Numbers 13:24
The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.
Original Language Analysis
לַמָּק֣וֹם
The place
H4725
לַמָּק֣וֹם
The place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 13
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
קָרָ֖א
was called
H7121
קָרָ֖א
was called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
נַ֣חַל
the brook
H5158
נַ֣חַל
the brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
4 of 13
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל
Eshcol
H812
אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל
Eshcol
Strong's:
H812
Word #:
5 of 13
eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֹד֣וֹת
because of
H182
אֹד֣וֹת
because of
Strong's:
H182
Word #:
7 of 13
turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of
הָֽאֶשְׁכּ֔וֹל
the cluster of grapes
H811
הָֽאֶשְׁכּ֔וֹל
the cluster of grapes
Strong's:
H811
Word #:
8 of 13
a bunch of grapes or other fruit
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּֽרְת֥וּ
cut down
H3772
כָּֽרְת֥וּ
cut down
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
10 of 13
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מִשָּׁ֖ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֖ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
11 of 13
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Historical Context
Eshcol appears elsewhere in Genesis 14:13, 24 as an Amorite ally of Abraham. The valley's name thus connected God's ancient promise to Abraham with its imminent fulfillment in Moses' generation. The location near Hebron linked the patriarchal promise to present reality.
Questions for Reflection
- What memorials or reminders of God's faithfulness have you established in your life?
- How do you remember God's past provision when facing present challenges?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The naming of the valley 'Eshcol' memorialized the cluster brought back as evidence. Names in Scripture often commemorate God's faithfulness, creating permanent reminders for future generations. Yet tragically, this monument to God's promise would also mark the place where Israel rejected His gift through unbelief.