Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut thereThe Israelites, under Moses' leadership, were exploring the Promised Land, Canaan, to assess its potential for settlement. The cluster of grapes signifies the land's fertility and abundance, fulfilling God's promise of a land "flowing with milk and honey" (
Exodus 3:8). Grapes were a staple in the ancient Near Eastern diet, used for food and wine, symbolizing prosperity and blessing. The act of cutting the grapes indicates the tangible evidence of God's provision and the land's richness, which was meant to encourage the Israelites to trust in God's promises.
that place was called the Valley of Eshcol
"Eshcol" means "cluster" in Hebrew, directly referencing the significant cluster of grapes found there. Naming places after events or characteristics was common in biblical times, serving as a memorial for God's acts and the experiences of His people. The Valley of Eshcol is located near Hebron, a significant city in biblical history, associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This naming also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey and the challenges they faced in trusting God's promises. The valley's name is a testament to the land's potential and the faith required to possess it.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who were on a journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. They were tasked with exploring Canaan.
2.
The Valley of EshcolA fertile area in Canaan known for its abundant produce, particularly the large cluster of grapes that the Israelite spies brought back as evidence of the land's richness.
3.
The SpiesA group of twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan and report back on its conditions and inhabitants.
4.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to send the spies into Canaan to assess the land promised to them.
5.
CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, described as a land flowing with milk and honey.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's PromisesThe exploration of Canaan was a test of faith in God's promises. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.
The Abundance of God's ProvisionThe cluster of grapes symbolizes the abundance and richness of God's provision. Christians are encouraged to recognize and be thankful for God's blessings in their lives.
The Importance of ObedienceThe spies were obedient to Moses' command to explore the land. Similarly, believers are called to obey God's commands, trusting that His plans are for their good.
Overcoming Fear with FaithDespite the challenges reported by the spies, faith in God's power and promises should overcome fear. Believers are encouraged to face their fears with faith.
Bearing Spiritual FruitJust as the Valley of Eshcol was fruitful, Christians are called to bear spiritual fruit, living lives that reflect the character and love of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 13:24?
2.How does Numbers 13:24 illustrate God's provision through the land's abundance?
3.What significance do the "cluster of grapes" and "Valley of Eshcol" hold?
4.How can we trust God's promises when facing daunting challenges today?
5.What parallels exist between Numbers 13:24 and God's blessings in Deuteronomy 8:7-9?
6.How can we apply the faithfulness shown in Numbers 13:24 to our lives?
7.What is the significance of the Valley of Eshcol in Numbers 13:24?
8.How does the cluster of grapes symbolize God's promise in Numbers 13:24?
9.Why were the spies' findings in Numbers 13:24 important for Israel's faith journey?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13?
11.Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land's inhabitants and geography?
12.How is it scientifically plausible for grapes to grow large enough to require two men to carry a single cluster (Numbers 13:23)?
13.How can the spies' 40-day exploration (Numbers 13:25) realistically cover all the territories listed?
14.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?What Does Numbers 13:24 Mean
Because of the cluster of grapes• The spies had just reached Canaan’s hill country and “cut a branch with a single cluster of grapes” so large that “they carried it on a pole between two men” (Numbers 13:23).
• This abundant fruit was a visible, tangible confirmation of God’s earlier promise that the land would be “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8;Deuteronomy 8:7-9).
• The overwhelming size of the grapes underscored God’s generosity, reminding Israel that His blessings are never meager (Psalm 81:10;John 10:10).
• The cluster became a symbol: what God says, He supplies.
the Israelites cut there• The phrase centers on Israel’s personal involvement—these weren’t rumors; the people themselves gathered the evidence (Deuteronomy 1:22-25).
• By cutting the fruit, the spies acted in obedience to Moses’ instructions to “see what the land is like” (Numbers 13:17-20).
• Their firsthand experience left the nation without excuse—God had shown His faithfulness in concrete form (Hebrews 3:16-19).
• It also illustrates a pattern: God invites His people to participate in the unfolding of His promises (Joshua 2:1-24; 6:23).
that place was called• Naming places after God’s acts turns moments into memorials (Genesis 22:14;Exodus 17:15).
• Here, the new name fixed the event in Israel’s collective memory so future generations could recall both the blessing and the ensuing choice between faith and fear (Psalm 78:5-8).
• Such memorial names invite worship and witness, pointing back to what the Lord has done (Joshua 4:7).
the Valley of Eshcol• “Eshcol” means “cluster,” so the valley’s title permanently testified to the land’s fruitfulness (Numbers 32:9;Deuteronomy 1:24).
• The same region appears earlier in Genesis when Abram’s allies included an Amorite named Eshcol (Genesis 14:13); God’s unfolding story revisits familiar ground to highlight continuity in His plans.
• The valley sits near Hebron—an area rich in patriarchal history—linking the spies’ report to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 13:14-18).
• Ironically, the valley that showcased promise also became the backdrop for Israel’s doubt, reminding us that evidence alone cannot substitute for faith (Numbers 14:1-4).
summaryNumbers 13:24 records more than a note about geography; it captures a moment when God’s lavish provision lay heavy across a pole on the shoulders of His people. The cluster of grapes proved His word, the act of cutting it involved Israel in His promise, the naming preserved the memory, and the Valley of Eshcol stood as a lasting monument to both God’s generosity and the need for wholehearted trust.
(24)
The place was called . . . --This verse states the reason why the valley was so called by the Israelites, but does not determine the question whether it originally derived its name from Eshcol or not.
Verse 24. -
The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster. It is very probable that it was already known as the valley of Eshcol, from the friend of Abraham, who bore that name and lived in that neighbourhood (
Genesis 14:13, 24). If so it is an admirable instance of the loose way in which etymologies are treated in the Old Testament: what the place really received was not a new name, but a new signification to the old name; but this appeared all one in the eyes of the sacred writer.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Because ofעַ֚ל(‘al)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe clusterהָֽאֶשְׁכּ֔וֹל(hā·’eš·kō·wl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 811:A bunch of grapes, other fruitof grapes the Israelitesבְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A soncutכָּרְת֥וּ(kā·rə·ṯū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenantthere,מִשָּׁ֖ם(miš·šām)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherthatהַה֔וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, areplaceלַמָּק֣וֹם(lam·mā·qō·wm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionwas calledקָרָ֖א(qā·rā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readthe Valleyנַ֣חַל(na·ḥal)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5158:A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaftof Eshcol.אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל(’eš·kō·wl)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 812:Eshcol -- an Amorite, also a region of Hebron
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 13:24 That place was called the valley (Nu Num.) 
