Numbers 13:2

Numbers 13:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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.”

King James Version KJV

Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

American Standard Version ASV

Send thou men, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a prince among them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Send men to get knowledge about the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from every tribe of their fathers you are to send a man, every one a chief among them.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, the country I'm giving to the Israelites. Choose one of the leaders from each of the tribes to go and do this.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Send for thee men, and they spy the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel; one man, one man for the tribe of his fathers ye do send, every one a prince among them.'

World English Bible WEB

“Send men, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel. Of every tribe of their fathers, you shall send a man, every one a prince among them.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And there the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Translation for Translators T4T

“Send some men to Canaan land to explore it. That is the land that I will give to you Israelis. Send men who are leaders in their tribes.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 13:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שְׁלַח לְ/ךָ֣ אֲנָשִׁ֗ים וְ/יָתֻ֨רוּ֙ אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן אֲשֶׁר אֲנִ֥י נֹתֵ֖ן לִ/בְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָד֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶחָ֜ד לְ/מַטֵּ֤ה אֲבֹתָי/ו֙ תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ כֹּ֖ל נָשִׂ֥יא בָ/הֶֽם

שְׁלַח shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Impv-2ms

לְ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

וְ/יָתֻ֨רוּ֙ tûwr H8446 to spy Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs

כְּנַ֔עַן Kᵉnaʻan H3667 Canaan N-proper

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

נֹתֵ֖ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָד֩ ʼechâd H259 one Adj

אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶחָ֜ד ʼechâd H259 one Adj

לְ/מַטֵּ֤ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms

אֲבֹתָי/ו֙ ʼâb H1 father N-mp | Suff

תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms

נָשִׂ֥יא nâsîyʼ H5387 leader N-ms

בָ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 13:2

שְׁלַח shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

לְ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

וְ/יָתֻ֨רוּ֙ tûwr H8446 "to spy" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.

Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance

Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֶ֣רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

כְּנַ֔עַן Kᵉnaʻan H3667 "Canaan" N-proper

Canaan was a son of Ham and the name of the country where he lived, which is now modern-day Israel. The Canaanites were known for being merchants and traders, as seen in Genesis and other books.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.9.18; son of: Ham (H2526); brother of: Cush (H3568), Egypt (H4714) and Put (H6316); father of: Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § merchant, trader

Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: Canaan, merchant, traffick. See also: Genesis 9:18; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 105:11.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

נֹתֵ֖ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶחָד֩ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

אִ֨ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

אֶחָ֜ד ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

לְ/מַטֵּ֤ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Prep | N-ms

In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.

Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.

אֲבֹתָי/ו֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-mp | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

נָשִׂ֥יא nâsîyʼ H5387 "leader" N-ms

This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.

Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.

בָ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Numbers 13:2

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Context
Cross References
Numbers 13:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:2
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:2
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:2
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:2
Sermons on Numbers 13:2

Context — The Spies Explore Canaan

1And 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.”

3So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, 4and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur;

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 1:22–25	Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land and bring us word of what route to follow and which cities to enter.” The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one from each tribe. They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied out the land. They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.”
2	Numbers 32:8	This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.
3	Numbers 34:18	Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land.
4	Deuteronomy 1:15	So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.
5	Numbers 1:4	And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you.
6	Numbers 11:16	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you.
7	Joshua 2:1–24	Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, “Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when the gate was about to close, the men went out, and I do not know which way they went. Pursue them quickly, and you may catch them!” (But Rahab had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among the stalks of flax that she had laid out there.) So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. Before the spies lay down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. Now therefore, please swear to me by the LORD that you will indeed show kindness to my family, because I showed kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will deliver us from death.” “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.” Then Rahab let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city. “Go to the hill country,” she said, “so that your pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there for three days until they have returned; then go on your way.” The men said to her, “We will not be bound by this oath you made us swear unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother and brothers and all your family into your house. If anyone goes out the door of your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head, and we will be innocent. But if a hand is laid on anyone with you in the house, his blood will be on our heads. And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” “Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window. So the spies went out into the hill country and stayed there three days, until their pursuers had returned without finding them, having searched all along the road. Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them. “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.”
8	Exodus 18:25	So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Numbers 13:2 Summary

In Numbers 13:2, God tells Moses to send leaders from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan, which He is giving to the Israelites. This shows that God is a God of promise and guidance, who wants us to trust Him and follow His plans (see Joshua 1:9). Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to lead us into new territories and experiences, knowing that He is always with us (as promised in Hebrews 13:5). By following God's guidance, we can discover new opportunities and fulfill our purpose, just like the Israelites did when they entered the Promised Land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Moses to send spies into the land of Canaan?

God instructed Moses to send spies into the land of Canaan to gather information about the land He was giving to the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 13:2, similar to how He guided them in the wilderness, as mentioned in Exodus 13:21-22.

What were the qualifications of the men sent to spy out the land?

The men sent to spy out the land were leaders among their tribes, as stated in Numbers 13:2, indicating that God wanted wise and capable individuals for this task, much like the leaders appointed in Exodus 18:21-22.

How does this verse relate to God's promise to the Israelites?

This verse is a fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites, as stated in Genesis 12:7 and repeated in Genesis 15:18, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham.

What can we learn from God's instruction to send out spies?

We can learn that God often works through human means to accomplish His plans, as seen in Numbers 13:2, and that He values wisdom and leadership, as demonstrated in Proverbs 24:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's promise and guidance, just like the Israelites did in Numbers 13:2?
How can I, like the leaders in Numbers 13:2, use my gifts and abilities to serve God and fulfill His plans?
What are some 'promised lands' in my life that God is calling me to claim, and what steps can I take to trust Him in this journey?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, as seen in Numbers 13:2, to my daily decisions and challenges?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:2

Send thou men,.... Which is rather a permission than a command; so Jarchi interprets it, "send men according to thy mind, I do not command thee, but if thou pleasest send;'' this he observed was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:2

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men - (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:2

Do as the people press thee to do. Of every tribe of their fathers, i.e. which comes from their several parents or patriarchs. A ruler; a person of wisdom and authority, which might make his witness more considerable with the people.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:2

Numbers 13:2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.Ver. 2. Every one a ruler amongst them.] That might be, as Uriah and Zachariah, faithful witnesses; for lying lips become not a prince.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:2

(2) Every one a ruler among them.—Or, a prince among them, as in Numbers 1:16. A comparison of the names which follow with those which are given in Numbers 1:5-15 will show that the persons selected were not the tribal princes who are mentioned in connection with the census. The tribe of Levi, as in the former case, is not represented, as the Levites were to have no inheritance in the land, and the number of twelve, as in Numbers 1, is. made up by the division of the tribe of Joseph into the two tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:2

Verse 2. Send thou men, that they may search] It appears from Deuteronomy 1:19-24 that this was done in consequence of the request of the people, after the following address of Moses: "And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness - and we came unto Kadesh-Barnea; and I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the Lord our God doth give unto us. Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said: WE WILL SEND MEN BEFORE US, AND THEY SHALL SEARCH US OUT THE LAND and bring us word again, by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well, and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe," c., &c. Nearly the whole of these verses is added here by the Samaritan. Every one a ruler] Not any of the princes of the people, (see Numbers 1:4-16), for these names are different from those but these now sent were men of consideration and importance in their respective tribes.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:2

2. a prince] The word is very characteristic of P . The spies were not the same princes as those who represented the tribes at the census (Numbers 1:5-15). Of the following 24 names, beside Joshua, Nun, Caleb and Jephunneh, a few are found in early times, e.g. Palti (1 Samuel 25:44), Ammiel (2 Samuel 9:4), Shaphat (1 Kings 19:16), Shammua (2 Samuel 5:14), Igal (2 Samuel 23:36); in the last two cases, however, the text is uncertain. Others appear to be late. It is probable that the list is artificial, and not based on historical tradition. See on Numbers 1:5.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:2

A ruler - A comparison of the list with that of Num 13:1 :5 following shows that they were not the princes of the tribes, but heads of houses or families Numbers 12:4.

Sermons on Numbers 13:2

	Sermon	Description
	Joshua Redivivus by Alexander Whyte	Alexander Whyte preaches about Samuel Rutherford, a spy and pioneer for God's people, who was chosen to experience banishment and exile in Aberdeen, to bring back a report of that
	Cleansing Love by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by a man of God, using the example of Moses. He emphasizes that even though Moses was chosen by God and had great power,
	Nahshon by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature
	The Leader and the Cost by Peter Maiden	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and hardships faced by Christian leaders, using the examples of Moses and Paul. He emphasizes that occasional exhaustion and fe
	Overwhelmed With the Power of the Living God by Denny Kenaston	Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of being overwhelmed with the presence of the Holy Spirit, drawing examples from the lives of Moses, Jesus, and early disciples. He emp
	The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici
	Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests