Keraia
Numbers 13

Numbers 13:21

The Spies Explore Canaan · Numbers 13:1–24
Read Numbers 13

Translations

Modern
So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath.
Traditional
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
Literal
And they went up and spied out the land, from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, at the going in to Hamath.
Latin
Cumque ascendissent, exploraverunt terram a deserto Sin, usque Rohob intrantibus Emath.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath.

Notes

Numbers 13:21

  • The distance from the Wilderness of Zin to Lebo-hamath in Syria was about 275 miles. The Wilderness of Zin was between the wilderness of Paran and Canaan's southern border see 34:3–5; Joshua 15:1–4). Lebo-hamath means "entrance of Hamath." This could refer to a mountain pass or a city near Hamath.

  • The exact location of Rehob is unclear. But it was probably the same as Old Testament Beth-rehob, near a major route to Hamath. This text outlines the approximate borders of the promised land (see 1 Kings 8:65). The phrase from Dan to Beersheba often marked Israel’s traditional boundaries (Judges 20:1; 2 Samuel 3:10). It covered a smaller area than the territory explored by Israel’s spies.

Numbers 13:21–24

The spies explored the land of Canaan. In contrast to the Sinai wilderness, it was rich and fertile.

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

Parallels

Deuteronomy 1:19–25

Places

Beth-rehob: Aramean city and region, allied with Ammon against David Hamath: A major city and kingdom in Syria, often mentioned in the Bible Zin: A desert and wilderness region south of Judah

Glossary

Anak, Anakim, Anakites Benjamin, Tribe of Beth-Rehob Deuteronomy, Book of Hebron (Place) Moses Numbers, Book of Paran Rehob (Place) Remnant Vines, Vineyard Wilderness Wilderness of Zin

Topics

Canaan: Land of Spies Sent Into, by Moses Hamath: A City of Upper Syria Holy Land: Twelve Men Sent to Spy Rehob: A Town in Northern Palestine: The Limit of the Investigation Made by the Twelve Spies Zin: A Desert South of Judah