Numbers 13:18

Translation
King James Version
And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;
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KJV (with Strong's)
And see H7200 the land H776, what it is; and the people H5971 that dwelleth H3427 therein, whether they be strong H2389 or weak H7504, few H4592 or many H7227;
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Complete Jewish Bible
and see what the land is like. Notice the people living there, whether they are strong or weak, few or many;
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Berean Standard Bible
See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many.
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American Standard Version
and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;
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World English Bible Messianic
See the land, what it is; and the people who dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
So Moses sent them to spie out the lande of Canaan, and said vnto them, Go vp this way toward the South, and go vp into the moutaines,
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Young's Literal Translation
and have seen the land what it is , and the people which is dwelling on it, whether it is strong or feeble; whether it is few or many;
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See also
Exodus 3:8Ezekiel 34:14
See on the biblical-era map
From Mt. Sinai to Kadesh Barnea
From Mt. Sinai to Kadesh Barnea View full PDF
Journey of the Spies to Canaan
Journey of the Spies to Canaan View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 4,094 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 13:18 encapsulates a pivotal directive from Moses to the twelve tribal leaders, commissioning them to thoroughly reconnoiter the Promised Land. This verse specifically outlines the critical intelligence-gathering objectives: to ascertain the land's inherent nature and, more crucially, to assess the indigenous population—their physical and military strength, their vulnerability, and their numerical presence. This detailed reconnaissance was intended to inform Israel's strategic approach to conquest, yet its ultimate outcome would profoundly challenge their collective faith and obedience to God's unwavering promises.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 13 initiates a crucial turning point in Israel's wilderness narrative, beginning with Yahweh's explicit command to Moses to dispatch men to explore Canaan, the land divinely promised to His people, as detailed in Numbers 13:1-2. Moses meticulously selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes, underscoring the representative and national significance of this mission. The instructions articulated in Numbers 13:17-20 are remarkably comprehensive, spanning from an evaluation of the land's fertility and produce to the characteristics of its cities and, as highlighted in verse 18, the nature of its inhabitants. This specific verse sets the stage for the dramatic and faith-testing report the spies would ultimately deliver in Numbers 13:26-33, particularly their fearful account of formidable "giants" and heavily fortified cities. This fearful report stands in stark contrast to the faithful perspective offered by Caleb and Joshua, directly leading to the people's rebellion and God's subsequent judgment, extensively chronicled in Numbers 14.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: At this juncture, the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh-barnea, a strategic location on the southern frontier of Canaan, poised for their long-awaited entry into the land promised to their patriarchal ancestors. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, military reconnaissance missions were a standard and indispensable practice preceding any invasion. Commanders routinely dispatched scouts to gather vital intelligence on enemy military capabilities, terrain features, and available resources. Moses' detailed instructions, therefore, reflect sound practical military wisdom of the era. However, for Israel, this mission transcended mere military strategy; it carried profound theological weight as a direct step toward the fulfillment of a divine covenant. The assessment of whether the inhabitants were "strong or weak, few or many" was indeed critical for formulating battle plans, but it simultaneously became a profound test of whether Israel would place their trust in their own perceived strength or in the omnipotence and covenant faithfulness of their God. The cultural awareness of "giants" (such as the Nephilim or Anakim) from earlier biblical narratives, like Genesis 6:4, would have significantly amplified the fear factor among both the spies and the wider populace.
  • Key Themes: Numbers 13:18 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the theme of strategic reconnaissance and preparation, highlighting the practical importance of gathering comprehensive information before undertaking a major endeavor, even one divinely ordained. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of assessment of obstacles, as the spies are explicitly commanded to evaluate the perceived might and numerical strength of the Canaanite inhabitants. This assessment, however, rapidly transforms into a crucial test of faith versus fear. The spies' overwhelming focus on the physical strength and formidable nature of the inhabitants, rather than on God's promised deliverance and power, ultimately precipitates widespread unbelief and rebellion. This demonstrates how human perception of challenges, when untethered from divine promises, can tragically overshadow God's faithfulness. This tension between seeing with human eyes and trusting God's infallible word is central to the narrative, echoing the timeless call to walk by faith, not by sight, as later articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:7. The verse also subtly illuminates the theme of leadership and responsibility, as the twelve chosen leaders were entrusted with a mission whose outcome would directly determine the immediate future and destiny of the entire nation.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • See (Hebrew: רָאָה, râʼâh, H7200): From the primitive root, this verb signifies more than mere visual perception; it implies a thorough, discerning observation, a careful examination, and even a thoughtful consideration. In this context, Moses commands the spies not just to glance at the land and its people, but to actively "see" in a way that leads to understanding, assessment, and the gathering of actionable intelligence. It denotes a command for diligent and purposeful reconnaissance.
  • People (Hebrew: עָם, ʻam, H5971): This term refers to a congregated unit, a community, or a nation. Here, it specifically denotes the inhabitants of the land of Canaan whom the Israelites were to encounter and, ultimately, dispossess. Moses' instruction to assess "the people" emphasizes that the human element—their collective identity, social structure, and military posture—was as crucial for intelligence gathering as the physical characteristics of the land itself.
  • Strong (Hebrew: חָזָק, châzâq, H2389): Derived from a root meaning "to be firm," this word denotes physical strength, might, or even boldness. In a military context, it refers to a formidable, well-fortified, or powerful adversary. Moses instructs the spies to assess if the inhabitants are militarily superior, robust, or difficult to overcome, implying a need to gauge the severity of the impending conflict. The term often carries connotations of being "hard" or "tough," suggesting a significant challenge.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And see the land, what it [is];": This opening clause establishes the initial and foundational objective of the mission: a comprehensive, discerning observation and evaluation of the land itself. The Hebrew phrasing implies an investigation into the very nature, character, and inherent qualities of Canaan—its topography, fertility, resources, and overall suitability for habitation. The supplied "[is]" in the KJV clarifies the grammatical flow, as the Hebrew relies on contextual understanding for the verb "to be." This part of the instruction demands practical intelligence regarding the physical environment Israel was destined to inherit.
  • "and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they [be] strong or weak, few or many;": This second, critically important clause shifts the focus from the physical environment to its human inhabitants. Moses directs the spies to specifically evaluate two primary, interconnected aspects of the people: their strength (encompassing physical prowess, military capability, and the fortification of their settlements) and their numbers (their population size and density). The contrasting pairs "strong or weak" and "few or many" represent a binary, exhaustive assessment designed to provide a clear and actionable picture of the military challenge. This detailed instruction underscores the pragmatic, strategic nature of the mission, aiming to gather intelligence crucial for the impending invasion and conquest. The spies were not merely to observe passively but to actively analyze, categorize, and report on the enemy's disposition.

Literary Devices

Numbers 13:18 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its precise and urgent instructional emphasis. Parallelism is prominently featured in the contrasting pairs "strong or weak" and "few or many." This balanced structure provides a comprehensive framework for the spies' assessment of the inhabitants, highlighting the binary nature of the required observation and ensuring a thorough report. The verse also exhibits a clear Instructional Tone, characteristic of Moses' authoritative directives throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the precision and gravity of his command. The opening verb "see" (רָאָה, râʼâh) functions as a direct Imperative, demanding active, diligent, and discerning observation. This strong emphasis on direct observation and detailed reporting sets the stage for the dramatic conflict that unfolds later in the chapter, where the spies' perception of what they "saw" (the formidable Anakim) tragically clashed with God's unwavering promise of what He would do for His people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 13:18, while appearing as a straightforward military directive, is profoundly interwoven with the broader theological narrative of Israel's journey from bondage to the Promised Land. It starkly highlights the inherent tension between human prudence and divine promise. God had already sworn an unconditional oath to give Israel the land (Genesis 12:7), yet Moses, whether guided by divine wisdom or responding to the people's expressed desire (Deuteronomy 1:22), dispatches spies to gather intelligence. This act, while practically sensible, became a critical crucible for Israel's burgeoning faith. The detailed instructions to assess the inhabitants' strength and numbers, instead of fostering strategic confidence rooted in God's power, tragically fueled fear and debilitating doubt, leading to a profound national failure of faith. The theological lesson is unequivocally clear: while preparation, due diligence, and understanding obstacles are important aspects of wise stewardship, they must never, under any circumstances, eclipse absolute trust in God's sovereign power and His unfailing, covenantal promises. The true strength and ultimate victory of Israel were not to be found in their military might or their human assessment of the enemy, but solely in the invincible might of Yahweh, who fights for His people.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Numbers 13:18, though rooted in an ancient military context, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the multifaceted challenges of life today. It powerfully underscores the importance of diligent preparation, realistic assessment, and understanding the nature of the obstacles we face. Whether embarking on a new ministry, making a significant life decision, or confronting personal struggles, wisdom dictates that we metaphorically "see the land"—that is, we gather information, understand the context, and identify potential challenges with clear eyes. However, the tragic outcome of the spies' mission serves as an exceptionally powerful cautionary tale: our assessment of obstacles must never, under any circumstances, overshadow our unwavering faith in God's omnipotence and faithfulness. It is remarkably easy to become fixated on the "strong or weak, few or many" of our adversaries or difficulties, allowing fear to paralyze our will and diminish our hope. True spiritual maturity involves acknowledging the stark reality of challenges while simultaneously anchoring our hope in the unshakeable promises of God. We are called to be wise as serpents in our discernment and innocent as doves in our trust, discerning the truth of our circumstances without succumbing to the lies of fear and unbelief. Our primary focus should always remain on God's infinite ability to deliver and empower, not solely on the perceived size or difficulty of the challenge, remembering the profound truth that "with God, all things are possible."

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life are you currently "scouting the land" or meticulously assessing significant challenges?
  • How do you effectively balance diligent practical preparation and realistic assessment with an unwavering, absolute faith in God's promises?
  • When confronted with "strong" or "many" obstacles that seem overwhelming, what is your immediate, instinctive reaction: fear and paralysis, or faith and courageous resolve? What does this reveal about your trust in God?
  • What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable challenges in your life are you currently allowing to overshadow God's sovereign power and His unfailing promises?

FAQ

Why did God command Moses to send spies if He had already promised Israel the land?

Answer: While God had indeed unequivocally promised the land to Abraham's descendants as an unconditional covenant, the sending of the spies was not an indication of divine doubt or a perceived lack of commitment to His promise. Instead, it served multiple, layered purposes within God's sovereign plan. Firstly, it functioned as a practical military reconnaissance, a common and prudent practice in ancient warfare, designed to gather vital intelligence for strategic planning and logistical preparation. Secondly, and far more significantly from a theological perspective, it served as a profound test of Israel's collective faith and obedience. The people themselves, as recounted in Deuteronomy 1:22, actually requested to send spies, seeking reassurance or perhaps a tangible "sight" of the land before fully trusting in God's unseen promise. God, in His infinite sovereignty and wisdom, allowed this, knowing it would reveal the true spiritual state of their hearts. The mission, therefore, became a crucible, tragically exposing their deep-seated lack of faith and their propensity for fear when confronted with formidable obstacles, despite God's clear intention and demonstrated power to deliver the land into their hands.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 13:18, with its directive to assess the strength and numbers of the inhabitants of the Promised Land, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the believer's spiritual journey and the decisive victory secured by Jesus Christ. Just as ancient Israel was called to conquer a physical land inhabited by formidable human foes, believers today are called to enter into and possess their spiritual inheritance in Christ, facing spiritual adversaries far more daunting and insidious than any physical giants (Ephesians 6:12). The spies' paralyzing fear of the "strong" inhabitants of Canaan tragically foreshadows humanity's inherent weakness, its utter inability to overcome the pervasive power of sin and the ultimate dominion of death through its own strength or efforts. However, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and divine "spy" sent by God into the world, not to assess obstacles for Himself, but to conquer them decisively on our behalf. He entered our "land" of sin, brokenness, and death, not to fear the enemy, but to utterly defeat him. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them and triumphing over them decisively (Colossians 2:15). He is the true and greater Joshua, leading His redeemed people into the spiritual Promised Land of salvation, freedom, and eternal life—a land where the "giants" of sin, death, and the devil have been decisively overcome and rendered powerless by His supreme strength and authority (Hebrews 2:14-15). Our victory and ability to possess this spiritual inheritance are not based on our own assessment of our strength or the enemy's weakness, but entirely on the finished work and the unassailable power of Christ, who has already definitively conquered the world and all its spiritual opposition (John 16:33).

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Commentary on Numbers 13 verses 1–20

Here we have, I. Orders given to send spies to search out the land of Canaan. It is here said, God directed Moses to send them (Num 13:1, Num 13:2), but it appears by the repetition of the story afterwards (Deu 1:22) that the motion came originally from the people; they came to Moses, and said, We will send men before us; and it was the fruit of their unbelief. They would not take God's word that it was a good land, and that he would, without fail, put them in possession of it. They could not trust the pillar of cloud and fire to show them the way to it, but had a better opinion of their own politics than of God's wisdom. How absurd was it for them to send to spy out a land which God himself had spied out for them, to enquire the way into it when God himself had undertaken to show them the way! But thus we ruin ourselves by giving more credit to the reports and representations of sense than to divine revelation; we walk by sight, not by faith; whereas, if we will receive the witness of men, without doubt the witness of God is greater. The people making this motion to Moses, he (perhaps not aware of the unbelief at the bottom of it) consulted God in the case, who bade him gratify the people in this matter, and send spies before them: "Let them walk in their own counsels." Yet God was no way accessory to the sin that followed, for the sending of these spies was so far from being the cause of the sin that if the spies had done their duty, and the people theirs, it might have been the confirmation of their faith, and of good service to them.

II. The persons nominated that were to be employed in this service (Num 13:4, etc.), one of each tribe, that it might appear to be the act of the people in general; and rulers, person of figure in their respective tribes, some of the rulers of thousands or hundreds, to put the greater credit upon their embassy. This was designed for the best, but it proved to have this ill effect that the quality of the persons occasioned the evil report they brought up to be the more credited and the people to be the more influenced by it. Some think that they are all named for the sake of two good ones that were among them, Caleb and Joshua. Notice is taken of the change of Joshua's name upon this occasion, Num 13:16. He was Moses's minister, but had been employed, though of the tribe of Ephraim, as general of the forces that were sent out against Amalek. The name by which he was generally called and known in his own tribe was Oshea, but Moses called him Joshua, in token of his affection to him and power over him; and now, it should seem, he ordered others to call him so, and fixed that to be his name henceforward. Oshea signifies a prayer for salvation, Save thou; Joshua signifies a promise of salvation, He will save, in answer to that prayer: so near is the relation between prayers and promises. Prayers prevail for promises, and promises direct and encourage prayers. Some think that Moses designed, by taking the first syllable of the name Jehovah and prefixing it to his name, which turned Hoshea into Jehoshua, to put an honour upon him, and to encourage him in this and all his future services with the assurances of God's presence. Yet after this he is called Hoshea, Deu 32:44. Jesus is the same name with Joshua, and it is the name of our Lord Christ, of whom Joshua was a type as successor to Moses, Israel's captain, and conqueror of Canaan. There was another of the same name, who was also a type of Christ, Zac 6:11. Joshua was the saviour of God's people from the powers of Canaan, but Christ is their Saviour from the powers of hell.

III. The instructions given to those spies. They were sent into the land of Canaan the nearest way, to traverse the country, and to take account of its present state, Num 13:17. Two heads of enquiry were given them in charge, 1. Concerning the land itself: See what that is (Num 13:18, and again, Num 13:19), see whether it be good or bad, and (Num 13:20) whether it be fat or lean. All parts of the earth do not share alike in the blessing of fruitfulness; some countries are blessed with a richer soil than others. Moses himself was well satisfied that Canaan was a very good land, but he sent these spies to bring an account of it for the satisfaction of the people; as John Baptist sent to Jesus, to ask whether he was the Christ, not to inform himself, but to inform those he sent. They must take notice whether the air was healthful or no, what the soil was, and what the productions; and, for the better satisfaction of the people, they must bring with them some of the fruits. 2. Concerning the inhabitants - their number, few or many - their size and stature, whether strong able-bodied men or weak, - their habitations, whether they lived in tents or houses, whether in open villages or in walled towns, - whether the woods were standing as in those countries that are uncultivated, through the unskillfulness and slothfulness of the inhabitants, or whether the woods were cut down, and the country made champaign, for the convenience of tillage. These were the things they were to enquire about. Perhaps there had not been of late years such commerce between Egypt and Canaan as there was in Jacob's time, else they might have informed themselves of these things without sending men on purpose to search. See the advantage we may derive from books and learning, which acquaint those that are curious and inquisitive with the state of foreign countries, at a much greater distance than Canaan was now from Israel, without this trouble and expense.

IV. Moses dismisses the spies with this charge, Be of good courage, intimating, not only that they should be themselves encouraged against the difficulties of this expedition, but that they should bring an encouraging account to the people and make the best of every thing. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution, but it was a great trust that was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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