Numbers 13:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The place {H4725} was called {H7121} the brook {H5158} Eshcol {H812}, because of {H182} the cluster of grapes {H811} which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} cut down {H3772} from thence.

Complete Jewish Bible

That place was called the Valley of Eshkol [cluster], because of the cluster which the people of Isra'el cut down there.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol.

American Standard Version

That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from thence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:24 serves as a geographical marker within the pivotal narrative of the Israelite spies' reconnaissance mission into Canaan. This verse specifically names "the brook Eshcol," commemorating the extraordinary discovery of a massive cluster of grapes by the returning scouts. It underscores the remarkable fertility and abundance of the land God had promised to His people, providing tangible evidence of its richness and serving as a powerful testament to divine provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:24 is situated within the broader narrative of the twelve spies' mission, detailed in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent into Canaan"). Moses, at the Lord's command, sends one leader from each tribe to explore Canaan, assess its inhabitants, and determine its agricultural potential. The spies spend forty days surveying the land, and their return marks a critical juncture in Israel's wilderness journey. The preceding verse, [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Giant Cluster of Grapes"), explicitly describes the cutting down of the immense cluster of grapes, along with pomegranates and figs, requiring two men to carry it. This verse then provides the etymology for the place name, solidifying the event's significance and the land's perceived abundance in the collective memory of Israel. The subsequent verses detail the spies' report, which, despite the evidence of abundance, leads to a crisis of faith among the Israelites, culminating in their forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is the wilderness of Paran, specifically Kadesh-Barnea, which served as the Israelites' base camp before their intended entry into Canaan. The act of sending spies was a common military and strategic practice in the ancient Near East, designed to gather intelligence before an invasion or settlement. The description of Canaan as a "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")) was a well-understood idiom signifying extraordinary fertility and prosperity, a stark contrast to the arid wilderness through which Israel had been journeying. Grapes, pomegranates, and figs were staple crops of the region, symbolizing agricultural wealth. The size of the grape cluster, requiring two men to carry it on a pole, was not merely a detail but a hyperbolic or highly emphasized description intended to convey an almost unbelievable level of fertility, far surpassing what the Israelites would have encountered in Egypt or the wilderness. This visual evidence was meant to confirm God's promises and encourage the people to trust in His ability to deliver.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader narrative of the spies, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Abundance and Faithfulness of God's Promises**. The colossal cluster of grapes serves as undeniable, tangible proof that the promised land was indeed as bountiful as God had declared, a land of extraordinary produce, not a barren wasteland. This directly fulfills the divine promise of a "good and spacious land" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - God's Promise of a Good and Spacious Land")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Evidence for Faith vs. Fear**. The fruit from Eshcol was intended to inspire confidence and trust in God's power to grant them victory and possession of the land, despite the presence of formidable inhabitants like the Anakim. However, as the narrative unfolds in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion"), the majority of the spies, and consequently the people, succumbed to fear rather than embracing the faith that the evidence of God's provision should have fostered. Lastly, the naming of the place "Eshcol" underscores the **Significance of Memory and Memorials**. The place itself becomes a permanent memorial, a reminder of both God's incredible provision and, ironically, the people's failure to believe in the face of such clear evidence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eshcol (Hebrew, _ʼEshkôl'_):** As the name of the valley (H812), "Eshcol" is directly linked to the Hebrew word for "cluster." This etymological connection, explicitly stated in the verse, signifies the profound impact of the extraordinary discovery. The place was named not merely for where grapes were found, but because it was so defined by this singular, remarkable cluster, serving as a perpetual mnemonic for the event and the land's fertility.
* **Cluster (Hebrew, _ʼeshkôwl'_):** This term (H811) refers to the physical bunch of grapes. Its usage here, especially in light of the preceding verse's description of its immense size, emphasizes the unparalleled richness of the land. It serves as crucial evidence for conveying the abundant nature of Canaan, affirming the divine promise of a land overflowing with produce beyond ordinary experience.
* **Cut down (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The verb "cut down" (H3772) describes the action taken by the Israelite spies. While literally meaning to sever, its use here highlights the active engagement of the spies in retrieving the evidence of the land's bounty. This act of cutting and carrying signifies the tangible nature of their discovery, making the fruit a concrete testament to God's provision and the land's potential.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The place was called the brook Eshcol":** This clause identifies a specific geographical feature, a "brook" or wadi (a valley or ravine, often dry except in the rainy season), which was given the name "Eshcol." The naming of a place after a significant event or characteristic was a common practice in ancient Israel, serving as a historical marker and a mnemonic device. It implies that this location became renowned specifically because of what occurred there, embedding the event into the very geography of the land.
* **"because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence":** This explanatory clause provides the precise reason for the naming of the brook. It directly links the place's identity to the extraordinary agricultural yield discovered by the Israelite spies. The "cluster of grapes" (mentioned as so large in the preceding verse, [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Giant Cluster of Grapes"), that it required two men to carry) was the defining feature. This detail reinforces the theme of the land's incredible fertility and God's abundant provision, making the place a living testimony to the promises of the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:24 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Toponymy** is central, as the verse explicitly explains the naming of a place ("Eshcol") based on a significant event (the finding of the "cluster" of grapes). This device anchors the narrative in a specific, memorable location, making the story more concrete and vivid. The extraordinary size of the grape cluster, though mentioned in the preceding verse, is the implicit reason for the naming here, serving as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the land's incredible fertility. While not directly stated as exaggeration, the sheer scale of the cluster functions to impress upon the reader the unparalleled abundance of Canaan. Furthermore, the "cluster of grapes" itself functions as **Symbolism**. It is not merely fruit; it symbolizes the richness, blessing, and divine favor associated with the Promised Land, serving as a tangible representation of God's covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The naming of the place after the object found there can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the part (the cluster) stands for the whole experience of abundance and the promise of the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:24 stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing faithfulness and the tangible reality of His promises. The immense cluster of grapes from Eshcol was not just a natural phenomenon but a divine sign, confirming that the land God promised was indeed a land of overflowing abundance, far exceeding the expectations of a people who had known only the stark wilderness. This provision was meant to build their faith, demonstrating that God's capabilities matched His declarations. However, the subsequent narrative reveals the tragic human response of fear and unbelief, highlighting the constant tension between God's perfect provision and humanity's wavering trust. The memory of Eshcol, therefore, serves as a perpetual reminder of both God's extravagant goodness and the profound cost of doubt.

* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Description of the Promised Land's Abundance")
* [Psalm 65:11](/psalms/65-11 "God Crowns the Year with His Bounty")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "God's Word and Provision are Fruitful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:24 offers a profound lesson for believers today. Just as God provided tangible evidence of His promises to Israel through the fruit of Eshcol, He continues to provide "fruit" in our lives that testifies to His goodness, faithfulness, and abundant provision. This verse challenges us to cultivate a vision of faith that sees beyond immediate obstacles and focuses on the reality of God's promises, even when faced with daunting "giants" in our own lives. It encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness and to trust that His plans for us are for "hope and a future" ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for Hope and a Future")), and that His provision is always more than sufficient. We are called to be like Caleb and Joshua, who saw the fruit and believed in God's power to overcome the challenges, rather than succumbing to the fear and doubt that led to forty years of wandering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" or tangible evidence of God's faithfulness have you seen in your own life that should encourage your faith today?**
* **How do you tend to react when faced with overwhelming challenges—do you focus on the "giants" or on God's promised provision?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God's abundance over your own fears or perceived limitations?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of provision strengthen your resolve to obey Him in the present?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name "Eshcol"?**

Answer: The name "Eshcol" (אֶשְׁכֹּל) is Hebrew for "cluster," specifically referring to a cluster of grapes. Numbers 13:24 explicitly states that the place was named "because of the cluster of grapes" that the Israelite spies cut down from there. This name serves as a perpetual memorial to the extraordinary fertility and abundance of the land of Canaan, providing tangible evidence of God's promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "God's Promise of a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). It highlights the overwhelming nature of the land's produce, which was so impressive it required two men to carry a single cluster ([Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "The Giant Cluster of Grapes")).

**Why was it important for the spies to bring back fruit from the land?**

Answer: The primary reason for bringing back fruit, especially such an impressive cluster, was to provide concrete, undeniable proof of the land's fertility and the truthfulness of God's promises. Moses had instructed the spies to "bring back some of the fruit of the land" ([Numbers 13:20](/numbers/13-20 "Moses' Instructions to the Spies")). This physical evidence was intended to inspire faith and confidence in the Israelite people, assuring them that the land was indeed a good land, worthy of fighting for and settling. It was a visual aid to counteract any potential doubt or fear, though tragically, the majority of the people focused on the strength of the inhabitants rather than the land's bounty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 13:24 describes the tangible fruit of a promised earthly land, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual abundance found in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Just as the cluster from Eshcol testified to the richness of Canaan, Jesus Christ is the living proof of God's boundless grace and the spiritual "fruit" of salvation. He is the true vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "Jesus, the True Vine")), and those who abide in Him bear much fruit—the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "The Fruit of the Spirit")). The earthly land of milk and honey, with its overflowing produce, points to the spiritual inheritance and the abundant life that believers receive through Christ ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Offers Abundant Life")). The failure of Israel to enter the land due to unbelief, despite the evidence of Eshcol, serves as a stark warning against spiritual apathy, urging us to enter God's rest by faith in Jesus ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "The Promise of Rest Remains")). Ultimately, the physical abundance of Eshcol finds its spiritual and eternal reality in the person and work of Christ, who provides an inheritance far richer and more enduring than any earthly land ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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.