Numbers 13:2

Translations

Modern

“Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.”

Traditional

Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

Literal

“Send men, and they shall spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel. One man—you shall send one man for the tribe of their fathers, each one a leader among them.”

Latin

Mitte viros, qui considerent terram Chanaan, quam daturus sum filiis Israël, singulos de singulis tribubus, ex principibus.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

“Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.”

Notes

Numbers 13:1–16

Moses chose a leader from each tribe to explore the land God promised to the Hebrews. The tribes listed are from chapter 1, but the order is different. Caleb and Joshua later prove to be men of faith (14:30).

Numbers 13:1–14:45

Twelve spies explored the fertile land of Canaan and found strong enemies defending it. Earlier chapters show Israel's disobedience, hinting at future failures. The Israelites did not have the obedience, courage, or faith to capture the land. So, the Lord made them spend 40 years in the Wilderness of Sinai. That generation did not receive their inheritance in the promised land.

Theme notes and profiles

Caleb Joshua Moses

Related verses

Deuteronomy 1:22–25
Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land and bring us word of what route to follow and which cities to enter.”
Numbers 32:8
This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.
Numbers 34:18
Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land.
Exodus 18:25
So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Joshua 2:1–24
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
Numbers 1:4
And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you.
Numbers 11:16
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you.
Deuteronomy 1:15
So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:19–25

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants

Glossary

Benjamin, Tribe of Deuteronomy, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of Remnant Wilderness of Zin

Topics

Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Moses Commanded to Send Spies Holy Land: Twelve Men Sent to Spy

Numbers 13:2

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Related verses?

Parallels?