Keraia
Numbers 13

Numbers 13:26

The Reports of the Spies · Numbers 13:25–33
Read Numbers 13

Translations

Modern
…and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.
Traditional
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.
Literal
And they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. And to all the congregation they brought back to them word and showed them the fruit of the land.
Latin
…venerunt ad Moysen et Aaron et ad omnem cœtum filiorum Israël in desertum Pharan, quod est in Cades. Locutique eis et omni multitudini ostenderunt fructus terræ:

Original

Hebrew
English
…and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.

Notes

Numbers 13:26

Kadesh is often linked to ‘Ain el-Qudeirat, a spring at the northern border of Sinai and the southern edge of Canaan. There is no evidence of a Hebrew camp there during the exodus or the wilderness wanderings. So, some scholars have suggested that ancient Kadesh was in a different location.

Numbers 13:25–29

The spies agreed the land was good, but most doubted Israel could conquer it. The strong and well-fed Canaanites had built fortified towns for protection.

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

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Kadesh: An important oasis in the Wilderness of Zin Paran: A desert region in the Sinai Peninsula

Glossary

Agriculture Amorites Benjamin, Tribe of Deuteronomy, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of Paran Remnant Wilderness Wilderness of Zin

Topics

Caleb: Brings Favorable Report Canaan: Land of Spies Sent Into, by Moses Desert, Journey of Israel Through The: Spies Bring Back Evil Report Holy Land: Twelve Men Sent to Spy Israel: Return with a Majority Report and a Minority Report Kadesh: Israel Encamps At Majority and Minority Reports of the Spies Paran: Desert or Wilderness of Reports: Majority and Minority of Spies