Numbers 13:32

KJV

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, [is] a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it [are] men of a great stature.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they brought up {H3318} an evil report {H1681} of the land {H776} which they had searched {H8446} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, The land {H776}, through which we have gone {H5674} to search {H8446} it, is a land {H776} that eateth up {H398} the inhabitants {H3427} thereof; and all the people {H5971} that we saw {H7200} in it {H8432} are men {H582} of a great stature {H4060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they spread a negative report about the land they had reconnoitered for the people of Isra'el by saying, "The land we passed through in order to spy it out is a land that devours its inhabitants. All the people we saw there were giant!

Berean Standard Bible

So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature.

American Standard Version

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:32 captures the demoralizing "evil report" delivered by ten of the twelve Israelite spies sent to survey the land of Canaan. This report, contrary to the faithful assessment of Joshua and Caleb, presented an exaggerated and fear-driven account of the land as one that "eateth up the inhabitants thereof" and described its people as "men of a great stature." This negative assessment ignited widespread fear and rebellion among the Israelites, leading to severe divine judgment and a forty-year delay in entering the Promised Land.

### 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 chapters 13 and 14 of the book of Numbers. Following the divine command to send twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the Promised Land ([Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1 "Numbers 13:1-2 - The Command to Send Spies")), the spies spend forty days exploring the territory. While they confirm the land's abundance, bringing back fruit as evidence ([Numbers 13:27](/numbers/13-27 "Numbers 13:27 - The Spies' Initial Report")), 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 encouraging words of Caleb ([Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Call to Advance")) and later, Joshua ([Numbers 14:7-9](/numbers/14-7 "Numbers 14:7-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). The immediate consequence of this report is the people's rebellion and weeping ([Numbers 14:1-2](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-2 - The People's Rebellion")), leading to God's judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering ([Numbers 14:33-34](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-34 - Forty Years in the Wilderness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this event, the Israelites were encamped at Kadesh-Barnea, on the southern border of Canaan, poised to enter the Promised Land. The land of Canaan 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](/numbers/13-22 "Numbers 13:22 - The Anakim in Hebron")). The cultural context involved a deep-seated fear of superior military might and the unknown, especially for a people recently freed from slavery and unaccustomed to warfare. The spies' report 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 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 seen in the Exodus narrative and the covenant at Sinai.

* **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 over divine promises and power. This contrasts sharply with the unwavering faith of Joshua and Caleb, who saw the same challenges but trusted in God's faithfulness ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faith")). 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 command to enter the land led directly to the severe judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering, during which the entire unbelieving generation perished ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). The verse also highlights the **Power of Perspective**, demonstrating how fear can distort reality and lead to paralyzing inaction, rather than courageous obedience to God's will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil Report (Hebrew, _dibbah ra'ah'_):** The Hebrew phrase דִּבָּה רָעָה (_dibbah ra'ah_) is crucial. _Dibbah_ means "whispering," "slander," "defamation," or "evil report," carrying a strong connotation of malicious intent or a damaging, demoralizing message rather than a mere negative observation. It implies that the report was not just pessimistic but was actively designed to undermine the people's morale and faith. _Ra'ah_ simply means "evil" or "bad." Thus, it was a report that was not only factually negative but morally wrong and destructive in its purpose and effect, constituting slander against God's promise and ability.
* **Eateth up (Hebrew, _'okhelet'_):** The word אֹכֶלֶת (_'okhelet_), an active participle, means "eating," "devouring," or "consuming." Its use here is highly metaphorical and hyperbolic. It paints a picture of the land itself being actively hostile and dangerous, as if it were a monstrous entity that consumes its own inhabitants. This vivid imagery was intended to instill extreme fear, suggesting that merely living in the land was perilous, let alone conquering it. It implies an inherent danger that transcends the strength of the inhabitants, making the land itself a formidable enemy.
* **Great Stature (Hebrew, _middōt'_):** The Hebrew word מִדּוֹת (_middōt_) literally means "measures" or "dimensions," referring to the unusual and intimidating physical size of the inhabitants, specifically the Anakim. This detail was not merely an observation but a calculated element of the "evil report" to emphasize the overwhelming physical superiority of the Canaanites. The mention of "men of a great stature" was a direct appeal to the Israelites' fear of giants, making the conquest seem impossible from a human perspective and undermining their trust in God's 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 nature of the spies' action. They did not merely present a report; they "brought up" (or "spread") a specific kind of report – an "evil report" – to the entire assembly of the Israelites. This highlights the public and influential nature of their message, indicating a conscious choice to demoralize the people rather than encourage them in faith.
* **"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's a hyperbolic statement, personifying the land as a devouring entity. This 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 **Contrast** with God's earlier promises of a "good and spacious land" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")) and His assurance of victory, highlighting the spies' 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 choice to trust God's word and power even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The consequences of this collective unbelief—the forty years of wilderness wandering and the death of an entire generation—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.

* [Numbers 14:7-9](/numbers/14-7 "Numbers 14:7-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Report")
* [Deuteronomy 1:28](/deuteronomy/1-28 "Deuteronomy 1:28 - The People's Fear and Moses' Recounting")
* [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - Unbelief as the Barrier to Entering Rest")

### 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](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Courageous Declaration")). 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to respond when faced with daunting challenges or "giants" in my life, and what "report" do I typically bring to myself and others?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be allowing fear or unbelief to distort my perception, preventing me from stepping into God's promises?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a perspective of faith, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, and to speak words of faith rather than fear?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was the "evil report" and why was it so damaging?**

Answer: 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](/numbers/14-26 "The Consequences of Unbelief")).

**Who were the "men of great stature" mentioned in the report?**

Answer: 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](/numbers/13-22 "The Anakim in Hebron")). 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](/deuteronomy/9-1 "Deuteronomy 9:1-3 - God Fights for Israel")).

### 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](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Warning Against Unbelief")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He offers true abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")) and the victory that overcomes the world, which is our faith in Him ([1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Victory Over the World Through Faith")). 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.

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

Amos 2:9

¶ Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

Numbers 14:36

¶ And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,

Numbers 14:37

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because they say unto you, Thou [land] devourest up men, and hast bereaved thy nations;

Ezekiel 36:14

Therefore thou shalt devour men no more, neither bereave thy nations any more, saith the Lord GOD.

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

2 Samuel 21:20

And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of [great] stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.