Numbers 32:9

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Numbers 32:9 is a retrospective verse, serving as a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in Israel's history that shaped their forty-year wilderness wandering. It recounts the disastrous outcome of the mission of the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land.

Context

This verse refers back to the events detailed in Numbers chapters 13 and 14. Moses had sent twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan from Kadesh-barnea. Ten of these spies returned with a report that, while acknowledging the land's abundance (symbolized by the rich produce from the valley of Eshcol), also emphasized the formidable strength of its inhabitants and their fortified cities. This negative report, despite the faithful and encouraging words of Joshua and Caleb, instilled widespread fear and doubt among the Israelites. The consequence of this fear and disbelief was God's judgment: the entire generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, was condemned to perish in the wilderness and not enter the land which the LORD had given them.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Disbelief: The verse powerfully illustrates how a lack of faith in God's promises and power can lead to catastrophic consequences. The Israelites focused on the giants and fortified cities rather than on God's ability to deliver the land into their hands, leading to their rebellion against Him (Numbers 14:1-4).
  • Consequences of Fear and Discouragement: The phrase "discouraged the heart" vividly portrays the emotional and spiritual paralysis that gripped the nation. This fear directly led to their disobedience and the subsequent divine judgment, preventing them from inheriting the Promised Land. It underscores how fear can hinder God's plans and bring about unintended suffering.
  • God's Faithfulness vs. Human Failure: Despite God's unwavering promise to give them the land, Israel's fear and lack of faith prevented them from receiving His gift. This serves as a stark reminder that even divine promises require human obedience and trust to be fully realized.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "discouraged the heart" translates the Hebrew verb massah (מָבַב), which literally means "to melt," "to dissolve," or "to cause to lose courage." It depicts a complete collapse of morale, where the people's resolve and hope simply melted away, leaving them utterly disheartened and without the will to proceed. This deep discouragement was not just a fleeting emotion but a pervasive state that led to rebellion.

Practical Application

Numbers 32:9 serves as a timeless warning against allowing fear and negative reports to overshadow God's promises and power in our lives. It encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of unwavering faith, even when faced with seemingly overwhelming challenges, remembering that God is greater than any obstacle. It also reminds us of the profound impact our words and attitudes can have on others, emphasizing the responsibility to speak words of faith and encouragement rather than doubt and despair, thereby building up rather than "discouraging the heart."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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