Deuteronomy 1:24
And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְנוּ֙
And they turned
H6437
וַיִּפְנוּ֙
And they turned
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
1 of 9
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
וַיַּֽעֲל֣וּ
and went up
H5927
וַיַּֽעֲל֣וּ
and went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 9
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mountain
H2022
הָהָ֔רָה
into the mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 9
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ
and came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נַ֣חַל
unto the valley
H5158
נַ֣חַל
unto the valley
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
6 of 9
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל
of Eshcol
H812
אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל
of Eshcol
Strong's:
H812
Word #:
7 of 9
eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine
Historical Context
The valley of Eshcol was near Hebron in the hill country of Judah, an area later given to Caleb as inheritance (Joshua 14:13-14). The region's fertility confirmed God's description of a land 'flowing with milk and honey,' providing visible proof of His truthful promises.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your perspective on challenges change when filtered through God's promises?
- What evidence of God's goodness are you overlooking due to fear?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The spies' journey 'unto the valley of Eshcol' brought them to exceptionally fertile land, evidenced by the huge cluster of grapes requiring two men to carry (Numbers 13:23). The name 'Eshcol' (cluster) commemorates this abundance. God provided tangible evidence of the land's goodness, yet even seeing didn't guarantee believing—the same evidence that encouraged Joshua and Caleb terrified the other ten spies. Faith interprets facts through God's promises.