Keraia
Numbers 13

Numbers 13:22

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

Translations

Modern
They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.
Traditional
And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
Literal
And they went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, and there were Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai—those born of Anak. And Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.
Latin
Ascenderuntque ad meridiem, et venerunt in Hebron, ubi erant Achiman et Sisai et Tholmai filii Enac: nam Hebron septem annis ante Tanim urbem Ægypti condita est.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.

Notes

Numbers 13:22

  • Israel's spies traveled into Canaan's hill country through the Negev, the dry southern region near the wilderness of Zin. In the southern part of Canaan's central hill country, they reached Hebron. This was where Israel's ancestors had lived (Genesis 13:18; 23:19; 35:27; 37:14).

  • The descendants of Anak were famous for their size and strength (for example, Deuteronomy 9:2).

  • Zoan (later called Tanis by the Greeks) was a famous city in Egypt's eastern delta (see also Psalms 78:12, 43; Isaiah 19:11–13; 30:3–5).

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

People

Ahiman: One of the giant descendants of Anak in Hebron Anak: Ancestor of giant people in Canaan Sheshai: Anakite giant defeated by Caleb Talmai: Anakim king of Hebron, defeated by Judah

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus Hebron: An important city in Judah; burial place of patriarchs Negeb: The southern region of Israel, a semi-arid area Zoan: An ancient Egyptian city, probably Tanis

Glossary

Ahiman Anak, Anakim, Anakites Benjamin, Tribe of Deuteronomy, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of Paran Remnant Sheshai Talmai Vines, Vineyard Wilderness of Zin Zoan

Topics

Ahiman: A Giant of Hebron Canaan: Land of Spies Sent Into, by Moses Hebron: A City of the Tribe of Judah, South of Jerusalem: Descendants of the Anakim Live At Hebron: A City of the Tribe of Judah, South of Jerusalem: when Built Holy Land: Twelve Men Sent to Spy Sheshai: A Son of Anak Talmai: A Son of Anak The Anakim: Descent of Zoan: Built Seven Years After Hebron in the Land of Canaan