Numbers 13:26

KJV

¶ And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they went {H3212} and came {H935} to Moses {H4872}, and to Aaron {H175}, and to all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, unto the wilderness {H4057} of Paran {H6290}, to Kadesh {H6946}; and brought back {H7725} word {H1697} unto them, and unto all the congregation {H5712}, and shewed {H7200} them the fruit {H6529} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and went to Moshe, Aharon and the entire community of the people of Isra'el at Kadesh in the Pa'ran Desert, where they brought back word to them and to the entire community and showed them the fruit of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.

American Standard Version

And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:26 chronicles the momentous return of the twelve Israelite spies, concluding their forty-day reconnaissance mission into the promised land of Canaan. Arriving back at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran, they present their comprehensive report to Moses, Aaron, and the entire gathered congregation of Israel. This pivotal moment is underscored by the tangible display of the land's extraordinary produce, serving as irrefutable evidence of its fertility. The scene is set for a critical national decision, one that would profoundly test the nation's faith, obedience, and commitment to God's covenant promises, ultimately determining their immediate destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the Book of Numbers, serving as the dramatic culmination of the reconnaissance mission and the immediate prelude to Israel's profound crisis of faith. The preceding verses [Numbers 13:1-25](/numbers/13-1-25 "Numbers 13:1-25 - The Spies Sent to Canaan") detail God's command to send one leader from each tribe to scout Canaan, their forty-day journey, and their initial observations. Numbers 13:26 marks the spies' arrival at the assembly, transitioning the narrative from the mission's execution to the delivery of the report. This report, and the subsequent conflicting interpretations, will provoke the people's response, which tragically leads to their prolonged wilderness wandering, as detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment"). The narrative emphasizes that Israel stands literally on the threshold of their [divinely promised inheritance](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of the Land to Abraham"), making this moment of reporting a critical pivot point for their national destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, sending out scouts or spies was a standard military and strategic practice before any significant invasion or settlement. Such missions gathered vital intelligence on terrain, resources, and enemy strength. For the Israelites, recently liberated from Egypt and journeying through a harsh wilderness under divine guidance, this mission carried immense theological and practical weight. Kadesh-barnea, located in the wilderness of Paran, was a crucial oasis and a major encampment site for the Israelites, serving as a strategic staging ground for their intended entry into Canaan. The act of presenting the "fruit of the land" was a customary and highly effective way to demonstrate the land's fertility and potential to a gathered assembly. This concrete evidence was intended to inform and persuade the collective, who would then decide their next move. This collective decision-making process, though tragically flawed by unbelief, reflects the tribal social structure and the nascent stages of Israel's national identity.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Accountability and Communal Decision-Making:** The spies' immediate and direct report to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congregation underscores the importance of transparent leadership and the communal nature of decision-making within early Israel. The information gathered was not for an elite few but for the whole assembly, highlighting the shared responsibility and the collective consequences that would follow. This communal aspect is vital, as the people's subsequent response, rather than just the leaders', determines their fate.
* **Tangible Evidence of God's Promise:** The "fruit of the land"—specifically described in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Cluster of Grapes") as a massive cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs—served as undeniable, physical proof of Canaan's astonishing fertility and abundance. This visual display was meant to confirm God's repeated description of the land as one "flowing with [milk and honey](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")," thereby bolstering the faith of the Israelites in God's ability and faithfulness to fulfill His covenant promises. It was a divine provision, a foretaste of the blessings awaiting them.
* **A Pivotal Moment and Test of Faith:** This verse marks the conclusion of the reconnaissance phase and the onset of the critical decision-making period. The stage is perfectly set for the people to respond to the report, which would ultimately reveal the depth (or lack thereof) of their faith and obedience to God. Their reaction would determine the immediate trajectory of their journey, leading either to immediate entry into the Promised Land or to prolonged wilderness wandering, making this a defining moment in Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Paran (Hebrew, _Pa'ran'_):** From H6290, meaning "ornamental." This refers to the "wilderness of Paran," a vast, desolate desert region south of Canaan and west of the Arabah. Its mention here emphasizes the stark contrast between the harsh environment the Israelites had endured and the lush bounty of the land from which the spies returned. This geographical detail highlights the miraculous nature of God's provision and the profound choice confronting Israel: to trust God for entry into abundance or to remain in the barrenness of unbelief.
* **Kadesh (Hebrew, _Qa'desh'_):** From H6946, meaning "sanctuary" or "holy." This location, often referred to as Kadesh-barnea, was a crucial oasis and a major encampment for Israel, serving as the gateway to the Promised Land. The name itself, signifying holiness, carries a tragic irony, as this "holy" place would tragically become the site of Israel's greatest act of unbelief and rebellion, leading directly to their forty-year wilderness wandering and the forfeiture of their immediate inheritance.
* **Fruit (Hebrew, _pᵉrîy'_):** From H6529, meaning "fruit (literally or figuratively); bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward." In this context, "the fruit of the land" carries immense symbolic and theological weight. It is not merely agricultural yield but tangible, irrefutable evidence of God's promised blessing and the land's inherent goodness. The sheer size and abundance of the fruit (as described in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Cluster of Grapes")) were meant to inspire faith and confirm the divine promise, making the subsequent unbelief and rejection of the land all the more egregious and inexcusable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel,"**: This opening clause emphasizes the immediate and direct nature of the spies' return from their mission. Their prompt appearance before the highest leadership (Moses and Aaron) and, crucially, before the entire assembly, underscores the public and communal nature of the report. This highlights that the decision and its far-reaching consequences would affect every Israelite, emphasizing shared responsibility and collective destiny.
* **"unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh;"**: This phrase precisely specifies the geographical location of the gathering. Kadesh-barnea, situated within the wilderness of Paran, served as the final staging point before the intended entry into Canaan. Its mention firmly grounds the narrative in a specific, known location, emphasizing the nation's proximity to the Promised Land and the critical juncture at which they stood, poised on the brink of their inheritance.
* **"and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation,"**: This reiterates the dual audience—the leaders and the people—and signifies the formal delivery of their intelligence. The phrase "brought back word" (Hebrew: _shuv davar_, from H7725 and H1697) implies an official, comprehensive report, not just casual conversation. It marks the completion of their reconnaissance and the initiation of the next crucial phase: the national response to the intelligence gathered, which would determine their immediate future.
* **"and shewed them the fruit of the land."**: This climactic action provides the tangible, visual evidence of their mission's success in surveying the land's bounty. The "fruit" (H6529) serves as irrefutable proof of Canaan's extraordinary fertility and richness, confirming God's description of it as a land flowing with milk and honey. This physical demonstration was intended to build confidence and faith in God's promise, making the subsequent fear-driven rejection of the land and God's faithfulness all the more tragic and culpable.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:26 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its significance and foreshadow the unfolding drama. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "the fruit of the land" transcends mere agricultural produce to become a powerful symbol of God's abundant provision, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the tangible reality of the blessings awaiting Israel. Its public display is designed to evoke awe and confirm divine truth. There is also a palpable sense of **Narrative Tension** building in this verse; it represents the calm before the storm, the moment of presentation before the conflicting reports of the spies and the ensuing national crisis of faith. The specific mention of "Kadesh" introduces a poignant **Irony**, as this place, whose name means "holy" or "sanctuary," will tragically become synonymous with Israel's unholy rebellion and the site of their forty-year sentence in the wilderness. Finally, the verse functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending test of faith and the devastating consequences of unbelief that will immediately unfold following the delivery of this momentous report.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:26 stands as a profound theological moment, representing the culmination of God's preparatory work and the imminent, decisive test of Israel's faith. The presentation of the fruit of the land is a divine invitation to trust in God's promises, even when faced with daunting challenges. It vividly highlights the tension between God's unwavering faithfulness and humanity's propensity for unbelief. The visible abundance of the land underscores God's boundless generosity and His fervent desire to bless His people. Yet, this tangible evidence, rather than solidifying their faith, becomes a stark backdrop against which their fear, doubt, and ultimately, rebellion, are tragically revealed. The narrative emphasizes that true faith is not merely intellectual assent to God's power, but active, courageous trust in His word and a willingness to act upon it, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This episode serves as a foundational Old Testament example of the devastating consequences of disbelief in God's promises, a lesson frequently revisited throughout the broader biblical narrative.

* [Numbers 13:27-33](/numbers/13-27-33 "Numbers 13:27-33 - The Spies' Report and Israel's Fearful Reaction") - Provides the immediate context, detailing the contrasting reports of the spies and the people's fearful, faithless reaction.
* [Numbers 14:1-10](/numbers/14-1-10 "Numbers 14:1-10 - Israel's Rebellion and Caleb & Joshua's Faith") - Describes the congregation's outright rebellion against God and Moses, contrasted with the faithful appeal of Caleb and Joshua.
* [Psalm 106:24-25](/psalms/106-24-25 "Psalm 106:24-25 - Israel's Disbelief in the Pleasant Land and Grumbling") - Reflects on Israel's unbelief at this very moment, lamenting their contempt for the "pleasant land" and their refusal to trust God's word.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:26 offers a powerful and enduring reminder of the critical junctures we often face when God's glorious promises intersect with the formidable reality of perceived obstacles. Just as the Israelites were presented with both the undeniable evidence of God's goodness (the abundant fruit) and the daunting reality of the challenges ahead (the fortified cities and giants in the land), we too encounter situations where God's promises seem glorious and certain, yet the path to their fulfillment appears overwhelming or fraught with danger. This verse challenges us to profoundly examine our own hearts and responses when confronted with such moments. Do we allow the tangible evidence of God's past faithfulness and the richness of His promises to anchor our hope and propel us forward, or do we permit the "giants" of our fears, perceived limitations, or external threats to dominate our perspective and paralyze our faith? Our response to these challenges reveals the true depth of our trust in God's character and His unwavering ability to fulfill His word, even when circumstances seem impossible. Furthermore, the collective nature of the report reminds us that our individual responses to God's truth can profoundly influence the faith and direction of those around us, calling us to be agents of hope, courage, and encouragement rather than doubt and despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" or tangible evidence of God's goodness and faithfulness have you recently witnessed in your life or in the world around you? How does this evidence encourage your faith to press forward?**
* **What "giants" or overwhelming obstacles are currently standing between you and a promise or calling you believe God has given you? How are you responding to them?**
* **How does your immediate reaction to challenges (fear, doubt, or faith, courage) reflect your true trust in God's power and His unwavering faithfulness to His word?**
* **In what ways might your "report" or attitude—your words and actions—influence the faith of others in your family, community, or church? Are you spreading hope and confidence in God, or doubt and fear?**

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

Answer: While God had indeed promised the land to Israel as an unconditional covenant, the decision to send spies was not an explicit divine command given as a prerequisite for entry. [Deuteronomy 1:22](/deuteronomy/1-22 "Deuteronomy 1:22 - The People's Request for Spies") indicates that the idea originated with the people themselves, who approached Moses saying, "Let us send men before us to search out the land and bring us back word concerning the way by which we should go up and the cities into which we shall come." Moses, deeming the idea good, then sought and received God's approval (Numbers 13:1-2). This suggests that the mission was an accommodation to the people's desire for reassurance and strategic information, rather than a lack of faith on God's part. It was a test of their willingness to trust God even with foreknowledge of the challenges, and tragically, they failed this test, demonstrating their underlying unbelief despite God's clear promises.

**What was the significance of "the fruit of the land" that the spies brought back?**

Answer: The "fruit of the land," specifically a massive cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs (as detailed in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23 - The Cluster of Grapes")), served as irrefutable, tangible proof of Canaan's extraordinary fertility and abundance. It visually and physically confirmed God's repeated description of the land as one "flowing with [milk and honey](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")" (Exodus 3:8). This physical evidence was meant to inspire deep faith and confidence in the Israelites, showing them that God's promise was not an empty word but a glorious, tangible reality awaiting their possession. Its impressive nature made their subsequent fear, grumbling, and unbelief all the more inexcusable, as they rejected the very evidence of God's blessing.

**Why was Kadesh-barnea such an important location in this narrative?**

Answer: Kadesh-barnea was a crucial oasis and a highly significant encampment site for the Israelites, serving as their final staging ground before their intended entry into the Promised Land. Its strategic location at the very edge of the wilderness and the border of Canaan made it the natural and logical place for the spies to return and deliver their report to the entire congregation. However, its importance is tragically amplified by the pivotal events that unfolded there: it became the place where Israel's profound lack of faith led to their outright rebellion against God, resulting in the divine judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering before they could finally enter the land ([Numbers 14:34](/numbers/14-34 "Numbers 14:34 - Forty Years of Wandering")). Thus, Kadesh-barnea symbolizes both the threshold of divine promise and the bitter, long-lasting consequences of human unbelief and disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:26, with its depiction of the spies returning with the abundant fruit of the Promised Land, powerfully foreshadows the greater reality of Christ and the spiritual inheritance He secures for His people. The physical fruit from Canaan, though impressive, was merely a type, a shadow of the ultimate spiritual blessings found in Christ. Just as the land was God's promised inheritance to Israel, so too is the heavenly inheritance, a "better country," promised to believers through Christ ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Better Country")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "fruit" of God's promise, the fulfillment of all covenant blessings. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), opening the way to true spiritual rest, unlike the physical rest in Canaan that Israel largely forfeited due to unbelief. The narrative of Israel's failure at Kadesh, highlighted in [Hebrews 3](/hebrews/3 "Hebrews 3 - Warning Against Unbelief") and [Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest"), serves as a stark warning against unbelief, urging us to enter God's rest through faith in Christ. He is the true and faithful leader, unlike the fearful spies, who has already conquered the "giants" of sin, death, and the world, securing our eternal inheritance and guaranteeing our entry into His glorious kingdom. Our faith is not in a land, but in the living Christ, who is the substance and "Yes" to all God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes 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.

Cross-References

Numbers 32:8

Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Deuteronomy 1:19

¶ And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea.

Numbers 33:36

And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which [is] Kadesh.

Numbers 20:16

And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we [are] in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:

Joshua 14:6

¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.