region of southern Canaan and their arrival at the fertile Valley of Eshcol, where they conducted a thorough investigation of the Promised Land's inhabitants, resources, and strategic features. This exploration, though seemingly prudent, ultimately served as a catalyst for the Israelites' faithless rebellion and subsequent forty-year wandering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:24 is embedded within Moses' opening address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. This entire book serves as a retrospective sermon, recounting the history of Israel's wilderness wanderings, reiterating the Law, and preparing the people for their future in Canaan. Moses' account of the spying mission (Deuteronomy 1:19-46) is a key historical flashback, designed to remind the people of their parents' disobedience and the severe consequences of unbelief. It parallels and reinterprets the more detailed narrative found in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"), emphasizing the people's initial request for spies in [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies"), which differs slightly from the divine command in [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God Commands Moses to Send Spies"). This particular verse marks the successful execution of the reconnaissance phase before the fateful report.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event described in this verse takes place during Israel's encampment at Kadesh-Barnea, a significant oasis on the southern border of Canaan, which served as their base for a considerable period. The "mountain" refers to the elevated, often rugged terrain of the Negeb and the Judean hills, which formed the southern approach to the Promised Land. The "Valley of Eshcol" (meaning "cluster" or "bunch") was renowned for its extraordinary fertility, particularly its vineyards. This region, likely near Hebron, was known for its agricultural bounty, a fact that would be dramatically confirmed by the spies' return with a massive cluster of grapes (as described in [Numbers 13:23-24](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23-24 - The Fruit from Eshcol")). Culturally, sending spies or scouts to assess enemy territory, resources, and routes was a common military practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting a pragmatic approach to conquest and settlement. However, in Israel's context, this human strategy was meant to operate within the overarching framework of divine promise and power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **God's Promise and Provision**. The very destination, the fertile Valley of Eshcol, served as tangible evidence of the land's abundance, a direct fulfillment of God's description of Canaan as "a land flowing with milk and honey" ([Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Deuteronomy 6:3 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Human Responsibility and Faith**. While the act of "searching it out" reflects due diligence, the subsequent response of the majority of the spies and the people revealed a profound lack of faith in God's ability to overcome the perceived obstacles, leading to rebellion ([Deuteronomy 1:26-33](/deuteronomy/1-26 "Deuteronomy 1:26-33 - Israel's Disobedience and Unbelief")). This episode thus becomes a powerful lesson on the **Consequences of Disobedience and Unbelief**, resulting in the forty-year delay in entering the Promised Land and the death of an entire generation ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eshcol (Hebrew, _'eshkol'_):** This proper noun literally means "cluster," typically referring to a cluster of grapes. Its significance here is profound, as it directly foreshadows the famous report of the spies bringing back an enormous cluster of grapes from this very valley, so large it required two men to carry it on a pole ([Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Grapes of Eshcol")). The name itself, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of the land's incredible fertility and abundance, confirming God's promise of a rich inheritance.
* **searched it out (Hebrew, _chaphar_):** The verb חָפַר (_chaphar_) means "to dig," "to search," "to explore," or "to investigate thoroughly." It implies a detailed and comprehensive examination, not merely a casual glance. In this context, it highlights the meticulous nature of the spies' mission: they were to ascertain the land's characteristics, its inhabitants' strength, and the best routes for invasion. This thoroughness, while militarily sound, ironically exposed the people's underlying lack of trust, as they sought to verify what God had already promised unconditionally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they turned and went up into the mountain":** This phrase indicates a change in direction from their encampment at Kadesh-Barnea, initiating their journey northward into the elevated terrain of southern Canaan. The "mountain" refers to the hilly regions that served as the natural southern boundary of the Promised Land, marking the beginning of their direct reconnaissance into the heart of the territory. This ascent signifies the commencement of their mission to explore the land God had promised.
* **"and came unto the valley of Eshcol":** This clause specifies their destination, a renowned valley celebrated for its agricultural richness. The arrival at Eshcol underscores the objective of their mission: to gather evidence of the land's bounty, which was a key aspect of God's promise. The valley's name, meaning "cluster," implicitly points to the remarkable fruitfulness they would discover there, serving as a tangible testament to the land's potential.
* **"and searched it out."**: This concluding phrase encapsulates the core action of the spies' mission. It emphasizes the thoroughness of their investigation, implying that they meticulously examined the land, its resources, its inhabitants, and its strategic points. This detailed reconnaissance was intended to provide a comprehensive report for the Israelites, guiding their approach to conquest. However, the outcome of this "searching out" tragically revealed not only the land's goodness but also the formidable challenges, leading to fear and unbelief among the people, despite God's assurances.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:24 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "Valley of Eshcol" serving as a powerful symbol of the Promised Land's extraordinary fertility and the tangible fulfillment of God's promise of a land "flowing with milk and honey." The very name "Eshcol" (cluster) points to the abundance that would be demonstrated by the spies' return with the massive cluster of grapes. The act of "searching it out" can be seen as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the detailed and ultimately fear-inducing report that would follow, which would lead to the people's rebellion. There is also an element of **irony** in this verse: the very act of thorough investigation, intended to build confidence and prepare for conquest, ultimately becomes the catalyst for widespread fear and unbelief, preventing the immediate entry into the land God had already guaranteed. This highlights the contrast between human prudence and divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:24, though a simple descriptive verse, is profoundly theological in its implications. It stands at the precipice of Israel's greatest failure in the wilderness, serving as a stark reminder of the tension between divine promise and human unbelief. God had unequivocally promised the land, yet the people's insistence on sending spies, and their subsequent reaction to the report, revealed a deep-seated lack of trust in His power and faithfulness. The exploration of Eshcol confirmed the goodness of God's gift, yet the fear of the inhabitants overshadowed the Giver. This episode teaches that while gathering information and being prepared is wise, it must always be subservient to and informed by faith in God's sovereign control and His ability to fulfill His word, regardless of the perceived obstacles. The consequence of their unbelief was a forty-year delay, underscoring that disobedience to God's clear commands, fueled by fear, carries severe consequences and hinders the reception of divine blessings.

* [Numbers 13:23-24](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23-24 - The Fruit of the Land")
* [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")
* [Hebrews 3:18-19](/hebrews/3-18 "Hebrews 3:18-19 - Unbelief Prevents Entry into Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:24, situated within the tragic narrative of Kadesh-Barnea, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's promises are steadfast, and His provision is abundant, as evidenced by the fertility of Eshcol. However, our response to His promises often determines our experience of them. Like the Israelites, we are often tempted to "search out" our challenges, meticulously analyzing obstacles and potential dangers, to the point where our human assessment overshadows our faith in God's omnipotence. This verse challenges us to consider whether our preparations and due diligence are rooted in a foundational trust in God or in a subtle unbelief that seeks to verify what God has already declared. When faced with daunting circumstances, the question is not merely what we see, but how we see it—through the lens of fear and human limitation, or through the lens of God's limitless power and unwavering faithfulness. Our spiritual journey, like Israel's, is marked by opportunities to step forward in faith, even when giants loom large, knowing that the God who promised is more than able to deliver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I "searching out" circumstances to the point where my analysis overshadows my trust in God's promises?**
* **How do I respond when God's promises seem to conflict with the "giants" or obstacles I perceive in my path?**
* **What specific "Eshcols" (evidences of God's goodness) has God shown me, and how can I use these to bolster my faith in challenging times?**
* **Am I allowing fear of the unknown or the difficult to prevent me from entering into the spiritual "Promised Land" God has for me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses send spies if God had already promised the land to Israel?**

Answer: The narrative in [Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses Recounts Israel's Journey") clarifies that the idea to send spies originated with the people themselves, who approached Moses with the request in [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People Request Spies"). While God had indeed promised the land, Moses agreed to their request, perhaps seeing it as a way to gather intelligence for military strategy, or to build confidence in the people by showing them the land's bounty. However, the true test was whether they would respond to the spies' report with faith in God's power or with fear of the inhabitants. The outcome revealed their lack of faith, despite God's explicit promise and His demonstrated power in delivering them from Egypt.

**What was so special about the Valley of Eshcol that it is specifically mentioned?**

Answer: The Valley of Eshcol was renowned for its extraordinary fertility, particularly its vineyards. Its name, "Eshcol," literally means "cluster" or "bunch," which became famously significant because the spies returned from this valley carrying an enormous cluster of grapes, so large it required two men to carry it on a pole ([Numbers 13:23-24](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23-24 - The Grapes of Eshcol")). This tangible evidence of the land's abundance served as a powerful confirmation of God's promise that Canaan was indeed "a land flowing with milk and honey" ([Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Deuteronomy 6:3 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). It was a physical testament to the goodness of the inheritance God was offering.

**How did this exploration lead to the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness?**

Answer: After exploring the land, ten of the twelve spies returned with a negative report, emphasizing the formidable strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, despite acknowledging the land's fertility ([Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Negative Report")). Only Caleb and Joshua maintained a faith-filled perspective, urging the people to trust God and go up to possess the land ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faith")). However, the majority of the people succumbed to fear and despair, rebelling against the Lord and even proposing to appoint a new leader to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion")). As a consequence of their widespread unbelief and disobedience, God decreed that the entire generation of adults who had come out of Egypt, except for Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness, leading to a forty-year period of wandering until the rebellious generation had passed away ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment and the Forty Years of Wandering")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the spies and Israel's failure to enter the Promised Land at Kadesh-Barnea, highlighted by Deuteronomy 1:24, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The earthly Promised Land, with its "milk and honey" and the fertile Valley of Eshcol, served as a type or shadow of a greater spiritual inheritance and rest that God offers through Christ. The first generation of Israelites failed to enter their promised rest due to unbelief, as explicitly stated in [Hebrews 3:18-19](/hebrews/3-18 "Hebrews 3:18-19 - Unbelief Prevents Entry into Rest") and elaborated upon in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest"). Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate Joshua, the one who perfectly leads His people into God's eternal rest. Unlike the spies who saw giants and recoiled in fear, Jesus faced the ultimate "giants" of sin, death, and the devil, not with fear but with perfect obedience and unwavering faith in the Father's will ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Jesus' Obedience and Perfection")). Through His atoning work on the cross, He has secured for believers a spiritual inheritance that far surpasses the earthly Canaan, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). The call to "enter His rest" in the New Testament is a call to trust fully in Christ's finished work, to cease from our own striving, and to live by faith in the One who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). The failure at Kadesh-Barnea thus serves as a powerful warning against unbelief, pointing us to the One in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), allowing us to truly enter into the abundant life and eternal rest He has prepared.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 13:21

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

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.

Joshua 2:1

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

Joshua 2:2

And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.