Numbers 13:17

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} them to spy out {H8446} the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, and said {H559} unto them, Get you up {H5927} this way southward {H5045}, and go up {H5927} into the mountain {H2022}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe sent them to reconnoiter the land of Kena'an, instructing them, "Go on up to the Negev and into the hills,

Berean Standard Bible

When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country.

American Standard Version

And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way by the South, and go up into the hill-country:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:17 records Moses' precise and strategic instructions to the twelve tribal leaders selected to reconnoiter the land of Canaan. This pivotal moment, occurring at Kadesh-Barnea, marks a critical transition point for the Israelites, moving from their wilderness journey to the very threshold of the Promised Land. Moses' directives set the stage for a crucial test of Israel's faith and obedience as they prepared to claim their divine inheritance, a test that would have profound and lasting consequences for the entire nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:17 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the borders of Canaan, specifically at Kadesh-Barnea. The preceding verses, beginning with God's command to Moses in [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God Commands Moses to Send Spies"), detail the divine initiative for this reconnaissance mission and the subsequent selection of one leader from each tribe in [Numbers 13:3-16](/numbers/13-3-16 "Numbers 13:3-16 - The Selection of the Twelve Spies"). Verse 17 then initiates the actual mission, providing Moses' specific geographical directives for the spies' initial movements. The verses immediately following, [Numbers 13:18-20](/numbers/13-18-20 "Numbers 13:18-20 - Moses' Detailed Instructions for the Spies"), elaborate on the comprehensive information the spies are to gather regarding the land's inhabitants, fertility, and fortifications. This entire chapter serves as a critical turning point in the book of Numbers, leading directly into the infamous report of the spies and the subsequent rebellion and forty-year wandering in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The People Rebel and are Judged").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is Kadesh-Barnea, a significant oasis and strategic location on the southern border of Canaan, which served as Israel's base camp for a considerable period. The land of Canaan itself was a complex region inhabited by various peoples, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, often organized into fortified city-states. Reconnaissance missions were a common military and strategic practice in the ancient Near East, designed to assess enemy strength, terrain, and resources before an invasion or settlement. For Israel, this mission was unique; while it had practical military implications, it was primarily a test of their faith in God's unwavering promise to deliver the land. The "southward" (Negev) region was arid but served as a gateway to the more fertile central highlands, often referred to as "the mountain," which formed the backbone of Canaanite settlement and agricultural activity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. It highlights the interplay of **Divine Command and Human Agency**, as God initiates the mission, but Moses, as the divinely appointed leader, provides the practical and detailed instructions. It underscores the theme of **Preparation and Strategy**, demonstrating that even when God promises victory and inheritance, human wisdom, planning, and active engagement are often involved. Most significantly, it brings to the fore the theme of the **Promised Land** as the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), Isaac, and Jacob. The act of "spying out" this land, though seemingly a practical military exercise, ultimately became a profound test of Israel's **Faith and Obedience**, foreshadowing their tragic failure to trust God's power over the formidable obstacles they would encounter, as vividly recounted in the narrative of [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - The People's Rebellion and Desire to Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it signifies Moses' authoritative act of commissioning and dispatching the spies. It implies a deliberate and purposeful assignment, indicating that the spies were not merely going on their own initiative but under direct orders, underscoring the gravity and official nature of their mission.
* **spy out (Hebrew, _tûwr'_):** This primitive root (H8446) means "to meander about, especially for trade or reconnoitring; to search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out)." It goes beyond a simple glance, implying a thorough and systematic exploration of the land. The purpose was to gather comprehensive intelligence, not just to observe, but to actively survey and report back on the land's characteristics, its inhabitants, and its resources, as further detailed in [Numbers 13:18-20](/numbers/13-18-20 "Numbers 13:18-20 - Moses' Specific Directives to the Spies").
* **go up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** Appearing twice in this verse (H5927), this primitive root means "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount)." Its repetition emphasizes the physical movement from the lower, arid southern region (the Negev) into the elevated central highlands. Figuratively, it also conveys the idea of an advance or progress into the promised inheritance, a movement towards a higher, more significant objective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan":** This opening clause establishes the authority behind the mission (Moses, acting under divine instruction from [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God's Command to Send Spies")) and its explicit, strategic purpose: to "spy out" or thoroughly explore the Promised Land. It highlights the transition from wilderness wandering to active engagement with their inheritance, marking a critical juncture in Israel's history.
* **"and said unto them, Get you up this [way] southward":** Moses issues a direct command, specifying the initial route and direction. "Get you up" implies an ascent, both literally (from the lower desert plains of Kadesh-Barnea to higher ground) and figuratively (an advance into the land). The direction "southward" (the Negev, a distinct geographical region) indicates the specific entry point chosen for this reconnaissance, guiding the spies to approach Canaan from its southern frontier.
* **"and go up into the mountain":** This further directive clarifies the ultimate destination of their initial ascent and the heart of their mission. "The mountain" refers to the central highlands of Canaan, the spine of the land where many of the major Canaanite cities and populations were located. This instruction emphasizes the need for the spies to penetrate the heartland of Canaan to gather comprehensive intelligence, not merely to skirt its borders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Command**, as Moses issues clear, actionable instructions to the spies, underscoring his authoritative leadership and the immediate, urgent nature of the mission. There is also a strong element of **Narrative Detail**, providing specific geographical instructions ("southward," "into the mountain") that ground the spiritual journey of Israel in a tangible, physical reality. This specificity serves to make the impending task concrete and immediate. Furthermore, the entire mission, initiated by this command, serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. While intended for practical intelligence gathering and preparation, the mission ultimately foreshadows the Israelites' collective failure of faith and the tragic consequences of their unbelief, as the spies' report would lead to widespread fear and rebellion against God's promise, detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:17, though seemingly a simple logistical instruction, is deeply embedded in the grand narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's journey of faith. It underscores the principle that God's promises, while certain and sovereign, often involve human participation, preparation, and a test of obedience. The act of "spying out" the land was not a sign of God's uncertainty or inability to deliver, but rather an opportunity for Israel to engage with their inheritance, to see its reality, and to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for the challenges ahead. Tragically, this preparation became a profound test of faith that the majority of the generation failed, demonstrating that even divine instruction and clear opportunity can be met with human fear and unbelief, leading to devastating consequences and a prolonged delay in experiencing God's full blessing. The land itself represents God's ultimate provision and the tangible expression of His covenant love and faithfulness to His people.

* [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies") - Moses recounts that the idea to send spies originated from the people's request, not solely God's command, adding a layer of human initiative and desire for security to the divine directive.
* [Joshua 2:1](/joshua/2-1 "Joshua 2:1 - Joshua Sends Spies to Jericho") - Decades later, Joshua sends spies into Jericho, demonstrating a similar strategic approach to reconnaissance, but this time, the mission is successful and leads to conquest, highlighting a different outcome rooted in faith and obedience.
* [Hebrews 3:16-19](/hebrews/3-16-19 "Hebrews 3:16-19 - The Warning Against Unbelief") - This New Testament passage directly references the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, using Israel's failure to enter the Promised Land as a stark warning against unbelief and disobedience for believers today, emphasizing the danger of a hardened heart.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:17 serves as a powerful reminder that while God's promises are steadfast and His plans are sovereign, our journey of faith often involves proactive engagement, discerning preparation, and a willingness to step into the unknown. We are called to "spy out" the spiritual landscape of our lives and the opportunities God places before us, not with a spirit of fear or doubt, but with a confident expectation of God's power to overcome any "giants" or "fortified cities" we may encounter. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond when God calls us to step into new territories, whether in ministry, personal growth, career changes, or challenging circumstances. Do we approach these opportunities with a mindset of faith, trusting that God will equip us for what He has called us to, or do we allow the perceived obstacles and challenges to overshadow His promises and His power? Our perspective, shaped by unwavering faith in God's character and omnipotence, is crucial in transforming potential challenges into opportunities for His glory and our spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance strategic planning and diligent preparation with absolute trust in God's sovereign provision and power in my life's endeavors?**
* **What "giants" or "fortified cities" (challenges, fears, or obstacles) am I currently facing that might tempt me to doubt God's promises, and how can I "spy them out" with eyes of faith rather than fear?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to "go up into the mountain," pushing me beyond my comfort zone into a new season of growth, service, or challenge that requires a step of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses send spies if God had already promised the land to Israel? Was it a lack of faith on God's or Moses' part?**

Answer: The sending of the spies was not inherently a lack of faith on God's part, nor initially on Moses' part, but rather a strategic reconnaissance mission that God Himself initiated and permitted, as seen in [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God's Command to Send Spies"). However, [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies") provides additional insight, where Moses clarifies that the people themselves requested to send spies, stating, "Let us send men before us, and let them search out the land for us." This suggests that while God permitted and even directed the mission, it also served as an accommodation to the people's desire for information and preparation. It was an opportunity for them to see the land with their own eyes and build confidence for the impending conquest. The failure was not in sending the spies, but in the majority of the spies' report, which focused on the overwhelming obstacles and the perceived strength of the inhabitants rather than on God's power and faithfulness. This led to the people's subsequent unbelieving reaction, rebellion, and judgment, as detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment"). God's promise remained steadfast, but Israel's faith was tested, and they tragically failed to embrace it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:17, with its focus on entering and possessing the Promised Land, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Jesus. The physical land of Canaan, a type of rest and blessing, points forward to the true and eternal rest found in Christ, a rest that remains available for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest Remains")). Just as Moses sent spies to survey the earthly inheritance, Jesus, the greater Moses and our faithful High Priest, has already "spied out" and conquered the spiritual realm, securing our access to the heavenly Canaan. He is the ultimate scout who has gone before us, not merely to report on obstacles, but to overcome them through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, thereby paving the way for us to enter into God's presence and receive every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our "Promised Land" is not a geographical location, but a life lived in union with Christ, where we "possess our possessions" in Him, inheriting the promises of God through faith. He is the true and faithful leader who ensures our entry, unlike the ten unfaithful spies, guaranteeing that those who trust in Him will indeed inherit the eternal kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inheriting the Kingdom Prepared for You")).

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

Judges 1:9

¶ And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.

Genesis 12:9

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

Joshua 15:3

And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

Judges 1:15

And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Judges 1:19

And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

Genesis 13:1

¶ And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

Numbers 13:29

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.