Chapter 34—Twelve Spies Survey Canaan
This chapter is based on
Numbers 13
and 14.
The Hebrew host encamped at Kadesh, in the wilderness of Paran,
which was not far from the borders of the Promised Land. Here it was
proposed by the people that spies be sent up to survey the country.
The matter was presented before the Lord by Moses, and permission
was granted. The men were chosen and Moses bade them go and see
the country and the people, whether they were strong or weak, few or
many; also to observe the soil and its productiveness and to bring of
the fruit of the land.
They went, and surveyed the whole land, and returned after forty
days. The news of the spies’ return was hailed with rejoicing. The
people rushed out to meet the messengers, who had safely escaped the
dangers of their perilous undertaking. The spies brought specimens
of the fruit, showing the fertility of the soil. They brought a cluster
of grapes so large that it was carried between two men. They also
brought of the figs and pomegranates, which grew in abundance.
The people listened intently as the report was brought to Moses.
“We came unto the land whither thou sentest us,” the spies began, “and
surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.” The
people were enthusiastic; they would eagerly obey the voice of the
Lord and go up at once to possess the land.
But all but two of the spies enlarged upon the dangers and uttered
the sentiments of their unbelieving hearts, which were filled with
discouragement prompted by Satan. Their unbelief cast a gloomy
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shadow over the congregation. The mighty power of God, so often
manifested in behalf of the chosen nation, was forgotten. The people
did not call to mind how wonderfully God had delivered them from
their oppressors, cutting a path through the sea and destroying the
pursuing hosts of Pharaoh. They left God out of the question, as
though they must depend solely on the power of arms.
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