Numbers 13:18
And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;
Original Language Analysis
וּרְאִיתֶ֥ם
And see
H7200
וּרְאִיתֶ֥ם
And see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הִ֑וא
H1931
הִ֑וא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָם֙
what it is and the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
what it is and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב
that dwelleth
H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב
that dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עָלֶ֔יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֶֽחָזָ֥ק
therein whether they be strong
H2389
הֶֽחָזָ֥ק
therein whether they be strong
Strong's:
H2389
Word #:
10 of 16
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ancient warfare required understanding enemy strength, city defenses (walls, towers), and land productivity for sustaining troops. Walled cities were nearly impregnable without siege equipment, making this intelligence militarily valuable.
Questions for Reflection
- When does prudent planning cross into lack of faith in God's provision?
- How can you seek wisdom while maintaining that God's promise, not circumstances, determines outcomes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses instructs the spies to observe the land's characteristics, the people's strength and numbers, and the cities' fortifications. This practical assessment would inform military planning, but Israel's success ultimately depended on God, not tactics. The questions 'is it fat or lean?' and 'are there wood therein?' addressed agricultural productivity and natural resources.