Numbers 13:17
And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לָת֖וּר
them to spy out
H8446
לָת֖וּר
them to spy out
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
4 of 15
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
H3667
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
Strong's:
H3667
Word #:
7 of 15
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
וַֽעֲלִיתֶ֖ם
and go up
H5927
וַֽעֲלִיתֶ֖ם
and go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
10 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בַּנֶּ֔גֶב
this way southward
H5045
בַּנֶּ֔גֶב
this way southward
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
12 of 15
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וַֽעֲלִיתֶ֖ם
and go up
H5927
וַֽעֲלִיתֶ֖ם
and go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
13 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Historical Context
The Negev was the arid southern region of Canaan, less densely populated than the fertile central highlands. The 'mountain' refers to the central ridge running north-south through Canaan's spine, where cities like Hebron and later Jerusalem were located.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use ordinary means (like reconnaissance) while still requiring faith in His supernatural promises?
- What is the difference between gathering information and trusting in human wisdom over God's word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses sent them specifically 'into the south' (Hebrew 'negeb'), meaning the southern desert region of Canaan. The command to 'go up into the mountain' refers to the central hill country where fortified cities stood. This systematic reconnaissance from south to north would provide comprehensive intelligence for military strategy.