Numbers 13:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} unto the brook {H5158} of Eshcol {H812}, and cut down {H3772} from thence a branch {H2156} with one {H259} cluster {H811} of grapes {H6025}, and they bare {H5375} it between two {H8147} upon a staff {H4132}; and they brought of the pomegranates {H7416}, and of the figs {H8384}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to the Eshkol Valley; and there they cut off a branch bearing one cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two of them; they also took pomegranates and figs.

Berean Standard Bible

When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men. They also took some pomegranates and figs.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:23 vividly portrays the extraordinary fertility of the Promised Land, serving as tangible evidence of God's lavish provision for His people. This verse details the return of the Israelite spies from Canaan, specifically highlighting their discovery at the brook of Eshcol: a single, immense cluster of grapes so heavy it required two men to carry it on a staff, alongside samples of pomegranates and figs. This physical demonstration of Canaan's abundance was intended to confirm God's covenant promises and inspire faith in the congregation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:23 is situated at a critical juncture in Israel's wilderness journey, following their departure from Mount Sinai and arrival at Kadesh-barnea. The preceding verses in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent into Canaan") recount Moses's decision, at God's command, to dispatch twelve leaders—one from each tribe—to scout the land of Canaan. Their mission, outlined in [Numbers 13:1-20](/numbers/13-1-20 "Numbers 13:1-20 - Moses Sends Spies into Canaan"), was comprehensive: to assess the land's agricultural potential, the strength and number of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. After forty days, the spies returned to the Israelite camp, bringing with them both a verbal report and the compelling physical evidence described in this verse, setting the stage for the pivotal decision that would determine the nation's immediate future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense value on fertile land, as agricultural productivity was directly tied to survival and prosperity. The concept of a "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promise of the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")) was not merely poetic but signified unparalleled abundance and blessing. Grapes, pomegranates, and figs were staple crops, highly prized for their nutritional value, sweetness, and symbolism of prosperity and well-being. The very act of carrying such a massive cluster of grapes on a staff by two men would have been a dramatic and unforgettable spectacle, designed to impress upon the entire Israelite community the unparalleled richness of the land God was giving them, contrasting sharply with the barrenness of the wilderness they had endured.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores the central theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**. The extraordinary fruitfulness of Canaan, exemplified by the colossal grape cluster and other fruits, served as undeniable proof that God's word was true, even before Israel had fully entered their inheritance. It highlights the theme of **divine provision and abundance**, demonstrating that God's blessings far exceed human expectation. Furthermore, the tangible evidence brought back by the spies introduces the theme of **faith versus sight**, as this proof was intended to inspire confidence, yet it ultimately became a point of contention when contrasted with the intimidating report of the land's inhabitants in [Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28-33 "Numbers 13:28-33 - The Spies' Fearful Report"). The scene at Eshcol was meant to be a foundation for faith, a "firstfruits" of the promised blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eshcol (Hebrew, _'eshkol'_):** This place name, meaning "cluster" or "bunch" (especially of grapes), is remarkably fitting given the discovery made there. The synchronicity between the name of the brook and the primary evidence brought back by the spies highlights a divine orchestration, emphasizing the significance of the find as a representative sample of Canaan's bounty. It underscores the idea that God led them precisely to a place that would visually confirm His promise of a fruitful land.
* **Grapes (Hebrew, _'anavim'_):** Grapes were a primary agricultural product in ancient Israel, symbolizing fertility, joy, and prosperity. The description of "one cluster of grapes" so large it required two men to carry it on a staff is a powerful visual hyperbole, accentuating the unparalleled abundance of the land. This was not merely a good harvest; it was an extraordinary, almost miraculous, display of the land's inherent richness, directly fulfilling the promise of a land "flowing with milk and honey."
* **Staff (Hebrew, _mot_):** The detail that the cluster was carried "between two upon a staff" is crucial. It signifies the immense size and weight of the grape cluster, making it impossible for a single individual to carry with ease. This practical detail transforms the fruit from a mere sample into a dramatic, undeniable testament to the land's fertility, designed to impress and convince the entire congregation of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came unto the brook of Eshcol,"**: The spies' arrival at this specific location, whose name itself means "cluster," suggests a divinely guided discovery. The "brook" (נַחַל, _nachal_) implies a wadi or seasonal stream, indicating a fertile valley or ravine, ideal for viticulture. This setting underscores the natural abundance of the region.
* **"and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes,"**: This action signifies the deliberate collection of evidence. The emphasis on "one cluster" highlights its extraordinary size, making it a singular, impressive specimen rather than a collection of many small ones. This was not just a sample; it was a statement about the land's capacity for unparalleled produce.
* **"and they bare it between two upon a staff;"**: This is the most striking detail, visually communicating the immense scale of the grapes. The necessity of two men to carry a single cluster on a staff transforms it into a public spectacle, an undeniable and memorable demonstration of the land's incredible fertility, intended to instill confidence and awe in the Israelite community.
* **"and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs."**: The inclusion of pomegranates and figs further reinforces the theme of abundance. These fruits were also highly valued in the ancient world, symbolizing prosperity and blessing. Their presence alongside the colossal grapes provides a comprehensive picture of Canaan's agricultural richness, demonstrating that the land was indeed a place of extraordinary provision.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the grapes, pomegranates, and figs are not merely fruits but powerful symbols of the Promised Land's extraordinary fertility and God's abundant provision. The sheer size of the grape cluster, requiring two men to carry it, borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the land's incredible bounty beyond normal expectations and creating a vivid, unforgettable image. This dramatic presentation also functions as **Vivid Imagery**, painting a clear and striking picture in the reader's mind of the spies' discovery. Furthermore, the "branch with one cluster of grapes" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the fruit) represents the whole (the entire land's fertility), serving as a tangible "firstfruits" of the inheritance awaiting Israel. The very name of the place, Eshcol ("cluster"), adds an element of **Irony** or divine synchronicity, as the place itself declares what will be found there.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The lavish abundance displayed in the fruits from Eshcol was not merely a pleasant discovery but a divine confirmation of the land described as "flowing with milk and honey" since the time of Abraham. This tangible evidence was intended to bolster the faith of a generation prone to grumbling and doubt, demonstrating that God's word was true and His provision boundless. It highlights the tension between God's clear demonstration of His goodness and humanity's struggle to trust Him fully, especially when faced with perceived obstacles. The fruit was a "good report," a foretaste of the blessings that awaited a faithful people.

* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - Description of the Good Land")
* [Joshua 24:13](/joshua/24-13 "Joshua 24:13 - God's Provision of the Land")
* [Psalm 65:9-13](/psalms/65-9-13 "Psalm 65:9-13 - God's Abundant Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites received a tangible "firstfruits" of the Promised Land, so too does God often provide us with glimpses of His faithfulness and the abundance of His promises in our own lives. These "Eshcol moments"—whether a specific answered prayer, a season of unexpected provision, or a profound spiritual insight—are meant to strengthen our faith and encourage us to press forward, even when challenges seem insurmountable. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to remember God's past faithfulness when doubt creeps in. Are we, like the ten fearful spies, allowing the "giants" in our lives to overshadow the undeniable evidence of God's goodness, or are we, like Caleb and Joshua, holding fast to the "good report" of His promises, knowing that His power is greater than any obstacle? Our response to God's demonstrated faithfulness determines whether we enter into the fullness of His blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Eshcol moments" or tangible evidences of God's faithfulness have you experienced in your life? How do these memories strengthen your faith today?**
* **When faced with challenges or "giants," do you tend to focus on the obstacles or on God's demonstrated power and promises?**
* **How can you cultivate a "good report" perspective, actively looking for and celebrating God's provision and blessings, even amidst difficulties?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God for a greater inheritance, despite the perceived risks?**

### FAQ
**Why did the spies bring back such large fruit, specifically grapes, pomegranates, and figs?**

Answer: The primary reason was to provide undeniable, tangible proof of the land's extraordinary fertility and abundance, directly confirming God's promise that Canaan was "a land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promise of the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). The sheer size of the grape cluster, requiring two men to carry it, was a dramatic visual aid intended to impress upon the entire Israelite congregation the unparalleled richness of their promised inheritance. Grapes, pomegranates, and figs were chosen because they were highly valued, staple crops in the ancient Near East, symbolizing prosperity and blessing, thus serving as perfect representatives of the land's incredible agricultural potential. This physical evidence was crucial for building faith and confidence in God's ability to deliver on His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:23, with its vivid depiction of the land's overflowing abundance, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical fruits from Eshcol represented the earthly inheritance God promised Israel, Christ embodies the spiritual and eternal inheritance offered to all believers. He is the true "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")) of God's new creation, the guarantee of a greater, imperishable reality. Just as the grapes symbolized life and joy, Jesus declared Himself to be the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), from whom all spiritual fruitfulness flows. The abundance of Canaan, though impressive, was but a shadow of the immeasurable spiritual blessings we receive in Christ—the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to God's presence ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "good report" that Caleb and Joshua brought back, rooted in faith in God's power despite the giants, foreshadows the gospel message: a report of God's redemptive work through Christ, enabling us to enter a spiritual "rest" and inherit a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - Entering God's Rest")). Thus, the lavish fruit of Eshcol points beyond itself to the infinitely greater, life-giving fruit of salvation and abundant life found only in Jesus.

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

Numbers 13:24

The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.

Numbers 32:9

For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.

Deuteronomy 1:24

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

Deuteronomy 1:25

And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought [it] down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, [It is] a good land which the LORD our God doth give us.

Judges 16:4

¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name [was] Delilah.