Numbers 13:29

KJV

The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Amalekites {H6002} dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} of the south {H5045}: and the Hittites {H2850}, and the Jebusites {H2983}, and the Amorites {H567}, dwell {H3427} in the mountains {H2022}: and the Canaanites {H3669} dwell {H3427} by the sea {H3220}, and by the coast {H3027} of Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Amalek lives in the area of the Negev; the Hitti, the Y'vusi and the Emori live in the hills; and the Kena'ani live by the sea and alongside the Yarden."

Berean Standard Bible

The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.”

American Standard Version

Amalek dwelleth in the land of the South: and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, dwell in the hill-country; and the Canaanite dwelleth by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:29 provides a critical component of the fearful spies' report, meticulously detailing the strategic geographical distribution of the formidable inhabitants of Canaan. This verse identifies various powerful ethnic groups—the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites—and describes their entrenched positions across the Promised Land, spanning from the southern desert to the central mountainous highlands and the fertile coastal and Jordan Valley regions. This precise assessment of the adversaries' strength and strategic placement serves as a pivotal argument in the spies' counsel against immediate conquest, directly precipitating the Israelites' profound crisis of faith and subsequent rebellion against God's explicit command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:29 is situated within the highly consequential report delivered by the twelve spies to Moses and the Israelite assembly, following their forty-day reconnaissance mission into the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-25). While the spies initially confirmed the land's extraordinary fertility by displaying its abundant fruit (Numbers 13:26-27), the ten unfaithful spies immediately pivoted to emphasize the overwhelming strength of its inhabitants. This specific verse functions as a detailed geographical and demographic assessment of these perceived obstacles. It directly precedes their infamous declaration that "the people are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31) and stands in stark opposition to Caleb's courageous and faith-filled exhortation for immediate advance (Numbers 13:30). The meticulous enumeration of tribes and their specific locations within this verse is strategically designed to instill profound fear and doubt, thereby setting the stage for the widespread lament and tragic rebellion of the Israelites, which is fully recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The various tribes enumerated in Numbers 13:29 were well-established and powerful inhabitants of the land of Canaan during the Late Bronze Age, a period marked by complex political and social structures. The **Amalekites** were a notoriously nomadic and warlike people, primarily associated with the arid Negeb desert region to the south of Canaan, renowned for their opportunistic raids and persistent hostility towards Israel (e.g., their attack in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - The Battle with Amalek")). The **Hittites** mentioned here, while sharing a name with the major imperial power of Anatolia, likely refer to a local, perhaps ethnically related, group primarily settled in the mountainous central regions of Canaan. The **Jebusites** were the formidable inhabitants of Jerusalem, then known as Jebus, a strategically vital stronghold in the highlands. The **Amorites** represented a broad designation for various powerful Semitic groups, frequently associated with the central highlands and Transjordan. Finally, the **Canaanites** were the indigenous population of the broader region, here specified as dwelling in the fertile coastal plains and the Jordan Valley, areas of immense agricultural productivity and significant trade routes. This detailed distribution vividly illustrates a land fully occupied and strategically defended, presenting an undeniably formidable challenge to any invading force.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it vividly underscores **The Obstacles to Possession**, detailing the very real and formidable human adversaries that stood between Israel and the fulfillment of God's promise of the land. The spies' report, particularly this verse, highlights the strategic positioning and entrenched presence of these enemies, emphasizing their military strength. Secondly, it is central to the pervasive theme of **Fear vs. Faith**. While the presence of these nations was a factual observation, the spies' interpretation of this fact, as presented in this verse and their subsequent report, reveals a profound and crippling lack of faith in God's omnipotence and unwavering promises. This stands in stark contrast to God's repeated assurances to drive out these very nations before Israel (e.g., [Exodus 23:23-30](/exodus/23-23-30 "Exodus 23:23-30 - God's Promise to Drive Out the Inhabitants")). The spies' focus on the perceived might of the "giants" rather than the infinite power of their God led directly to a catastrophic crisis of trust, culminating in the forty years of wilderness wandering, as vividly detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Consequences of Disbelief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427) signifies "to sit down, to remain, to abide, to inhabit, to settle." Its prominent repetition throughout the verse ("The Amalekites *dwell*... and the Hittites... *dwell*... and the Canaanites *dwell*") powerfully emphasizes the established, permanent, and deeply entrenched nature of these populations within their respective territories. It conveys not merely a temporary presence but a deep-rooted occupation, thereby reinforcing the spies' perception of the formidable and seemingly insurmountable challenge Israel faced in dispossessing them. The reiteration underscores the perceived impregnability of the land's inhabitants.
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** This noun (H2022) refers to "a mountain or range of hills." In this verse, it specifically denotes the central highlands of Canaan, a rugged and naturally defensible terrain. The spies' report of the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites dwelling in these "mountains" highlights the strategic advantage held by these groups, implying that their strongholds were elevated, difficult to assault, and provided natural barriers, making conquest appear exceptionally challenging from a military perspective.
* **coast (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027), literally meaning "hand," is used here in a figurative sense to denote a "border" or "side," specifically referring to the "coast of Jordan." This usage illustrates the versatility of Hebrew vocabulary and emphasizes the precise geographical delineation of the Canaanites' dwelling place along the fertile Jordan River valley. Their presence in this agriculturally rich and strategically important region further underscored the comprehensive occupation of the Promised Land by entrenched peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south:"** This initial clause immediately introduces a known and aggressive adversary, the Amalekites, who occupied the Negeb, a semi-arid region bordering Canaan from the Sinai wilderness. This area was a critical entry point and flank for Israel. The Amalekites, notorious for their nomadic raiding tactics, represented an immediate and persistent threat to Israel's security and supply lines, setting a tone of danger from the outset of the report.
* **"and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains:"** This segment groups three distinct and powerful peoples within the central highlands of Canaan. The "mountains" refer to the rugged spine of hills running north-south through the land, which included strategically vital cities and strongholds like Jerusalem (then Jebus, inhabited by the Jebusites). This concentration of formidable groups in elevated, naturally defensible terrain implied a heavily fortified and difficult-to-penetrate core of the land, presenting a significant military challenge for any invading force.
* **"and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan."** This final clause identifies the inhabitants of the fertile lowlands. "By the sea" refers to the Mediterranean coastal plain, a rich agricultural and trade route region. "By the coast of Jordan" refers to the fertile Jordan Valley, another prime agricultural area and a natural invasion route from the east. The presence of the Canaanites in these economically vital and geographically accessible areas indicated that the entire Promised Land, from its borders to its most productive regions, was thoroughly occupied by entrenched and powerful populations.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:29 masterfully employs several literary devices to achieve its intended effect of conveying overwhelming opposition and justifying the spies' fearful report. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, as the verse lists five distinct ethnic groups (Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Canaanites) to convey the sheer number, diversity, and comprehensive nature of the adversaries. This detailed listing creates a powerful sense of an utterly occupied land. **Geographical Specificity** is equally crucial; by meticulously assigning each group to a particular, well-defined region ("land of the south," "mountains," "by the sea," "by the coast of Jordan"), the spies paint a vivid and seemingly inescapable picture of a land fully controlled by powerful, entrenched enemies. This precise mapping serves to underscore the perceived impossibility of conquest from a human perspective. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the grim stage for the subsequent crisis of faith and the divine judgment that would befall the generation of Israelites who succumbed to fear and refused to enter the land. The detailed description of the obstacles provides the "justification" for their rebellion, highlighting the human perspective that tragically failed to account for God's omnipotence and unwavering promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:29, though presented as a factual reconnaissance report, carries profound theological weight, serving as a stark reminder of the perennial human tendency to focus on perceived obstacles rather than on divine promises and power. The detailed description of the formidable inhabitants of Canaan underscores the immense, humanly insurmountable challenge Israel faced, yet it simultaneously highlights the magnificent scale of God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence, for He had repeatedly promised to drive out these very nations before His people (e.g., [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "Exodus 23:23 - God's Promise to Send His Angel")). The spies' report, culminating in this verse's detailed enumeration of enemies, reveals a fundamental failure to trust in God's sovereign power, transforming a factual observation into a declaration of impossibility. This narrative arc powerfully illustrates the spiritual battle between reliance on human sight and unwavering divine faith, a critical theme echoed throughout the entirety of biblical history.

* [Deuteronomy 9:1-3](/deuteronomy/9-1-3 "Deuteronomy 9:1-3 - God Will Drive Out the Nations")
* [Joshua 11:21-23](/joshua/11-21-23 "Joshua 11:21-23 - Joshua Conquers the Anakim and Possesses the Land")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:29 serves as a potent mirror for our own lives, revealing the common human inclination to magnify challenges beyond the scope of God's boundless power. Just as the Israelites faced formidable, entrenched "giants" in the Promised Land, we too encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our spiritual journeys, personal lives, or vocational callings. These "Amalekites in the south" or "Amorites in the mountains" might manifest as deep-seated fears, overwhelming anxieties, chronic struggles, relational conflicts, or external pressures that appear too strong to overcome. The critical lesson from this verse and its broader context is not merely the *presence* of these giants, but our *response* to them. Do we, like the ten unfaithful spies, allow the detailed inventory of our problems to overshadow the boundless power and unwavering promises of God, leading to paralysis, retreat, and a wilderness of doubt? Or do we, like Caleb (Numbers 13:30), choose to see our challenges through the lens of faith, remembering that the God who promised victory is infinitely greater than any obstacle? Our perspective profoundly determines our destiny: a focus on the problem leads to fear, stagnation, and defeat; a focus on God leads to faith, courage, and eventual triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing in your life that might be causing fear or discouragement?**
* **How does your perspective on these challenges compare to the spies' report in Numbers 13:29? Are you focusing more on the size of the problem or the omnipotence of God?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when confronted with daunting circumstances, and how can you actively choose faith over fear in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Why did the spies focus so much on the inhabitants rather than the land's bounty?**

Answer: While the spies did acknowledge the land's fertility and bounty (Numbers 13:27), their primary focus quickly shifted to the inhabitants because their mission explicitly included assessing the strength of the people and their fortified cities (Numbers 13:18-19). Their report was driven by a human, rather than a faith-filled, perspective. They saw the "giants" (Numbers 13:33) and the entrenched positions of the various tribes as insurmountable military obstacles, leading them to conclude that conquest was impossible. This fear-driven assessment overshadowed their initial positive report about the land itself, directly leading to the people's rebellion and profound lack of trust in God's ability to fulfill His promise to drive out these very nations ([Exodus 33:2](/exodus/33-2 "Exodus 33:2 - God's Promise to Drive Out the Inhabitants")).

**Were the tribes mentioned in Numbers 13:29 truly as powerful as the spies described?**

Answer: Yes, the tribes mentioned were indeed formidable and well-established powers in the region. The Amalekites were known for their aggressive raiding, the Hittites represented a significant regional presence, and the Jebusites held the strategically vital stronghold of Jerusalem. The Amorites and Canaanites represented broad, entrenched populations across key geographical areas. The spies' factual observations about their strength and strategic locations were largely accurate. The error was not in their assessment of the *enemies'* strength, but in their catastrophic failure to acknowledge and trust in *God's* infinitely greater strength and His explicit promise to fight for Israel and drive out these inhabitants ([Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God Will Destroy Your Enemies")). Their report, while factually correct about the obstacles, was spiritually flawed in its ultimate conclusion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Numbers 13:29, with its detailed depiction of formidable, entrenched enemies, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate and decisive victory secured by Jesus over the spiritual "giants" that truly enslave humanity. The physical obstacles faced by Israel—the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites—were earthly manifestations of the spiritual warfare that humanity faces against the pervasive forces of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as ancient Israel was called to conquer and inherit a physical promised land, believers are called to inherit an eternal spiritual kingdom, not by their own strength, but solely through the redemptive power of Christ. Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, did not merely scout the land; He entered the enemy's territory, confronting and decisively defeating the ultimate adversaries: sin through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Triumph Over Powers")), death through His glorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")), and the devil himself, who held the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Where Israel faltered in faith, leading to a generation lost in wilderness wandering, Christ perfectly fulfilled God's will, perfectly trusting His Father, thereby opening the way for all who believe to enter into the true "rest" and "inheritance" of God's eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). His decisive victory ensures that no spiritual "giant" or entrenched sin can ultimately stand against those who are in Him, for He has already triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), leading His redeemed people to possess the true spiritual Promised Land.

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 14:43

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites [are] there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

Numbers 14:25

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

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.

Genesis 14:7

And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

Numbers 14:45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, [even] unto Hormah.

Exodus 17:8

¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.