Numbers 13:1-25
Q.1. On what basis were the twelve spies chosen? – (Num.13:1-16)
God instructed Moses to take representatives from all the twelve tribes that made up the nation of Israel. Each spy was to be a leader from the tribe – all of the men who were heads of the sons of Israel (Num.13:2-3). Each chosen man’s name, family, and tribe was documented (Num.13:4-16).
Q.2. What was the brief given to the leaders who were chosen to spy out the land of Canaan? – (Num.13:1, 17-20)
God told Moses to select twelve leaders to – spy out the land of Canaan which I am going to give to the sons of Israel (Num.13:1-2). Moses spelled out their brief – 18 See what the land is like, and whether the people who live in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many. 19 How is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are they like open camps or with fortifications? 20 How is the land, is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Make an effort then to get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes (Num.13:18-20). Since it was harvest time … it was a good time to see the Promised Land.
Q.3. Was the Promised Land a good land? – (Num.13:21-25)
The spies spent forty days in the Promised Land. It was indeed a contrast to the wilderness through which they had been trekking (Num.13:21). They took proof of the abundance of the land – … they came to the valley of Eshcol and from there cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes; and they carried it on a pole between two men, with some of the pomegranates and the figs (Num.13:23). All seemed to be going well.