Numbers 13:27

KJV

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this [is] the fruit of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they told {H5608} him, and said {H559}, We came {H935} unto the land {H776} whither thou sentest {H7971} us, and surely it floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}; and this is the fruit {H6529} of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

What they told him was this: "We entered the land where you sent us, and indeed it does flow with milk and honey - here is its fruit!

Berean Standard Bible

And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit!

American Standard Version

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us; and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The initial, unanimous report of the twelve Israelite spies dispatched by Moses into the land of Canaan confirms the divine promise of a supremely fertile and abundant land, described as "flowing with milk and honey," and presenting tangible proof of its richness through its produce. It sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of faith and fear within the Israelite community, highlighting the undeniable goodness of God's provision even before the full report of the land's formidable inhabitants is delivered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:27 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, specifically following their departure from Mount Sinai and arrival at Kadesh-Barnea. The preceding verses (Numbers 13:1-25) detail the divine command for Moses to send twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan. Their mission was comprehensive: to assess the land's quality, its inhabitants' strength and number, the nature of their cities, and the fertility of the soil. The spies spent forty days on this reconnaissance mission, and verse 27 marks the beginning of their highly anticipated report to Moses and the entire congregation, immediately preceding the introduction of the fearful, faithless report of the ten spies which contrasts sharply with the positive affirmation of the land's bounty. This verse is the "good news" before the "bad news" of the challenges ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage and sustained by God in the wilderness for over a year, stood at the threshold of the Promised Land. This land, Canaan, was not an empty wilderness but a region inhabited by various peoples, including the Anakim, Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites, and others (Numbers 13:29). For a nomadic people accustomed to the harsh desert environment, the prospect of an agriculturally rich land was profoundly significant, representing the fulfillment of centuries-old promises made to their patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abram")). The act of sending spies was a common military and strategic practice in the ancient Near East, designed to gather intelligence before a major campaign. The report, therefore, held immense weight for the morale and strategic decisions of the entire nation, shaping their immediate future and testing their faith in God's power to deliver on His promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several foundational themes. First, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping**. The phrase "it floweth with milk and honey" directly echoes God's own description of the land He promised (e.g., [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "God's Promise of Deliverance and a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). The spies' report, even from those who would later sow doubt, confirms the literal truth of God's word regarding the land's incredible bounty. Second, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Abundance**. The physical evidence of the land's fruitfulness, particularly the immense cluster of grapes from Eshcol (alluded to in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "The Grapes of Eshcol")), served as undeniable proof of Canaan's agricultural richness, a stark contrast to the barren wilderness they had traversed. This abundance was not merely natural but a direct blessing from God. Third, it introduces the theme of **Faith vs. Fear**. While Numbers 13:27 presents the positive, hopeful aspect of the report, it immediately precedes the fearful assessment of the majority of spies, setting the stage for the dramatic conflict between trusting God's promise and succumbing to human fear, a central tension throughout the book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"floweth" (Hebrew, _zavat_):** Derived from the verb זָבַת (zavat), meaning "to flow, to gush, to trickle." This word conveys a sense of natural, effortless abundance. It's not merely that milk and honey are present, but that they are so plentiful they seem to flow freely, indicating a land of inherent and overflowing richness. This imagery suggests a land that is naturally productive, requiring minimal human effort to yield its bounty, a stark contrast to the toil often associated with agriculture in less fertile regions.
* **"milk" (Hebrew, _chalav_):** This refers to dairy products, primarily from goats and sheep, which were staple elements of the ancient Israelite diet. Its inclusion signifies the presence of healthy livestock and lush pastures, indicating a land capable of sustaining large herds and providing rich animal products. It speaks to the pastoral wealth of the land.
* **"honey" (Hebrew, _devash_):** While it can refer to bee honey, in the context of the ancient Near East, "honey" often referred to date syrup, a common sweetener and source of energy. Its mention, alongside milk, paints a picture of a land that provides both essential sustenance (milk) and delightful luxuries (honey), symbolizing complete prosperity and blessing. The combination of "milk and honey" is an idiomatic expression for ultimate fertility and desirability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us,"**: This opening phrase establishes the directness and immediacy of the spies' report to Moses. It confirms that they fulfilled their mission, having indeed entered and surveyed the specific land to which they were dispatched. This sets a factual foundation for their subsequent observations, indicating that their report is based on direct experience.
* **"and surely it floweth with milk and honey;"**: This is the core affirmation of the land's extraordinary fertility. The adverb "surely" (אֶפֶס, _’epes_, meaning "only," "nevertheless," or "indeed") emphasizes the undeniable truth of this observation. The idiomatic phrase "floweth with milk and honey" is a powerful descriptor of abundance, signifying a land so rich and productive that it naturally yields an overflowing supply of sustenance and sweetness. It directly echoes God's own promises, confirming His word.
* **"and this [is] the fruit of it."**: This clause provides tangible, undeniable proof of their claim. The spies presented physical samples of the land's produce (likely the enormous cluster of grapes, pomegranates, and figs mentioned in [Numbers 13:23](/numbers/13-23 "The Grapes of Eshcol") which required two men to carry). This visual evidence served as irrefutable testimony to the land's incredible agricultural richness, making their initial assessment concrete and verifiable for the entire congregation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:27 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically the phrase "floweth with milk and honey." This well-known idiom, repeated throughout the Pentateuch, is a powerful and concise way to convey extraordinary fertility, prosperity, and divine blessing. It evokes a sensory experience of abundance and ease. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play: "milk" symbolizes sustenance, life, and the richness of pastoral wealth, while "honey" symbolizes sweetness, delight, and the bounty of agricultural produce. Together, they form a comprehensive picture of a land of complete provision. The presentation of the "fruit" acts as a form of **Concrete Evidence** or **Visual Proof**, turning an abstract promise into a tangible reality for the Israelites, thereby strengthening the initial positive impression. This verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the undeniable goodness of the land, confirmed here, will soon be overshadowed by the fear-driven report of the giants, setting up the dramatic tension and conflict that defines the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:27 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God and the tangible reality of His covenant promises. Despite the Israelites' murmurings and wavering faith in the wilderness, God's promise of a land of unparalleled abundance remained true. The spies' report, even from those who would later succumb to fear, confirmed that God's description of Canaan was not an exaggeration but an accurate portrayal of His generous provision. This initial positive assessment underscores the principle that God always fulfills His word, even when human faith falters. It reminds us that divine blessings are not merely spiritual but often manifest in concrete, material ways, designed to sustain and delight His people. The challenge, then as now, is to receive these blessings with faith, rather than allowing fear of obstacles to overshadow the goodness of God's gifts.

* [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "God's Promise of Deliverance and a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")
* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Description of the Good Land")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "God's Promises Fulfilled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:27 offers a profound lesson for believers today: God's promises are always true, and His provision is always abundant. Just as the spies could not deny the physical evidence of Canaan's fertility, we too are called to recognize and affirm the goodness of God in our lives, even when daunting challenges loom. This verse encourages us to cultivate a vision of faith that focuses on God's proven faithfulness rather than being overwhelmed by perceived obstacles. It reminds us that the "good news" of God's blessings often precedes the "bad news" of the giants we must face. Our response to God's demonstrated goodness should be one of trust and courageous obedience, allowing His promises to anchor our hope and guide our actions. When we encounter "giants" in our own lives—be they financial struggles, health crises, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles—we must remember the "fruit" that God has already provided, the evidence of His past faithfulness, and allow that to fuel our conviction that He will continue to lead us into the fullness of His promised blessings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" or evidence of God's goodness have you seen in your life that confirms His faithfulness, even when challenges arise?**
* **How does the initial positive report of the land's bounty challenge you to focus on God's provision rather than potential obstacles?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to let fear of "giants" overshadow the truth of God's promises for abundance and blessing?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "floweth with milk and honey"?**

Answer: The phrase "floweth with milk and honey" (Hebrew: _zavat chalav u'devash_) is a powerful idiomatic expression used throughout the Old Testament to describe a land of extraordinary fertility, prosperity, and divine blessing. "Milk" signifies the abundance of livestock and dairy products, indicating lush pastures and a thriving pastoral economy. "Honey," often referring to date syrup or wild honey, represents the sweetness and richness of agricultural produce. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a land so naturally abundant that sustenance and delight are effortlessly provided, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises of provision and blessing to His people. It contrasts sharply with the barren wilderness and highlights God's supernatural provision. For instance, God uses this exact phrase when calling Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt to this promised land in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "God's Promise of Deliverance and a Land Flowing with Milk and Honey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 13:27 describes a literal land of earthly abundance, it also points to a deeper, spiritual reality found in Christ. The "land flowing with milk and honey" is a type of the spiritual blessings and abundant life offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Canaan was God's promised inheritance for Israel, so too is the kingdom of God, with all its spiritual riches, the inheritance for believers in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Jesus Himself declares, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Offers Abundant Life")). He is the true "fruit" of God's promise, the ultimate provision that satisfies every spiritual hunger and thirst. The physical produce brought back by the spies foreshadows the spiritual nourishment and delight found in Christ, who is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water")). The initial good report of the land, though followed by fear, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the unwavering goodness and faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus, who has overcome the world and its "giants" (John 16:33), leading His people into an eternal inheritance far surpassing any earthly land (1 Peter 1:3-5).

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.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Exodus 33:3

Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Deuteronomy 26:9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey.

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.