Numbers Chapter 13 · Verse 3

Authorized King James Version

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And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח sent H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח sent
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 1 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתָ֥ם H853
אֹתָ֥ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֹשֶׁ֛ה And Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁ֛ה And Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 3 of 14
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
מִמִּדְבַּ֥ר them from the wilderness H4057
מִמִּדְבַּ֥ר them from the wilderness
Strong's: H4057
Word #: 4 of 14
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
פָּארָ֖ן of Paran H6290
פָּארָ֖ן of Paran
Strong's: H6290
Word #: 5 of 14
paran, a desert of arabia
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֣י by the commandment H6310
פִּ֣י by the commandment
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 7 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֻּלָּ֣ם H3605
כֻּלָּ֣ם
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים H376
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
Strong's: H376
Word #: 10 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
רָאשֵׁ֥י heads H7218
רָאשֵׁ֥י heads
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 11 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
בְנֵֽי of the children H1121
בְנֵֽי of the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 12 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 13 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הֵֽמָּה׃ were H1992
הֵֽמָּה׃ were
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 14 of 14
they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis & Commentary

Moses 'sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.' The phrase 'heads' (rashim) indicates these were tribal leaders, not random scouts - men of authority and influence. Their unanimous bad report (except Caleb and Joshua) proved devastating because of their leadership status. This teaches that leadership position doesn't guarantee spiritual discernment. Even respected leaders can spread unbelief and discourage God's people. The New Testament warns about false teachers (2 Pet 2:1-3) and urges testing leaders' teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1). Position must align with faithful character.

Historical Context

The spying mission occurred at Kadesh-Barnea in Paran wilderness, on Canaan's southern border. God commanded the spy mission (Num 13:1-2) after Israel requested it (Deut 1:22-23), showing God permits actions that reveal hearts even when He knows the outcome. The twelve leaders represented each tribe, ensuring comprehensive report and tribal buy-in. Their failure to trust God despite seeing Canaan's fruitfulness cost an entire generation Canaan's entrance. The incident demonstrates that investigating God's promises is permissible, but unbelief after seeing evidence brings severe consequences.

Questions for Reflection