Numbers 13:3

And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men [were] heads of the children of Israel.

And Moses {H4872} by the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} them from the wilderness {H4057} of Paran {H6290}: all those men {H582} were {H1992} heads {H7218} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Moshe dispatched them from the Pa'ran Desert as ADONAI had ordered; all of them were leading men among the people of Isra'el.

So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites,

And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Jehovah: all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 13:3 details a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's journey: the dispatch of twelve spies into the land of Canaan. This verse underscores the divine authority behind the mission and the high standing of the men chosen for this critical task.

Context

Following their miraculous exodus from Egypt and their time at Mount Sinai, the Israelites had arrived at the border of the Promised Land, specifically the wilderness of Paran. This was a significant staging ground for their entry into Canaan. As described in Numbers 13:1-2, the LORD commanded Moses to send one leader from each of the twelve tribes to scout the land they were about to inherit. Moses' action in sending them was therefore an act of direct obedience to God's instruction, not a human initiative.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mandate: The phrase "by the commandment of the LORD" highlights that this mission was divinely ordained. God Himself initiated the reconnaissance, demonstrating His methodical approach even in delivering His promises.
  • Strategic Preparation: Sending spies was a practical step, intended to gather intelligence on the land's inhabitants, fortifications, and agricultural potential. This shows a blend of divine guidance and human prudence in preparation for a major undertaking.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: The verse emphasizes that "all those men [were] heads of the children of Israel." These were not ordinary individuals but respected tribal leaders, chosen for their authority and presumably their wisdom. Their elevated status meant their report would carry significant weight among the people, making their leadership crucial for the nation's faith and future.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "heads of the children of Israel" translates the Hebrew roshei benei Yisrael (ืจึธืืฉึตืื™ ื‘ึฐึผื ึตื™ ื™ึดืฉึฐื‚ืจึธืึตืœ), which literally means "heads of the sons of Israel." This term denotes their position as chieftains, princes, or leading figures within their respective tribes. It stresses that these were men of considerable influence and standing, whose opinions and actions would profoundly impact the entire community.

Related Scriptures

The narrative of the spies culminates in a crisis of faith. While ten of the spies brought back a fearful report, only Joshua and Caleb offered a positive, faith-filled assessment, trusting in God's power to deliver the land (Numbers 14:9). This mission, though divinely commanded, ultimately became a test of Israel's faith, leading to a forty-year wandering in the wilderness due to their unbelief (Numbers 14:34).

Practical Application

Numbers 13:3 teaches us about the importance of discerning and obeying God's commands, even when they lead to challenging assignments. It highlights the significant role of leadership in guiding a community, emphasizing that those in positions of influence carry a great responsibility to lead with faith and integrity. Even with careful planning and chosen leadership, the ultimate success of any endeavor rests on obedience and trust in God's promises, rather than succumbing to fear or doubt when faced with obstacles.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 32:8

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

  • Numbers 12:16

    And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

  • Deuteronomy 9:23

    Likewise when the LORD sent you from Kadeshbarnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then ye rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God, and ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his voice.

  • Deuteronomy 1:19

    ยถ 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.

  • Deuteronomy 1:23

    And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:
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