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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 13:26–33. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
It is a wonder how the people of Israel had patience to stay forty days for the return of their spies, when they were just ready to enter Canaan, under all the assurances of success they could have from the divine power, and a constant series of miracles that had hitherto attended them; but they distrusted God's power and promise, and were willing to be held in suspense by their own counsels, rather than be brought to a certainty by God's covenant. How much do we stand in our own light by our unbelief! Well, at length the messengers return, but they agree not in their report.
I.The major part discourage the people from going forward to Canaan; and justly are the Israelites left to this temptation, for putting so much confidence in the judgment of men, when they had the word of God to trust to. It is a righteous thing with God to give those up to strong delusions who will not receive his truth in the love of it.
1.Observe their report.
(1.)They could not deny but that the land of Canaan was a very fruitful land; the bunch of grapes they brought with them was an ocular demonstration of it, Num 13:27. God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, and the evil spies themselves own that it is such a land. Thus even out of the mouth of adversaries will God be glorified and the truth of his promise attested. And yet afterwards they contradict themselves, when they say (Num 13:32), It is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; as if, though it had milk, and honey, and grapes, yet it wanted other necessary provision; some think that there was a great plague in the country at the time they surveyed it, which they ought to have imputed to the wisdom of the divine Providence, which thus lessened the numbers of their enemies, to facilitate their conquests; but they invidiously imputed it to the unwholesomeness of the air, and thence took occasion to disparage the country. For this unreasonable fear of a plague in Canaan, they were justly cut off immediately by a plague in the wilderness, Num 14:37. But,
(2.)They represented the conquest of it as altogether impracticable, and that it was to no purpose to attempt it. The people are strong (Num 13:28), men of a great stature (Num 13:32), stronger than we, Num 13:31. The cities are represented as impregnable fortresses: they are walled and very great, Num 13:28. But nothing served their ill purpose more than a description of the giants, on whom they lay a great stress: We saw the children of Anak there (Num 13:28), and again, we saw the giants, those men of a prodigious size, the sons of Anak, who come of the giants, Num 13:33. They spoke as if they were ready to tremble at the mention of them, as they had done at the sight of them. "O these tremendous giants! when we were near them, we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, not only little and weak, but trembling and daunted." Compare Job 39:20, Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? "Nay, and so we were in their sight; they looked upon us with as much scorn and disdain as we did upon them with fear and trembling." So that upon the whole matter they gave it in as their judgment, We are not able to go up against them (Num 13:31), and therefore must think of taking some other course.
2.Now, even if they had been to judge only by human probabilities, they could not have been excused from the imputation of cowardice. Were not the hosts of Israel very numerous? 600,000 effective men, well marshalled and modelled, closely embodied, and entirely united in interest and affection, constituted as formidable an army as perhaps was ever brought into the field; many a less has done more than perhaps the conquering of Canaan was, witness Alexander's army. Moses, their commander-in-chief, was wise and brave; and if the people had put on resolution, and behaved themselves valiantly, what could have stood before them? It is true the Canaanites were strong, but they were dispersed (Num 13:29): Some dwell in the south and others in the mountains; so that by reason of their distance they could not soon get together, and by reason of their divided interests they could not long keep together, to oppose Israel. The country being plentiful would subsist an army, and, though the cities were walled, if they could beat them in the field the strong-holds would fall of course into their hands. And, lastly, as for the giants, their overgrown stature would but make them the better mark, and the bulkiest men have not always the best mettle.
3.But, though they deserved to be posted for cowards, this was not the worst, the scripture brands them for unbelievers. It was not any human probabilities they were required to depend upon, but,
(1.)They had the manifest and sensible tokens of God's presence with them, and the engagement of his power for them. The Canaanites were stronger than Israel; suppose they were, but were they stronger than the God of Israel? We are not able to deal with them, but is not God Almighty able? Have we not him in the midst of us? Does not he go before us? And is any thing too hard for him? Were we as grasshoppers before the giants, and are not they less than grasshoppers before God? Their cities are walled against us, but can they be walled against heaven? Besides this,
(2.)They had had very great experience of the length and strength of God's arm, lifted up and made bare on their behalf. Were not the Egyptians as much stronger than they as the Canaanites were? And yet, without a sword drawn by Israel or a stroke struck, the chariots and horsemen of Egypt were quite routed and ruined; the Amalekites took them at great disadvantages, and yet they were discomfited. Miracles were at this time their daily bread; were there nothing else, an army so well victualled as theirs was, so constantly, so plentifully, and all on free cost, would have a might advantage against any other force. Nay,
(3.)They had particular promises made them of victory and success in their wars against the Canaanites. God had given Abraham all possible assurances that he would put his seed into possession of that land, Gen 15:18; Gen 17:8. He had expressly promised them by Moses that he would drive out the Canaanites from before them (Exo 33:2), and that he would do it by little and little, Exo 23:30. And, after all this, for them to say, We are not able to go up against them, was in effect to say, "God himself is not able to make his words good." It was in effect to give him the lie, and to tell him he had undertaken more than he could perform. We have a short account of their sin, with which they infected the whole congregation, Psa 106:24. They despised the land, they believed not his word. Though, upon search, they had found it as good as he had said, a land flowing with milk and honey, yet they would not believe it as sure as he had said, but despaired of having it, though eternal truth itself had engaged it to them. And now this is the representation of the evil spies.
II.Caleb encouraged them to go forward, though he was seconded by Joshua only (Num 13:30):
Caleb stilled the people, whom he saw already put into a ferment even before Moses himself, whose shining face could not daunt them, when they began to grow unruly. Caleb signifies all heart, and he answered his name, was hearty himself, and would have made the people so if they would have hearkened to him. If Joshua had begun to stem the tide, he would have been suspected of partiality to Moses, whose minister he was; and therefore he prudently left it to Caleb's management at first, who was of the tribe of Judah, the leading tribe, and therefore the fittest to be heard. Caleb had seen and observed the strength of the inhabitants as much as his fellows, and upon the whole matter,
1.He speaks very confidently of success: We are well able to overcome them, as strong as they are.
2.He animates the people to go on, and, his lot lying in the van, he speaks as one resolved to lead them on with bravery: "Let us go up at once, one bold step, one bold stroke more, will do our business; it is all our own if we have but courage to make it so: Let us go up and possess it." He does not say, "Let us go up and conquer it;" he looks upon that to be as good as done already; but, "Let us go up and possess it; there is nothing to be done but to enter, and take the possession which God our great Lord is ready to give us." Note, The righteous are bold as a lion. Difficulties that lie in the way of salvation dwindle and vanish before a lively active faith in the power and promise of God. All things are possible, if they be but promised, to him that believes.
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Summary
Numbers 13:32 records the devastating "evil report" brought by ten of the twelve Israelite spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. This report, driven by fear and unbelief, painted a terrifying picture of the Promised Land, claiming it was a place that "eateth up the inhabitants thereof" and that its people were "men of a great stature." This negative assessment directly contradicted God's promises and the faithful minority report of Joshua and Caleb, igniting widespread fear, lamentation, and rebellion among the Israelites, which ultimately led to severe divine judgment and a forty-year delay in entering the land of promise.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 13:32 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Israel's journey from Mount Sinai to the border of Canaan, specifically within Numbers 13-14. Following God's command to send twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the Promised Land (Numbers 13:1-2), the spies spend forty days exploring the territory. While they confirm the land's abundance, bringing back a cluster of grapes and other fruits as evidence (Numbers 13:27), the majority of the spies choose to focus on the formidable challenges. This verse presents the core of their fear-mongering message, which directly contradicts the courageous and faithful words of Caleb (Numbers 13:30) and later, Joshua (Numbers 14:7-9). The immediate consequence of this "evil report" is the people's widespread weeping and rebellion against God and Moses (Numbers 14:1-4), leading directly to God's judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering, during which the entire unbelieving generation would perish (Numbers 14:33-34).
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time of this event, the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh-Barnea, strategically located on the southern border of Canaan, poised to enter the Promised Land. The land of Canaan was not an empty territory; it was inhabited by various peoples, including the Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and notably, the Anakim, a group known for their imposing stature and strength, often associated with the ancient Nephilim (Numbers 13:22). The cultural context involved a deep-seated fear of superior military might and the unknown, especially for a people recently freed from generations of slavery and largely unaccustomed to organized warfare. The spies' report skillfully preyed on these natural fears, emphasizing the strength of the Canaanite cities and the intimidating presence of the Anakim, making the task of conquest seem utterly insurmountable from a purely human perspective. This fear stood in stark contrast to God's repeated promises to fight for Israel and give them victory, as powerfully demonstrated in the Exodus narrative and the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 14:14).
Key Themes
Numbers 13:32 encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Unbelief versus Faith. The spies' report is a stark demonstration of unbelief, prioritizing human obstacles and perceived dangers over divine promises and omnipotent power. This contrasts sharply with the unwavering faith of Joshua and Caleb, who saw the same challenges but trusted implicitly in God's faithfulness and ability to deliver (Numbers 14:6-9). Another key theme is the Consequences of Disobedience and Rebellion. The people's acceptance of the "evil report" and their subsequent rebellion against God's direct command to enter the land led directly to the severe judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering, during which the entire unbelieving generation perished, unable to enter the land God had sworn to their fathers (Numbers 14:26-35). The verse also highlights the Power of Perspective, demonstrating how fear can distort reality, leading to paralyzing inaction and spiritual stagnation, rather than courageous obedience to God's sovereign will.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew word דִּבָּה (dibbâh), translated here as "evil report," carries a strong connotation of "slander," "defamation," or "malicious whispering." It is derived from a root suggesting furtive or creeping motion, implying that the report was not merely a negative observation but a damaging, demoralizing message delivered with an intent to undermine. When combined with "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah), it signifies a report that is not only factually pessimistic but morally wrong, destructive in its purpose and effect, and constituting a slander against God's promise and ability to fulfill it.
The Hebrew verb אָכַל (ʼâkal), an active participle here, literally means "to eat," "devour," or "consume." Its use in the phrase "a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof" is highly metaphorical and hyperbolic. It paints a vivid, terrifying picture of the land itself being actively hostile and dangerous, as if it were a monstrous entity that consumes its own residents. This imagery was intended to instill extreme fear, suggesting that merely living in the land was perilous, let alone conquering it, implying an inherent, inescapable danger that transcends the strength of its human inhabitants.
The Hebrew word מִדָּה (middâh) literally means "measure" or "dimension," referring here to the unusual and intimidating physical size of the inhabitants, specifically the Anakim. This detail was not merely an objective observation but a calculated element of the "evil report" designed to emphasize the overwhelming physical superiority of the Canaanites. The mention of "men of a great stature" was a direct appeal to the Israelites' primal fear of giants, making the conquest seem utterly impossible from a human perspective and thereby undermining their trust in God's explicit promise to deliver the land into their hands.
Verse Breakdown
"And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel"
This opening clause establishes the deliberate and public nature of the spies' action. They did not merely present findings; they "brought up" or "spread" a specific kind of report – an "evil report" – to the entire assembly of the Israelites, indicating a conscious choice to demoralize the people rather than encourage them in faith and obedience to God's command.
"saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, [is] a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof"
This is the first and most dramatic claim of the "evil report." It is a hyperbolic statement, personifying the land as a devouring entity. This terrifying imagery suggests an inherent, inescapable danger within the land itself, implying that even if the Israelites managed to enter, they would be consumed by its perils. This statement was designed to evoke deep-seated fear and a sense of hopelessness, making the land appear uninhabitable and unconquerable.
"and all the people that we saw in it [are] men of a great stature"
This second claim provides a concrete, physical basis for the fear. The spies emphasize the intimidating size and strength of the inhabitants, particularly the Anakim, whom they had encountered. By focusing on the sheer physical prowess of the enemy, they aimed to convince the Israelites that they were too small and weak to stand against such formidable foes, thereby undermining any confidence in their own abilities or, more importantly, in God's power to grant them victory.
Literary Devices
Numbers 13:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the spies' fear-driven message and its intended impact. The most prominent is Hyperbole, evident in the dramatic claim that the land "eateth up the inhabitants thereof." This extreme exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally but serves to amplify the perceived danger and instill terror, portraying the land as inherently hostile and consuming. Closely related is Personification, where the inanimate land is given the human-like ability to "eat," further intensifying the sense of a malevolent, active threat. The spies also utilize Exaggeration of Scale, particularly in their description of the inhabitants as "men of a great stature," emphasizing their intimidating size to overwhelm the Israelites psychologically. This report implicitly creates a powerful Contrast with God's earlier promises of a "good and spacious land" (Exodus 3:8) and His repeated assurances of victory, highlighting the spies' profound lack of faith and their distorted perception of reality.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 13:32 stands as a profound theological statement on the destructive power of unbelief and the vital necessity of faith in the face of daunting challenges. The spies' "evil report" was not merely a pessimistic assessment; it was a direct affront to God's character, His promises, and His omnipotence. By focusing on the "giants" and the "devouring land," they effectively accused God of leading His people into an impossible situation, thereby questioning His faithfulness and power to deliver on His covenant. This narrative underscores that true faith is not the absence of fear, but the deliberate choice to trust God's word and power even when circumstances seem overwhelming and human logic dictates otherwise. The consequences of this collective unbelief—the forty years of wilderness wandering and the death of an entire generation outside the Promised Land—serve as a stark warning against allowing fear and human perception to override divine truth and command. The incident highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between seeing with the eyes of faith and seeing with the eyes of fear, and the profound impact of that choice on one's destiny and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 13:32 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life. Just as the Israelites stood on the precipice of their promised inheritance, we often find ourselves facing "promised lands"—new opportunities, callings, or seasons of growth—that are accompanied by formidable "giants" or seemingly "devouring" obstacles. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our perspective, shaped by either faith or fear, profoundly determines our response and outcome. When we allow fear to dictate our vision, we, like the ten spies, tend to exaggerate difficulties, minimize God's power, and spread a demoralizing "evil report" to ourselves and those around us. Conversely, choosing faith means acknowledging the challenges but fixing our gaze on God's faithfulness, His promises, and His ability to make a way where there seems to be none. It calls us to be like Joshua and Caleb, who saw the same giants but declared, "We are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30). Our spiritual journey often involves stepping out in faith into the unknown, trusting that the God who promises is also the God who empowers and delivers, transforming obstacles into opportunities for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly was the "evil report" and why was it so damaging?
The "evil report" (Hebrew dibbah ra'ah) was not merely a negative factual account but a deliberately demoralizing and slanderous one. It exaggerated the dangers of the land, claiming it was "a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof," implying it was inherently hostile and deadly. It also highlighted the formidable size of the inhabitants, specifically the Anakim, describing them as "men of a great stature," to instill terror. This report was damaging because it directly contradicted God's promise to give Israel the land and His assurance of victory. It undermined the people's faith, led to widespread fear and rebellion against God's command, and ultimately resulted in the entire generation being condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief (Numbers 14:26-35).
Who were the "men of great stature" mentioned in the report?
The "men of great stature" primarily refers to the Anakim, a powerful and imposing people group mentioned in the Old Testament, often associated with giants or descendants of the Nephilim (Numbers 13:22). The spies' emphasis on their immense size and strength was a calculated tactic to instill terror and convince the Israelites that conquering the land was an impossible task. This detail directly challenged God's promise to fight for Israel and deliver their enemies into their hands, as He had done repeatedly during the Exodus and would continue to do (Deuteronomy 9:1-3).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 13:32, with its stark portrayal of unbelief preventing entry into the promised land, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The earthly promised land, a place of rest and inheritance for Israel, foreshadows the spiritual "rest" and eternal inheritance offered through Christ. Just as the Israelites failed to enter Canaan due to their unbelief, the book of Hebrews warns believers against falling short of God's spiritual rest due to a similar "evil heart of unbelief" (Hebrews 3:12). Jesus Christ is the ultimate Joshua, leading His people not into a physical land, but into the Kingdom of God and eternal life. The "land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof" can be seen as a metaphor for the fallen world and the dominion of sin and death, which truly consumes humanity. However, Christ, through His death and resurrection, has conquered these ultimate "giants"—sin, death, and the devil (Colossians 2:15). He offers true abundant life (John 10:10) and the victory that overcomes the world, which is our faith in Him (1 John 5:4). Thus, the narrative of Numbers 13:32 serves as a powerful type and shadow, pointing to the greater spiritual reality that faith in Christ is the only way to enter God's promised rest and overcome the true spiritual adversaries.