Numbers 13:20

KJV

And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And what the land {H776} is, whether it be fat {H8082} or lean {H7330}, whether there be {H3426} wood {H6086} therein, or not. And be ye of good courage {H2388}, and bring {H3947} of the fruit {H6529} of the land {H776}. Now the time {H3117} was the time {H3117} of the firstripe {H1061} grapes {H6025}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See whether the land is fertile or unproductive and whether there is wood in it or not. Finally, be bold enough to bring back some of the fruit of the land." When they left it was the season for the first grapes to ripen.

Berean Standard Bible

Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)

American Standard Version

and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:20 encapsulates Moses' concluding directives to the twelve spies tasked with surveying the Promised Land. This pivotal verse outlines three critical components of their mission: a comprehensive evaluation of Canaan's agricultural fertility and natural resources, an explicit command for the spies to exhibit unwavering courage, and the imperative to gather tangible evidence of the land's bounty. The specific timing, "the time of the firstripe grapes," underscores the strategic moment chosen for the expedition, ensuring the spies could collect compelling proof of the land's inherent fruitfulness and abundance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:20 serves as the culminating instruction in Moses' detailed charge to the twelve tribal leaders, whom he dispatched as spies at the Lord's command, as recorded in [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God Commands the Spies"). The preceding verses, [Numbers 13:18-19](/numbers/13-18-19 "Numbers 13:18-19 - Moses' Specific Instructions to the Spies"), set forth the primary objectives: to assess the strength and number of the inhabitants, the nature of their cities (whether fortified or open), and the overall quality of the land. This particular verse, [Numbers 13:20](/numbers/13-20 "Numbers 13:20 - Moses' Final Charge to the Spies"), provides the final, crucial directives, emphasizing both the practical assessment of the land's resources and the vital spiritual posture of courage required for such a daunting mission. The subsequent narrative, particularly the spies' report in [Numbers 13:26-33](/numbers/13-26-33 "Numbers 13:26-33 - The Spies' Report and Israel's Fear"), reveals the profound impact of this reconnaissance on the Israelites' faith, leading to a crisis of trust and a forty-year period of wilderness wandering.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this command, the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh-barnea, poised on the threshold of entering Canaan, the land divinely promised to their ancestors. This period represented a significant transition from their nomadic existence in the wilderness to the formidable challenges of conquest and settlement. For an agrarian society, the assessment of whether the land was "fat or lean" was paramount, directly determining its capacity for sustenance and prosperity. The presence of "wood therein" would indicate essential resources for construction, fuel, and various agricultural implements. The command to "be ye of good courage" was far more than a general exhortation; it was a direct acknowledgment of the formidable Canaanite inhabitants, renowned for their fortified cities and military prowess, a reality vividly described in the spies' fearful report in [Numbers 13:28-29](/numbers/13-28-29 "Numbers 13:28-29 - The Giants and Fortified Cities"). The timing, "the time of the firstripe grapes," strategically placed the mission in late July or early August, a season when the initial fruits of the land, especially grapes, pomegranates, and figs, would be ripe and available, providing tangible and undeniable proof of Canaan's fertility as a "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Promise and Human Responsibility**, as God had faithfully promised the land, yet Israel was entrusted with the active role of exploring and possessing it. The detailed inquiry into the land's quality and resources speaks directly to **Divine Provision and Abundance**, confirming God's unwavering faithfulness to provide richly for His people. The explicit imperative to "be ye of good courage" highlights the critical theme of **Faith versus Fear**, which becomes the central conflict in the subsequent narrative of the spies' report and Israel's tragic rebellion. The "fruit of the land" serves as a potent symbol of **Tangible Evidence and Verification**, intended to bolster the faith and resolve of the entire congregation. Ultimately, the verse meticulously sets the stage for a crucial test of Israel's **Obedience and Trust** in God's power and promises, revealing their readiness—or lack thereof—to inherit their divine inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew: שָׁמֵן, _shamēn'_); Lean (Hebrew: רָזֶה, _razē'_):** These terms are used to describe the agricultural quality of the land. `Shamēn` (H8082) signifies "greasy, i.e. gross; figuratively, rich," indicating fertile, productive soil capable of yielding abundant crops. `Razē` (H7330) means "thin," referring to barren, unproductive land. Moses' instruction to assess these qualities underscored the practical concern for the land's capacity to sustain a large nation and fulfill the promise of a land of plenty.
* **Good Courage (Hebrew: חָזַק, _châzaq'_):** The verb `châzaq` (H2388) is a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In this context, it is a powerful imperative for the spies to exhibit mental and spiritual fortitude. It anticipates the formidable challenges they would face and calls for a resolute spirit, relying on divine strength rather than succumbing to fear. This command is a foundational theme for leadership and obedience throughout the Old Testament.
* **Firstripe (Hebrew: בִּכּוּר, _bikkûwr'_):** Derived from the root `bâkar` (to be firstborn), `bikkûwr` (H1061) refers to "the first-fruits of the crop" or "hasty fruit." Its inclusion here specifies that the mission was timed to coincide with the very beginning of the grape harvest. This detail ensures that the spies would find the land at its most vibrant and productive, allowing them to collect the freshest and most impressive produce as irrefutable evidence of Canaan's fertility and God's abundant provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not":** Moses instructs the spies to conduct a thorough and practical environmental and resource assessment of the Promised Land. This includes evaluating the soil's fertility ("fat or lean") to determine its agricultural potential for sustaining the Israelite nation, and the availability of natural resources like timber ("wood therein") for construction, fuel, and other necessities. This comprehensive inquiry aimed to provide a realistic understanding of the land's capacity to support a large population, confirming God's promise of abundance.
* **"And be ye of good courage":** This is a direct, emphatic imperative from Moses, highlighting the essential spiritual and mental fortitude required for the mission. The spies were not merely to observe; they were to confront potentially daunting realities, including powerful inhabitants and fortified cities. This instruction anticipates the fear and opposition they might encounter, urging them to maintain a brave and resolute spirit, trusting in God's power and promises above all else.
* **"and bring of the fruit of the land":** This instruction serves a dual, crucial purpose. Firstly, it demands tangible, irrefutable proof of Canaan's fertility and bounty, providing concrete evidence to the entire Israelite congregation. Secondly, it offers a foretaste of the blessings awaiting them, a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey." The fruit would be a powerful visual and edible testament, intended to counteract any potential doubts or fears among the people.
* **"Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes":** This parenthetical note provides vital temporal context, specifying that the mission was strategically timed during the early harvest season. This ensured that the spies would find the land at its most productive and vibrant, with its initial fruits readily available. This detail subtly underscores God's perfect timing and providential arrangement, ensuring that the evidence of Canaan's bounty would be maximally impressive and readily accessible to the spies.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its multifaceted message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in Moses' direct commands: "be ye of good courage" and "bring of the fruit of the land." These commands underscore the non-negotiable nature of the spies' responsibilities and the urgency of their mission. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play with "the fruit of the land," which transcends mere agricultural produce to symbolize God's faithfulness, the tangible fulfillment of His promises, and the rich inheritance awaiting Israel. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the practical, almost scientific, assessment of the land's resources ("fat or lean," "wood therein") alongside the spiritual and moral imperative of "good courage." This highlights that the mission required both keen observation and unwavering faith. Finally, the **Descriptive Detail** of "the time of the firstripe grapes" provides a vivid sensory and temporal anchor, making the narrative more concrete and emphasizing the providential timing of the expedition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:20 is deeply integrated into the theological narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's often-flawed response. It reveals God's meticulous preparation for His people's inheritance, providing an opportune moment for them to witness tangible evidence of His promised land before their entry. The command for courage and the instruction to bring back fruit highlight the crucial interplay between divine promise and human responsibility. While God guarantees the land, Israel must actively explore, trust, and ultimately possess it. The verse sets the stage for the tragic failure of faith that immediately follows, where the majority of the spies, despite seeing the land's bounty, succumb to fear of its inhabitants. This demonstrates the profound spiritual battle between trusting God's omnipotence and succumbing to human limitations. This episode serves as a stark reminder that even with clear evidence of God's goodness, a lack of courage and faith can lead to devastating consequences, delaying or even forfeiting divine blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - Description of the Good Land")
* [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6-9 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Command to Joshua: Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:20 offers timeless principles for navigating the challenges and opportunities inherent in the Christian life. Just as the spies were called to assess their promised inheritance and act with courage, believers today are called to understand the spiritual blessings and inheritance we have in Christ, and to step out in faith to claim them. We are often tasked with exploring "new territories" in our walk with God—whether new callings, difficult circumstances, or opportunities for ministry—all of which require both careful discernment and unwavering courage. The command to "bring of the fruit of the land" reminds us of the profound importance of bearing witness to God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Our "fruits" of transformed character, answered prayers, and divine provision serve as tangible evidence that can strengthen our own faith and courageously encourage others, especially when doubt or fear threatens to overwhelm. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to God's promises and to actively engage with them, trusting in His perfect timing and provision even when the path ahead seems daunting or the obstacles appear insurmountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promised lands" or new callings might God be inviting you to explore in your life, and what steps of assessment or preparation might be necessary?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "be of good courage" to overcome fear or doubt, trusting in God's strength rather than your own?**
* **What "fruit" of God's faithfulness have you witnessed in your life or the lives of others recently, and how can sharing that evidence strengthen faith?**
* **How does the detail about "the time of the firstripe grapes" encourage you to trust in God's perfect timing for His plans to unfold in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for the spies to assess whether the land was "fat or lean" and if there was "wood therein"?**

Answer: This assessment was crucial for both practical and strategic reasons. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, the fertility of the soil ("fat or lean") directly determined the land's capacity to sustain a large population through agriculture. A "fat" land promised abundance and prosperity, fulfilling God's promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Land of Promise")). The presence of "wood" indicated vital natural resources for building materials, fuel, and tools, all essential for establishing settlements and developing infrastructure. Moses desired a comprehensive report that would not only confirm God's promise but also inform the logistical and strategic planning for the conquest and settlement of Canaan, ensuring the long-term viability and prosperity of their future home.

**What is the significance of Moses' command, "And be ye of good courage"?**

Answer: The command to "be ye of good courage" (Hebrew: *ḥāzaq*) was a vital spiritual and psychological instruction. Moses knew the spies would encounter formidable challenges, including powerful inhabitants and fortified cities ([Numbers 13:28](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28 - The Giants in the Land")). This was not merely a suggestion but an imperative for mental and spiritual fortitude. It implied trusting in God's power to overcome obstacles, rather than succumbing to fear based on human strength or perceived threats. This command foreshadows similar exhortations given to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the land, emphasizing that courage rooted in faith is absolutely essential for fulfilling God's purposes ([Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6-9 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")).

**Why did Moses specifically instruct them to "bring of the fruit of the land," and why the mention of "the time of the firstripe grapes"?**

Answer: The instruction to bring "fruit of the land" served as tangible, undeniable proof of Canaan's fertility and bounty. This physical evidence was intended to bolster the faith of the entire Israelite congregation, demonstrating that God's promise of a rich, abundant land was indeed true. It would counteract any skepticism or fear that might arise from the daunting prospect of conquest. The specific mention of "the time of the firstripe grapes" highlights God's perfect timing and provision. This detail indicates that the mission was scheduled during the early harvest season (late summer), ensuring the spies would find the land at its most productive and vibrant, allowing them to gather the freshest and most impressive produce, such as the famous cluster of grapes mentioned in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Cluster of Grapes from Eshcol"). This precise timing underscored God's readiness to provide for His people even before they fully possessed their inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:20, with its profound emphasis on assessing a promised land, demonstrating courage, and bringing forth tangible fruit, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While Israel sought a physical inheritance, believers in Christ receive a spiritual inheritance far grander, eternal, and incorruptible ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Promised Land," the true rest and inheritance into which we enter by faith, a reality far surpassing any earthly dwelling ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Just as the spies were commanded to "be of good courage," Christ calls His followers to a radical, Spirit-empowered courage—to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")). This courage is not self-generated but is divinely empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to face spiritual battles, worldly opposition, and personal trials with divine fortitude, knowing that Christ has definitively overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Furthermore, the "fruit of the land" foreshadows the "fruit of the Spirit" that marks the life of a believer in Christ ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), tangible evidence of God's transforming power at work within us. Our lives, bearing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, and more, become a living testimony to the reality of our spiritual inheritance and the indwelling Christ. Finally, the "time of the firstripe grapes" points to God's perfect, sovereign timing in sending His Son, Jesus, "when the fullness of time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")), to secure our ultimate spiritual inheritance and bring forth the true and lasting fruit of redemption for all who believe.

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

Deuteronomy 31:23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

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.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Nehemiah 9:35

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

Numbers 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.