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Numbers 13

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‹ Chapter 12 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

1 And the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them." 3 So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, 4 and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Manasseh (a tribe of Joseph), Gaddi son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael; 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi; 15 and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi. 16 These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. 17 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. 19 Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? 20 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.) 21 So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. 23 When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men. They also took some pomegranates and figs. 24 Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol. 25 After forty days the men returned from spying out the land, 26 and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit! 28 Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!" 31 But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!" 32 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. 33 We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!"

‹ Chapter 12 Numbers — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

Study Notes — Numbers 13

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to send twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, as seen in Numbers 13:1-3. The spies return with a report of the land's fertility and the presence of powerful inhabitants, as recorded in Numbers 13:23-29. However, ten of the spies express fear and discourage the people from entering the land, while Caleb and Joshua urge the people to trust in God, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:6-9. The people's unbelief leads to a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and God's subsequent judgment, as recorded in Numbers 14:10-12 and Numbers 14:20-35. The chapter concludes with God's instruction to turn back towards the wilderness, where the people will wander for forty years, as seen in Numbers 14:25 and Numbers 14:33-35.

Context for the Chapter

Numbers 13 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as seen in Exodus 1:1-18:27 and Numbers 1:1-36:13. This chapter serves as a turning point in the story, marking the beginning of the Israelites' forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. The chapter also has implications for the larger biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in the life of the believer, as seen in Hebrews 3:19 and 1 Corinthians 10:5-6.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. We are also warned against the dangers of unbelief and the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. By applying these lessons to our own lives, we can overcome the challenges of this life and enter into the rest that God has promised us, as seen in Hebrews 4:1-11.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the Israelites sending spies to explore the land of Canaan, as seen in Numbers 13:1-3. The spies return with a report that scares the people, and they refuse to enter the land, as seen in Numbers 13:26-33. But two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, trust in God and encourage the people to enter the land, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. The people's unbelief leads to a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and God's subsequent judgment, as recorded in Numbers 14:10-12 and Numbers 14:20-35.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the foot of the soul by which it can march on and overcome the enemy, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Hebrews 11:1-40.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The unbelief of the people was a great stumbling block to the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in Numbers 14:11 and Hebrews 3:19. But the faith of Caleb and Joshua serves as an example to us all, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Spies are Sent to Canaan (Numbers 13:1-3) — God instructs Moses to send twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, as seen in Numbers 13:1-3.
  2. The Spies Return with a Report (Numbers 13:23-29) — The spies return with a report of the land's fertility and the presence of powerful inhabitants, as recorded in Numbers 13:23-29.
  3. The People's Unbelief and Rebellion (Numbers 13:30-14:12) — The people's unbelief and rebellion against Moses and Aaron lead to God's judgment, as seen in Numbers 14:10-12 and Numbers 14:20-35.
  4. The Consequences of Unbelief (Numbers 14:20-35) — The people's unbelief leads to a forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35.
  5. The Example of Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24) — The faith and courage of Caleb and Joshua serve as an example to us all, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Faith
This chapter teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. Without faith, we cannot please God, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
The Dangers of Unbelief
The people's unbelief serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's promises and not to succumb to fear and doubt, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.
The Role of Leadership
The leaders' faith and courage can inspire others to trust in God, but their unbelief can also lead to rebellion and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The people's disobedience leads to a forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. This serves as a warning to believers to obey God's commands and trust in His power and promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.

Lessons from Numbers 13

  1. The Importance of Faith — This chapter teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.
  2. The Dangers of Unbelief — The people's unbelief serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's promises and not to succumb to fear and doubt, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.
  3. The Role of Leadership — The leaders' faith and courage can inspire others to trust in God, but their unbelief can also lead to rebellion and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.
  4. The Consequences of Disobedience — The people's disobedience leads to a forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. This serves as a warning to believers to obey God's commands and trust in His power and promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.
  5. The Example of Caleb and Joshua — The faith and courage of Caleb and Joshua serve as an example to us all, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.

Themes from Numbers 13

  1. Faith and Unbelief — This chapter explores the contrast between faith and unbelief, as seen in the examples of Caleb and Joshua, and the people's rebellion, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.
  2. The Power of God — The chapter highlights God's power and promises, as seen in Numbers 13:2 and Numbers 14:23. We are encouraged to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.
  3. The Importance of Obedience — The people's disobedience leads to serious consequences, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. This serves as a warning to believers to obey God's commands and trust in His power and promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.
  4. The Role of Leadership — The leaders' faith and courage can inspire others to trust in God, but their unbelief can also lead to rebellion and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.
  5. The Consequences of Disobedience — The people's disobedience leads to a forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. This serves as a warning to believers to obey God's commands and trust in His power and promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that we can apply the lesson of faith and trust in God's power and promises to our own lives, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24?
  2. How can we avoid the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14:11 and Hebrews 3:19?
  3. What role can leaders play in shaping the response of others to God's promises, as seen in Numbers 13:1-3 and Numbers 13:26-33?
  4. What are some consequences of disobedience and unbelief, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35?
  5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Spies are Sent to Canaan (Numbers 13:1-3)

13:1 God instructs Moses to send twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, as seen in Numbers 13:1.
13:2 The spies are to report back on the land's fertility and the presence of powerful inhabitants, as recorded in Numbers 13:2.

2. The Spies Return with a Report (Numbers 13:23-29)

13:23 The spies return with a report of the land's fertility and the presence of powerful inhabitants, as recorded in Numbers 13:23.
13:24 The spies also bring back a cluster of grapes, as seen in Numbers 13:24.

3. The People's Unbelief and Rebellion (Numbers 13:30-14:12)

13:30 Caleb encourages the people to trust in God and enter the land, as seen in Numbers 13:30.
13:31 The other spies express fear and discourage the people from entering the land, as recorded in Numbers 13:31.

4. The Consequences of Unbelief (Numbers 14:20-35)

14:20 God forgives the people's unbelief, but still disciplines them, as seen in Numbers 14:20.
14:23 The people will wander in the wilderness for forty years, as recorded in Numbers 14:23.

5. The Example of Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24)

13:30 Caleb encourages the people to trust in God and enter the land, as seen in Numbers 13:30.
14:24 Caleb's faith is rewarded, as seen in Numbers 14:24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of sending the spies to Canaan?

The purpose of sending the spies was to report back on the land's fertility and the presence of powerful inhabitants, as recorded in Numbers 13:2.

What was the people's response to the spies' report?

The people were afraid and discouraged by the report, and they rebelled against Moses and Aaron, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.

What were the consequences of the people's unbelief?

The people's unbelief led to a forty-year wilderness wanderings, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Numbers 13:2 → Deuteronomy 1:22-23 The sending of the spies is also recorded in Deuteronomy 1:22-23, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:22-23.
2 Numbers 13:30 → Joshua 14:6-15 Caleb's faith is rewarded, as seen in Joshua 14:6-15.
3 Numbers 14:11 → Hebrews 3:19 The people's unbelief serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.
4 Numbers 14:20-35 → 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 The people's disobedience serves as an example to believers of the dangers of unbelief, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:5-6.
5 Numbers 13:1-3 → John 1:1 The concept of faith and trust in God's power and promises is central to the Christian faith, as seen in John 1:1.
6 Numbers 13:30 → Romans 4:20-25 The example of Caleb's faith serves as an encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and promises, as seen in Romans 4:20-25.
7 Numbers 14:11 → Psalm 106:24-25 The people's unbelief serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's promises, as seen in Psalm 106:24-25.
8 Numbers 14:20-35 → Hebrews 11:1-40 The people's disobedience serves as an example to believers of the dangers of unbelief, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-40.
9 Numbers 13:1-3 → Matthew 4:1-11 The concept of faith and trust in God's power and promises is central to the Christian faith, as seen in Matthew 4:1-11.
10 Numbers 13:30 → 1 Peter 5:7 The example of Caleb's faith serves as an encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and promises, as seen in 1 Peter 5:7.

Sermons on Numbers 13

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer The Four Seasons of Life by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting God before it's too late. He expresses his willingness to risk losing friends and facing anger in order to warn peo
Jackie Pullinger Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the
David Platt The Glory of God - Part 1 by David Platt This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising the Lord from the heavens to the earth, calling all creation to worship Him. It delves into the purpose of glorifying God in our l
Joshua Daniel Attack of the Devil - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the reality of spiritual attacks before moments of victory, drawing parallels to the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and the miraculous crossing of the Re
Carter Conlon A Private Moment for Times Square Church by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Pastor David Wilkerson, who was used by God to bring the message of Christ to the streets of New York City. Pastor
Joshua Daniel Attack of the Devil - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges, using the story of Caleb and the spies sent to explore the promised land. Despite the obstacles and
Leonard Ravenhill I Have Appeared Unto Thee - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Jack Brown who sells newspapers in the rain. One day, a wealthy man in a Rolls Royce approaches Jack and reveals that h
Joshua Daniel Attack of the Devil - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming defeatism and having faith in God's power to conquer challenges. It contrasts the defeatist attitude of the majority with the fa
Zac Poonen (Spirit-Filled Life) Part 4: Lay All on the Altar by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of laying everything on the altar to experience a Spirit-filled life, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan and
Paris Reidhead Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 13

In this chapter, we see the Israelites' unbelief and rebellion against God's promises, as recorded in Numbers 14:1-4. The people's fear and doubt lead them to reject God's gift of the Promised Land, and instead, they wander in the wilderness for forty years, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. However, the examples of Caleb and Joshua serve as a encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the unbelief of the people was a great stumbling block to the fulfillment of God's promises, but the faith of Caleb and Joshua serves as an example to us all, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Role of Leadership

Moses and the spies play a significant role in shaping the people's response to God's promises, as seen in Numbers 13:1-3 and Numbers 13:26-33. The leaders' faith and courage can inspire others to trust in God, but their unbelief can also lead to rebellion and disobedience, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4.

The Danger of Unbelief

The people's unbelief has serious consequences, including the loss of their inheritance and the death of an entire generation, as seen in Numbers 14:20-35. This serves as a warning to believers to trust in God's promises and not to succumb to fear and doubt, as seen in Hebrews 3:19.

The Importance of Trusting in God's Power

The story of Caleb and Joshua encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. This trust is essential for overcoming the challenges of this life and entering into the rest that God has promised us, as seen in Hebrews 4:1-11.

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