Numbers 32:9

KJV

For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.

KJV (with Strong's)

For when they went up {H5927} unto the valley {H5158} of Eshcol {H812}, and saw {H7200} the land {H776}, they discouraged {H5106} the heart {H3820} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they should not go {H935} into the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} had given {H5414} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when they went up to the Eshkol Valley and saw the land, they disheartened the people of Isra'el, so that they wouldn't enter the land ADONAI had given them.

Berean Standard Bible

For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them.

American Standard Version

For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which Jehovah had given them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 32:9 serves as a potent retrospective reminder of a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey: the catastrophic outcome of the twelve spies' mission to scout the Promised Land. This verse, embedded within Moses's warning to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, underscores how the spies' faithless report, despite evidence of the land's bounty, instilled such profound fear and doubt in the Israelites that it led to their collective rebellion against God's command to enter, ultimately resulting in their forty-year wilderness wandering and the demise of an entire generation outside the promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 32:9 is situated within Moses's dialogue with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who request to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan River rather than crossing into Canaan. Moses initially reacts with strong disapproval, fearing their request is motivated by the same lack of faith that led their ancestors to refuse entry into the Promised Land. This verse acts as a direct historical precedent and a stern warning, reminding them of the severe consequences of the Kadesh-barnea incident detailed in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan") and [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment"). By recalling this past failure, Moses impresses upon the two tribes the gravity of their potential dereliction of duty and the collective responsibility of the nation to fulfill God's will. The verse thus serves as a powerful rhetorical device, drawing a direct parallel between past disobedience and the potential for future failure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events referenced in Numbers 32:9 occurred approximately 38 years prior, shortly after Israel's exodus from Egypt, at Kadesh-barnea, on the southern border of Canaan. Moses had sent twelve tribal leaders to spy out the land of Canaan, a land promised to Abraham's descendants centuries earlier ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The spies' mission was to assess the land's fertility, its inhabitants, and its fortifications. While ten of the spies confirmed the land's abundance, symbolized by the "valley of Eshcol" and its impressive produce, they focused overwhelmingly on the formidable strength of the Canaanite inhabitants and their fortified cities, describing them as "giants" ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). This report, amplified by fear and unbelief, triggered a widespread panic and rebellion among the Israelites, who then desired to return to Egypt rather than confront the challenges ahead ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Lament and Desire to Return to Egypt")). Culturally, "discouraging the heart" was a profound act of undermining national morale and trust in leadership, leading to a collective loss of resolve.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several enduring themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **The Peril of Unbelief and Disobedience**, demonstrating how a lack of faith in God's promises and power can lead to catastrophic consequences. The Israelites' focus on human obstacles rather than divine omnipotence resulted in their rebellion and exclusion from the Promised Land, a stark warning against spiritual shortsightedness. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Fear and Discouragement**, showing how these emotions, when unchecked by faith, can paralyze a community and prevent them from seizing divine opportunities. The "discouraging of the heart" was not merely an emotional state but a spiritual illness that led directly to divine judgment. Finally, the verse implicitly contrasts **God's Unwavering Faithfulness with Human Failure**. Despite God's steadfast commitment to giving them the land, Israel's fear and unbelief prevented them from receiving His gift, serving as a poignant reminder that even divine promises require human trust and obedience for their full realization. This tension between divine promise and human response is a recurring motif throughout the wilderness narrative, culminating in the new generation's readiness to enter the land under Joshua's leadership, as seen in [Deuteronomy 1:35](/deuteronomy/1-35 "Deuteronomy 1:35 - The Generation Excluded from the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Discouraged (Hebrew, _māsaṣ'_):** The KJV phrase "discouraged the heart" translates the Hebrew verb מָסַס ( _māsaṣ_ ), which literally means "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to cause to lose courage." It conveys a profound sense of demoralization, where the people's resolve, hope, and courage simply melted away, leaving them utterly disheartened, without the will to proceed, and prone to rebellion. This is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, pervasive state of spiritual and psychological collapse that undermined their faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises.
* **Eshcol (Hebrew, _ʼEshkōl'_):** The "valley of Eshcol" (אֶשְׁכֹּל) literally means "cluster" or "bunch," referring to the massive cluster of grapes brought back by the spies as evidence of the land's fertility. This valley, located near Hebron, became a poignant symbol. While it confirmed the land's richness and God's promise, it also became the very place from which the spies brought back a report that, despite its positive evidence, was overshadowed by fear, leading to the nation's downfall. It represents both the abundance of God's gift and the human capacity to focus on obstacles rather than blessings.
* **Given (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** The word "given" (נָתַן, _nātan_) emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty in the inheritance of the land. It was not something Israel earned or conquered by their own might, but a gracious gift from the LORD. This highlights the profound irony and tragedy of the spies' report: they discouraged the people from entering a land that was already a divine bestowal, freely offered by God. Their unbelief was a rejection of God's generosity and power to deliver what He had promised.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land,"**: This clause sets the scene by recalling the spies' reconnaissance mission. "Went up" implies ascending into the heart of the land, specifically to the fertile "valley of Eshcol," which was known for its abundant produce. The act of "seeing the land" was meant to inspire confidence and confirm God's promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey," but for ten of the spies, it became a source of fear as they focused on the formidable inhabitants rather than the divine provision.
* **"they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel,"**: This is the core action and consequence. The ten spies, through their fearful and faithless report, actively "melted" or "dissolved" the courage and morale of the entire Israelite community. This act of discouragement was a direct assault on the nation's faith in God, leading them to doubt His power and faithfulness to deliver on His promises. It highlights the immense power of negative influence and the devastating impact of unbelief on a collective body.
* **"that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them."**: This final clause states the tragic outcome of the discouragement. The Israelites' hearts were so utterly disheartened that they refused to obey God's command to enter and possess the Promised Land. The phrase "which the LORD had given them" underscores the profound irony and tragedy: they were deterred from receiving a divine gift, an inheritance already secured for them by God's decree. Their unbelief effectively nullified their immediate access to God's blessing, leading to the judgment of forty years of wilderness wandering.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 32:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Retrospection** is central, as the verse looks back to a past event (the Kadesh-barnea incident) to serve as a warning and explanation for present circumstances. This backward glance is crucial for understanding Moses's apprehension regarding Reuben and Gad's request. **Symbolism** is evident in the "valley of Eshcol," which simultaneously represents the promised abundance of Canaan and the source of the spies' fear-mongering report. The rich produce from Eshcol should have been a symbol of God's faithfulness, but it became ironically linked to the nation's failure. Furthermore, the phrase "discouraged the heart" is a vivid **Metaphor**, depicting the complete collapse of morale and courage within the Israelite community, as if their very resolve had melted away. The verse also contains an element of **Irony**, as the people were dissuaded from entering a land that God had already "given them," highlighting the tragic disconnect between divine promise and human unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 32:9 serves as a profound theological anchor, illustrating the critical interplay between divine promise and human faith. It underscores that while God's promises are unwavering and His gifts are freely given, their reception and enjoyment often hinge upon the recipient's obedient faith. The generation that perished in the wilderness stands as a perpetual warning against the "evil heart of unbelief" ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Warning Against Unbelief")), demonstrating that fear, when allowed to fester, can directly lead to disobedience and a forfeiture of divine blessings. This incident highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable for their choices, yet also His patience in preserving a new generation to inherit the promise. The ultimate lesson is the necessity of trusting God's power and faithfulness even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, recognizing that His word is sufficient to overcome any challenge.

* [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - The LORD's Displeasure with Israel's Unbelief")
* [Deuteronomy 1:34-36](/deuteronomy/1-34 "Deuteronomy 1:34-36 - God's Judgment at Kadesh-barnea")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Hardening Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 32:9 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It challenges us to examine the sources of our own discouragement and the narratives we allow to shape our perception of God's promises. Just as the Israelites were deterred by the perceived giants and fortified cities, we too can be paralyzed by overwhelming challenges, negative reports, or the voices of doubt that overshadow God's omnipotence. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of unwavering faith, remembering that God is greater than any obstacle and that His promises are always "Yes and Amen" in Christ. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our words and attitudes can have on others. We are called to be like Joshua and Caleb, speaking words of faith, encouragement, and truth, thereby building up rather than "discouraging the heart" of those around us, especially within the community of faith. Our spiritual inheritance, like the Promised Land, requires courageous faith to enter and possess fully.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or "fortified cities" in your life or circumstances are currently discouraging your heart from fully trusting God's promises?**
* **How do your words and attitudes impact the faith and morale of those around you, particularly within your family or church community?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to step out in faith, despite fear, to claim what the Lord has "given" you?**
* **What past failures or moments of unbelief serve as a warning for you, prompting greater reliance on God's faithfulness today?**

### FAQ
**Why is this historical event recounted here in Numbers 32, so long after it occurred?**

Answer: The recounting of the Kadesh-barnea incident in [Numbers 32:9](/numbers/32-9 "Numbers 32:9 - The Spies' Discouragement Recalled") serves a crucial rhetorical and theological purpose. Moses brings it up to warn the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who are requesting land east of the Jordan, against repeating the same sin of unbelief and lack of commitment that led their ancestors to wander in the wilderness for forty years. By recalling this past failure, Moses underscores the gravity of their potential decision to not cross the Jordan with the other tribes. It acts as a powerful deterrent, reminding them of the severe consequences of disobedience and discouraging the heart of the community. It also emphasizes the principle of corporate responsibility and the importance of unity in pursuing God's will for the nation.

**What was the significance of the "valley of Eshcol" in this narrative?**

Answer: The "valley of Eshcol" was significant because it was the place from which the spies brought back a massive cluster of grapes, along with pomegranates and figs, as tangible proof of the land's incredible fertility and abundance ([Numbers 13:23-24](/numbers/13-23 "Numbers 13:23-24 - The Fruit from Eshcol")). This produce was meant to inspire faith and confirm God's promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey." However, paradoxically, it became associated with the spies' negative report. While the fruit testified to the land's goodness, the spies' focus on the formidable inhabitants overshadowed this positive evidence, turning a symbol of promise into a catalyst for fear and unbelief among the Israelites. Thus, Eshcol represents both the divine blessing and the human failure to trust God's power to deliver it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 32:9, with its somber account of Israel's failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The earthly Promised Land, a place of rest and inheritance, serves as a powerful type for the spiritual rest and eternal inheritance offered through Christ. Just as the generation in Numbers failed to enter their physical rest because of a "heart of unbelief" ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - Warning Against Unbelief")), so too are believers warned against hardening their hearts and missing the greater, spiritual rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Entering God's Rest")). Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Joshua" (a name sharing the same root as Jesus), who truly leads His people into God's rest, not through physical conquest, but through His atoning work on the cross. He is the one who enables us to overcome the "giants" of sin and death, providing access to the true spiritual inheritance. Where Israel failed to trust God's provision and power, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, opening the way for all who believe to enter into the abundant life and eternal dwelling that God has "given" them, not based on their works, but on His grace and their faith in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). He invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")).

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 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

Numbers 14:10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 1:24

And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.