Numbers 13:20

And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes.

And what the land {H776} is, whether it be fat {H8082} or lean {H7330}, whether there be {H3426} wood {H6086} therein, or not. And be ye of good courage {H2388}, and bring {H3947} of the fruit {H6529} of the land {H776}. Now the time {H3117} was the time {H3117} of the firstripe {H1061} grapes {H6025}.

See whether the land is fertile or unproductive and whether there is wood in it or not. Finally, be bold enough to bring back some of the fruit of the land." When they left it was the season for the first grapes to ripen.

Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)

and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes.

Commentary

Numbers 13:20 is part of Moses' detailed instructions to the twelve spies he sent to explore the land of Canaan, the Promised Land. This specific verse emphasizes key aspects of their mission: assessing the land's quality, demonstrating courage, and bringing back tangible evidence of its bounty.

Context

This verse is situated within the critical narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After their miraculous deliverance and receiving the Law at Mount Sinai, they arrived at Kadesh-barnea. Before entering Canaan, Moses, at the Lord's command (as noted in Numbers 13:1-2), dispatched one leader from each of the twelve tribes to scout the land. Moses gave them specific objectives in Numbers 13:18-20, which included observing the inhabitants, their cities, and the very nature of the land itself. The findings from this reconnaissance mission would profoundly impact the Israelites' faith and future.

Key Themes

  • Land Assessment: The spies were tasked with determining the agricultural richness ("fat or lean") and natural resources ("whether there be wood therein, or not") of Canaan. This was crucial for understanding the viability of the land for settlement and sustenance, fulfilling the promise of a land of abundance.
  • Courage and Fortitude: Moses explicitly commanded them, "And be ye of good courage." This directive underscored the inherent dangers and challenges of their mission, including encountering powerful inhabitants. It was a call to bravery in the face of the unknown, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative for those embarking on God's missions.
  • Tangible Evidence: The instruction to "bring of the fruit of the land" served a dual purpose: to provide concrete proof of Canaan's fertility to the skeptical Israelites and to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise. The mention of "the time of the firstripe grapes" indicates that the mission was timed during the early harvest season, ensuring they could gather such evidence.
  • Divine Provision and Timing: The fact that it was "the time of the firstripe grapes" highlights God's perfect timing. The land was ready to yield its produce, confirming its richness even before they fully possessed it. This detail subtly points to God's readiness to provide for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fat or lean" (Hebrew: shamēn and razē) literally describes the richness or poverty of the soil, signifying its fertility or barrenness. The command "be ye of good courage" comes from the Hebrew root ḥāzaq, meaning to be strong, firm, or courageous. This word is often used in the Bible to encourage strength and resolve, particularly when facing daunting tasks or enemies, much like God encourages Joshua in Joshua 1:9.

Practical Application

Numbers 13:20 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Facing Challenges with Courage: Just as the spies needed courage to face the unknown, we are called to be brave and steadfast in our faith, especially when facing new or difficult circumstances. God often calls us to step out in faith into territories that may seem intimidating.
  • Seeking and Sharing Evidence of God's Goodness: We are encouraged to observe and appreciate the blessings and provisions God places in our lives, much like the spies were to bring back the fruit. Sharing these "fruits" of God's faithfulness can strengthen our own faith and encourage others, especially when doubt or fear arises, as it did later with the negative report of most of the spies.
  • Trusting in God's Timing and Provision: The detail about the "firstripe grapes" reminds us that God's plans unfold at His perfect timing. We can trust that He will provide what is needed when it is needed, even before we fully step into His promised blessings.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:23 (5 votes)

    And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

  • Nehemiah 9:25 (3 votes)

    And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

  • Ezekiel 34:14 (3 votes)

    I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 (3 votes)

    Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

  • Deuteronomy 31:8 (3 votes)

    And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

  • Nehemiah 9:35 (3 votes)

    For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

  • Numbers 13:23 (2 votes)

    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.