So they went up and spied out the landThis phrase marks the beginning of the reconnaissance mission by the Israelite spies. The act of spying out the land was a strategic move, reflecting the military and exploratory practices of ancient Near Eastern cultures. It demonstrates the Israelites' preparation and caution before entering the Promised Land. This mission was commanded by God (
Numbers 13:1-2), showing divine involvement in their journey. The act of sending spies can also be seen as a test of faith for the Israelites, as they were to trust in God's promise despite the challenges they might observe.
from the Wilderness of Zin
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region located in the southern part of Canaan, near the Negev. It served as a boundary for the land of Edom (Numbers 34:3-4). This area is significant in the Israelites' journey, as it represents the transition from wandering in the wilderness to entering the land promised to them by God. The wilderness experience is often seen as a time of testing and reliance on God, paralleling the Christian journey of faith and dependence on divine guidance.
as far as Rehob
Rehob is identified as a northern boundary of the land the spies explored. It is associated with the region near modern-day Lebanon. The mention of Rehob indicates the extensive scope of the land the Israelites were to inherit, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham about the vastness of the land (Genesis 15:18-21). This exploration underscores the abundance and diversity of the Promised Land, which was to be a place of blessing and prosperity for God's people.
toward Lebo-hamath
Lebo-hamath is a location marking the northern extent of the land of Canaan. It is often associated with the entrance to the region of Hamath, a significant city-state in ancient Syria. This reference highlights the strategic and fertile nature of the land, as Hamath was known for its wealth and resources. The inclusion of Lebo-hamath in the spies' journey emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a land stretching from the desert to the fertile regions of the north, symbolizing God's provision and the future establishment of Israel as a nation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wilderness of ZinA desert region in the southern part of Canaan, marking the starting point of the spies' exploration. It represents the boundary between the known and the unknown for the Israelites.
2.
RehobA location in the northern part of Canaan, indicating the extent of the land the spies explored. It symbolizes the promise of God's provision and the vastness of the land He intended for His people.
3.
Lebo-hamathA northern boundary of the land of Canaan, often associated with the entrance to the land. It signifies the completeness of the land God promised to the Israelites.
4.
The SpiesRepresentatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, tasked with exploring the Promised Land. Their mission was to gather information about the land and its inhabitants.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's PromisesThe exploration of the land serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when facing unknown territories in life.
Courage in the Face of ChallengesThe spies' journey from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob demonstrates the need for courage. Christians are called to step out in faith, trusting that God goes before them.
The Importance of PerspectiveThe spies' report later in Numbers reveals differing perspectives. Believers should seek God's perspective, focusing on His power rather than the obstacles.
Unity in MissionThe twelve spies were representatives of the entire community, highlighting the importance of unity in pursuing God's mission. The church today is called to work together in fulfilling God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 13:21?
2.How can we apply the spies' exploration to our spiritual journey today?
3.What does Numbers 13:21 teach about trusting God's promises despite challenges?
4.How does the spies' mission connect to Jesus sending disciples in Matthew 10?
5.In what ways can we prepare for challenges like the spies in Canaan?
6.How does the exploration of Canaan reflect God's faithfulness in our lives?
7.What is the significance of the spies' journey in Numbers 13:21 for understanding God's promises?
8.How does Numbers 13:21 reflect the Israelites' faith and trust in God's plan?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the locations mentioned in Numbers 13:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13?
11.Are there historical records outside the Bible confirming the entrance to Hamath (v. 8) as part of Israel’s border, or is it solely a biblical claim?
12.What did the twelve spies report about Canaan?
13.How can the spies' 40-day exploration (Numbers 13:25) realistically cover all the territories listed?
14.Numbers 7:1-3: How could the Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, assemble such large quantities of metals and animals for offerings?What Does Numbers 13:21 Mean
So they went upNumbers 13 records the moment the twelve appointed spies obeyed Moses’ directive to begin their mission. “So they went up” confirms their immediate response to God-given orders.
• Obedience on the spot mirrors Abraham’s swift action inGenesis 12:4 and Israel’s later readiness inJoshua 1:16-17.
• The direction “went up” points northward from the Negev’s lowlands toward the higher hill country—an uphill trek both literally and spiritually, recallingDeuteronomy 1:21 where Moses urged, “Take possession… do not fear or be dismayed.”
Their ascent announces trust in the Lord who had already promised, “I am giving the Israelites this land” (Numbers 13:2).
andThe tiny conjunction links the spies’ obedience with God’s broader redemptive plan. It carries the story forward, just asExodus 14:15 moves from “Why are you crying out to Me?” to “tell the Israelites to go forward.” Faith never stalls; it keeps adding each next “and.”
spied out the landThe phrase describes deliberate, thorough investigation.
• Purpose: confirm God’s goodness, not question it (seeDeuteronomy 8:7-9).
• Pattern: similar reconnaissance appears inJoshua 2:1 when two spies inspect Jericho.
• Principle: gathering facts precedes faithful action (Luke 14:28-30). Yet the report must align with God’s promise, not human fear (Numbers 13:30).
Literally scoping rivers, crops, and defenses, they were to come back echoing Moses’ confidence: “The LORD your God who goes before you will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 1:30).
from the Wilderness of ZinThis southern border region (Numbers 34:3-4) served as Israel’s launching point.
• Starting where they currently camped emphasized that God’s blessings begin right where His people are.
• The wilderness—scene of daily manna (Exodus 16:14-18)—reminded them that provision was already their present experience, foreshadowing greater abundance ahead (Psalm 78:15-16).
The contrast between barren Zin and fertile Canaan underlined the tangible difference between life outside and inside God’s promises.
as far as RehobRehob, near modern-day Lebbech in the north, marked the opposite extreme of the land.
• Covering roughly 250 miles north-south demonstrated the land’s breadth, fulfilling God’s oath inGenesis 13:17: “Walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.”
• Their complete sweep previewed Joshua’s later campaigns that stretched “from Kadesh-barnea to Gaza, and all of Goshen as far as Gibeon” (Joshua 10:41).
God’s promise encompassed every mile; their survey simply matched His limitless generosity.
toward Lebo-hamathLebo-hamath (the “entrance of Hamath”) lay at Canaan’s northern gateway, indicating the spies even eyed strategic border passes.
• Its mention reappears when Solomon’s realm reaches “from Tiphsah to Gaza, from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt” (1 Kings 8:65), proving God later kept this boundary intact.
• The phrase underscores security: the Lord not only grants land but also guards its entrances (Psalm 121:8).
By peering toward Lebo-hamath, the spies glimpsed the future extent of Israel’s inheritance—an early preview of the kingdom’s golden age (2 Chronicles 7:8).
summaryNumbers 13:21 records more than a geographical itinerary; it testifies to active faith—obediently ascending, intentionally surveying, and confidently stretching from Zin’s wasteland to Lebo-hamath’s frontier. Each phrase spotlights God’s faithfulness to give His people a vast, good land, challenging believers today to step forward, examine His promises, and trust that every boundary He marks is already theirs in Christ.
(21)
From the wilderness of Zin.--The name of the wilderness of Zin, in which Kadesh was situated, appears to have been given to the northern or northeastern part of the wilderness of Paran. Comp.
Numbers 20:1;
Numbers 27:14;
Numbers 33:36;
Numbers 34:3-4;
Deuteronomy 32:51;
Joshua 15:1;
Joshua 15:3. . . .
Verse 21. -
From the wilderness of Zin. The extreme southern boundary of the promised land (
Numbers 34:3, 4;
Joshua 15:1, 3). There seems to be but one marked natural feature which could have been chosen for that purpose - the broad sandy depression called the Wady Murreh, which divides the mountain mass of the Azazimeh from the Rakhmah plateau, the southern extremity of the highlands of Judah. The plain of Kudes communicates with it at its upper or western end, and maybe counted a part of it.
Unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. Septuagint,
ἕως Ροὸβ εἰσπορευομένων Αἰμάθ. Hamath, now Hamah, was in Greek times Epiphaneia, on the Orontes, outside the limits of Jewish rule. The southern entrance to it lay between the ranges of Libanus and Anti-libanus (see note on Numbers 34:8). The Rehob here mentioned is not likely to have been either of the Rehobs in the territory of Asher (
Joshua 19:28-30), but the Beth-rehob further to the east, and near to where Dan-Laish was afterwards built (
Judges 18:28). It lies on the route to Hamath, and was at one time a place of some importance in the possession of the Syrians (
2 Samuel 10:6).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So they went upוַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ(way·ya·‘ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyand spied outוַיָּתֻ֣רוּ(way·yā·ṯu·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8446:To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitringthe landהָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landfrom the wildernessמִמִּדְבַּר־(mim·miḏ·bar-)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057:A pasture, a desert, speechof Zinצִ֥ן(ṣin)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6790:Zin -- a desert area which included Kadesh-barneaasעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilefar as Rehob,רְחֹ֖ב(rə·ḥōḇ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7340:Rechobtoward Lebo-hamath.חֲמָֽת׃(ḥă·māṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2574:Hamath -- a place North of Damascus
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OT Law: Numbers 13:21 So they went up and spied out (Nu Num.) 
