Numbers 13:29
The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
Original Language Analysis
עֲמָלֵ֥ק
The Amalekites
H6002
עֲמָלֵ֥ק
The Amalekites
Strong's:
H6002
Word #:
1 of 16
amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
הַנֶּ֑גֶב
of the south
H5045
הַנֶּ֑גֶב
of the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
4 of 16
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙
and the Amorites
H567
וְהָֽאֱמֹרִי֙
and the Amorites
Strong's:
H567
Word #:
7 of 16
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
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
בָּהָ֔ר
in the mountains
H2022
בָּהָ֔ר
in the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
9 of 16
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
and the Canaanites
H3669
וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
and the Canaanites
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
10 of 16
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֣ב
dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיָּ֔ם
by the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֔ם
by the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
13 of 16
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Numbers 14:43For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.Judges 6:3And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
Historical Context
The Amalekites had attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), making them known enemies. The Hittites were a major empire of the ancient Near East. The Canaanites controlled coastal regions. These were not phantom threats but genuine military powers—which made God's promise to give Israel the land even more remarkable.
Questions for Reflection
- When does attention to obstacles become an excuse for disobedience?
- How can you acknowledge real difficulties while trusting God's greater power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The spies reported three formidable peoples: Amalekites in the south, Hittites and others in the mountains, and Canaanites by the sea. This accurate intelligence identified real obstacles—yet faith in God's promise should have made these details irrelevant. Knowledge of enemies is valuable only when coupled with confidence in God's superior power.