Numbers 13:18

KJV

And see the land, what it [is]; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they [be] strong or weak, few or many;

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

and see what the land is like. Notice the people living there, whether they are strong or weak, few or many;

Berean Standard Bible

See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many.

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:18 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, detailing Moses' precise instructions to the twelve tribal leaders dispatched to scout the Promised Land. This verse specifically directs them to conduct a thorough reconnaissance of the land's nature and, critically, to assess the inhabitants: their physical strength, military capability, and numerical presence. This intelligence-gathering mission was intended to inform Israel's strategy for conquest, yet its outcome would profoundly test their faith and obedience to God's promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13 opens with Yahweh's command to Moses to send men to explore Canaan, the land promised to Israel ([Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1 "Numbers 13:1-2 - Command to Send Spies")). Moses selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes, emphasizing the representative nature of this mission. The instructions given in [Numbers 13:17-20](/numbers/13-17 "Numbers 13:17-20 - Moses' Instructions to the Spies") are remarkably detailed, covering everything from the land's fertility and produce to the nature of its cities and, as highlighted in verse 18, the characteristics of its inhabitants. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic and faith-testing report the spies would bring back in [Numbers 13:26-33](/numbers/13-26 "Numbers 13:26-33 - The Spies' Report"), particularly the fearful account of the "giants" and fortified cities, which directly contradicts the faithful perspective of Caleb and Joshua. The immediate literary consequence is the people's rebellion and God's judgment in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at Kadesh-barnea, a crucial staging ground on the southern border of Canaan, poised to enter the land promised to their ancestors. In the ancient Near East, reconnaissance missions were standard military practice before invasion. Leaders would send scouts to gather intelligence on enemy strength, terrain, and resources. Moses' instructions reflect this practical military wisdom. However, for Israel, this mission held unique theological weight: it was not merely a military endeavor but the fulfillment of a divine promise. The assessment of "strong or weak, few or many" was critical for determining battle strategy, but it also became a test of whether Israel would trust in their own perceived strength or in the omnipotence of their covenant-keeping God. The cultural understanding of "giants" (Nephilim/Anakim) from earlier narratives ([Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "Genesis 6:4 - The Nephilim")) would have amplified the fear factor among the spies and the people.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 13:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **strategic reconnaissance and preparation**, highlighting the importance of gathering 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 numbers of the Canaanite inhabitants. This assessment, however, quickly morphs into a test of **faith versus fear**. The spies' focus on the physical strength of the inhabitants rather than God's promised deliverance ultimately leads to widespread unbelief and rebellion, demonstrating how human perception of challenges can overshadow divine promises. This tension between seeing with human eyes and trusting God's word is central to the narrative, echoing the call to walk by faith, not by sight, as later articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:7](/2_corinthians/5-7 "2 Corinthians 5:7 - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight"). The verse also subtly highlights the theme of **leadership and responsibility**, as the twelve chosen leaders were entrusted with a mission that would determine the immediate future of the entire nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew: חָזָק, _chazaq_):** This word denotes physical strength, firmness, courage, or even violence. 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 or robust, implying a need to gauge the difficulty of conquest. The term often carries connotations of being "hard" or "tough," suggesting a significant challenge.
* **Weak (Hebrew: רָפֶה, _rapheh_):** The antithesis of _chazaq_, this word signifies being slack, feeble, or relaxed. In this context, it refers to a people who are militarily vulnerable, lacking in strength or resolve, and thus easier to conquer. The instruction to assess both "strong" and "weak" indicates a demand for a comprehensive, objective evaluation of the enemy's military posture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And see the land, what it [is];"**: This initial clause emphasizes the primary objective: a thorough visual and experiential observation of the land itself. The Hebrew phrase implies an investigation into the very nature and character of the land—its topography, fertility, resources, and suitability for habitation. The KJV's "[is]" is supplied for grammatical flow, as the Hebrew relies on context to convey the verb "to be." This part of the instruction indicates a need for practical intelligence about the physical environment they were to inherit.
* **"and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they [be] strong or weak, few or many;"**: This second, crucial clause shifts the focus from the land to its inhabitants. Moses directs the spies to specifically evaluate two critical aspects of the people: their **strength** (military, physical, fortified) and their **numbers** (population size). The "strong or weak" and "few or many" represent a binary, comprehensive assessment designed to provide a clear picture of the military challenge. This detailed instruction underscores the practical, strategic nature of the mission, aiming to gather actionable intelligence for the impending invasion. The spies were not merely to observe but to analyze and categorize the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:18 employs several literary devices to convey its instructional emphasis. **Parallelism** is evident in the contrasting pairs "strong or weak" and "few or many," which serve to provide a comprehensive and balanced framework for the spies' assessment of the inhabitants. This technique highlights the binary nature of the required observation. The verse also exhibits a strong **Instructional Tone**, characteristic of Moses' directives throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the authority and precision of his command. The verb "see" (רָאָה, _ra'ah_) at the beginning of the verse functions as a direct **Imperative**, demanding active and diligent observation. This emphasis on direct observation and detailed reporting sets up the dramatic conflict later in the chapter, where the spies' *perception* of what they "saw" (the giants) clashed with God's *promise* of what He would do.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:18, while seemingly a straightforward military directive, is deeply interwoven with the broader theological narrative of Israel's journey from slavery to the Promised Land. It highlights the tension between human prudence and divine promise. God had already sworn to give Israel the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham")), yet Moses, guided by divine wisdom or responding to the people's request ([Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies")), sends spies to gather intelligence. This act, while practical, became a crucible for Israel's faith. The detailed instructions to assess the inhabitants' strength and numbers, instead of fostering strategic confidence, ultimately fueled fear and doubt, leading to a profound failure of faith. The theological lesson is clear: while preparation and understanding obstacles are important, they must never eclipse absolute trust in God's sovereign power and His unfailing promises. The true strength of Israel was not in their military might or their assessment of the enemy, but in the might of Yahweh.

* [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - Moses Recounts the Spies' Mission")
* [Numbers 14:9](/numbers/14-9 "Numbers 14:9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Exhortation")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:18, though set in an ancient military context, offers profound lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life today. It underscores the importance of diligent preparation and realistic assessment of obstacles. Whether embarking on a new ministry, facing a significant life decision, or confronting personal struggles, wisdom dictates that we "see the land" – gather information, understand the context, and identify potential challenges. However, the tragic outcome of the spies' mission serves as a powerful cautionary tale: our assessment of obstacles must never overshadow our faith in God's omnipotence. It's easy to become fixated on the "strong or weak, few or many" of our adversaries or difficulties, allowing fear to paralyze us. True spiritual maturity involves acknowledging the reality of challenges while simultaneously anchoring our hope in the unshakeable promises of God. We are called to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, discerning the truth of our circumstances without succumbing to the lies of fear. Our focus should always be on God's ability to deliver, not solely on the size of the challenge, remembering that with God, all things are possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "scouting the land" or assessing challenges?**
* **How do you balance practical preparation and assessment with unwavering faith in God's promises?**
* **When faced with "strong" or "many" obstacles, what is your immediate reaction: fear or faith? Why?**
* **What "giants" in your life are you allowing to overshadow God's power and promises?**

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

Answer: While God had indeed promised the land to Abraham's descendants, the sending of the spies was not an indication of God's doubt or a lack of commitment to His promise. Instead, it served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was a practical military reconnaissance, common in ancient warfare, to gather intelligence for strategic planning. Secondly, and more significantly, it was a test of Israel's faith and obedience. The people, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies"), actually requested to send spies, seeking reassurance or perhaps a way to "see" the land for themselves before trusting fully in God's unseen promise. God, in His sovereignty, allowed this, knowing it would reveal the true state of their hearts. The mission, therefore, became a crucible, exposing their lack of faith when faced with formidable obstacles, despite God's clear intention to deliver the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:18, with its emphasis on assessing the strength of the inhabitants of the Promised Land, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the believer's spiritual journey and the victory secured by Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was called to conquer a physical land inhabited by formidable foes, believers are called to enter into and possess the spiritual inheritance in Christ, facing spiritual adversaries far more daunting than any physical giants ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). The spies' fear of the "strong" inhabitants foreshadows humanity's inherent weakness and inability to overcome sin and death on its own. However, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "spy" sent by God, not to assess obstacles for Himself, but to conquer them for us. He entered our "land" of sin and death, not to fear the enemy, but to utterly defeat him. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Joshua, leading His people into the spiritual Promised Land of salvation and eternal life, a land where the "giants" of sin, death, and the devil have been decisively overcome by His strength ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Our victory is not based on our assessment of our own strength or the enemy's weakness, but entirely on the finished work and supreme power of Christ, who has already conquered the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ's Victory Over the World")).

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

Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Ezekiel 34:14

I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.