Deuteronomy 1:24

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:24 describes a pivotal moment in Israel's journey through the wilderness, just before their first opportunity to enter the Promised Land. This verse details the actions of the twelve spies sent by Moses to reconnoiter the land of Canaan.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' retrospective speech to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, recounting the history of their forty-year wilderness wanderings. The specific event here harks back to their encampment at Kadesh-Barnea. According to Numbers 13, God commanded Moses to send one leader from each tribe to explore Canaan. However, in Deuteronomy 1:22, Moses clarifies that the people themselves requested to send spies, and he agreed. The spies were tasked with assessing the land, its inhabitants, and suitable routes for entry.

Their mission involved going "up into the mountain," referring to the hilly terrain of southern Canaan, and reaching the renowned "valley of Eshcol." This valley, known for its fertility, would become famous for the enormous cluster of grapes the spies brought back as proof of the land's bounty, as described in Numbers 13:23-24.

Key Themes

  • Exploration and Due Diligence: The act of "searching it out" signifies a thorough investigation. While prudent for military strategy, in this context, it also exposed the people's lack of faith in God's promise to give them the land without such extensive prior reconnaissance.
  • The Promise of a Rich Land: The destination, the Valley of Eshcol, was a tangible demonstration of God's promise regarding the fertility and abundance of Canaan. The very name of the valley would forever be associated with the land's incredible fruitfulness.
  • Preparation for Possession: The spying mission was intended to gather intelligence crucial for the impending conquest. However, the outcome, detailed in Numbers 14 and Deuteronomy 1:26-33, tragically led to fear and rebellion rather than faith and immediate entry.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Eshcol" (Hebrew: ืึถืฉึฐืื›ึนึผืœ, 'eshkol) literally means "cluster" or "bunch," particularly of grapes. This name is highly significant given the famous report of the spies bringing back a colossal cluster of grapes from this very valley, emphasizing its rich agricultural potential.

The phrase "searched it out" is from the Hebrew root ื—ึธืคึทืจ (chaphar), meaning "to dig," "to search," or "to explore thoroughly." It implies a detailed and investigative examination, not just a casual glance.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 1:24 reminds us that while preparation and gathering information are valuable, they should always be undertaken within the framework of trust in God's promises. The spies saw the goodness of the land, yet ten of them allowed the size of the inhabitants to overshadow the power of God. This narrative encourages us to focus on God's faithfulness and ability to fulfill His word, even when faced with daunting challenges. It highlights the importance of perspective: seeing difficulties through the lens of God's power, rather than allowing them to breed fear and unbelief, as the Israelites did after receiving the spies' negative report from this very exploration.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:21

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
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