Topical Encyclopedia
Eshcol is a significant location and figure in the biblical narrative, primarily associated with the exploration of Canaan by the Israelite spies. The name "Eshcol" is derived from the Hebrew word for "cluster," which is fitting given the region's association with a bountiful cluster of grapes.
Biblical References:1.
The Valley of Eshcol: The Valley of Eshcol is most famously mentioned in the Book of Numbers during the account of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land.
Numbers 13:23-24 states, "When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men, along with some pomegranates and figs. That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there." This passage highlights the fertility and abundance of the land, symbolized by the large cluster of grapes, which required two men to carry.
2.
The Report of the Spies: The Valley of Eshcol is central to the report given by the spies upon their return.
Numbers 13:27 records their words: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is its fruit." The fruit from Eshcol served as tangible evidence of the land's richness, yet the report also led to fear and doubt among the Israelites due to the presence of formidable inhabitants.
3.
Deuteronomy's Reflection: In
Deuteronomy 1:24-25 , Moses recounts the journey of the spies: "They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied out the land. They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word, saying, 'It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.'" This reflection emphasizes the goodness of the land promised by God, despite the subsequent rebellion and lack of faith by the Israelites.
Historical and Theological Significance:Eshcol serves as a symbol of God's promise and provision. The abundance of the valley underscores the faithfulness of God in leading His people to a land of prosperity. However, the narrative also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of fear and unbelief. The Israelites' failure to trust in God's promise, despite the evidence from Eshcol, resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness.
Eshcol the Person:In addition to the geographical location, Eshcol is also the name of an Amorite ally of Abram (later Abraham). In
Genesis 14:13 , Eshcol is mentioned as one of the brothers of Mamre the Amorite, who allied with Abram in the battle to rescue Lot. This alliance highlights the relationships and interactions between the patriarchs and the surrounding peoples.
Conclusion:Eshcol, both as a location and a person, plays a pivotal role in the biblical narrative. The Valley of Eshcol stands as a testament to the land's fertility and God's promises, while the figure of Eshcol represents the alliances and interactions in the patriarchal period. The lessons drawn from Eshcol continue to resonate, reminding believers of the importance of faith and trust in God's provision.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Eshcolbunch of grapes
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Eshcol(cluster of grapes), brother of Mamre the Amorite and of Aner, and one of Abraham's companions in his pursuit of the four kings who had carried off Lot. (Genesis 14:13,24) (B.C. 1912.).
ATS Bible Dictionary
Eshcol1. An Amorite prince near Hebron, who joined Abraham in Pursuing the eastern host who had ravaged Sodom and taken Lot captive,Genesis 14:13-14.
2. The small and well-watered valley from which the Hebrew spies obtained the specimen of grapes, which they suspended from a staff borne by two men for safe carriage to Moses,Numbers 13:22-27 32:9 De 1:24. This valley is believed to be one which closely adjoins Hebron on the north, and still furnishes the finest grapes in the country, as well as pomegranates, figs, olives etc.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Bunch; brave.
(1.) A young Amoritish chief who joined Abraham in the recovery of Lot from the hands of Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:13, 24).
(2.) A valley in which the spies obtained a fine cluster of grapes (Numbers 13:23, 24; "the brook Eshcol, " A.V.; "the valley of Eshcol, " R.V.), which they took back with them to the camp of Israel as a specimen of the fruits of the Promised Land. On their way back they explored the route which led into the south (the Negeb) by the western edge of the mountains at Telilat el-`Anab, i.e., "grape-mounds", near Beersheba. "In one of these extensive valleys, perhaps in Wady Hanein, where miles of grape-mounds even now meet the eye, they cut the gigantic clusters of grapes, and gathered the pomegranates and figs, to show how goodly was the land which the Lord had promised for their inheritance.", Palmer's Desert of the Exodus.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ESHCOL (1)esh'-kol ('eshkol, "cluster"; Eschol):
The brother of Mamre and Aner, the Amorite allies of Abraham who took part with him in the pursuit and defeat of Chedorlaomer's forces (Genesis 14:13, 14). He lived in the neighborhood of Hebron (Genesis 13:18), and may have given his name to the valley of Eshcol, which lay a little North of Hebron (Numbers 13:23).
ESHCOL (2)
esh'-kol ('eshkol; Pharagx botruos), "a cluster of grapes":
The spies came to Hebron "and they came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes" (Numbers 13:23, 14;Numbers 32:9Deuteronomy 1:24). It was a valley near Hebron rich in vineyards. Fruitful vineyards are still the most characteristic feature of the environs of Hebron, especially on the North. No particular valley can be identified, though popular tradition favors the wide and fertile valley, near the traditional site of "Abraham's oak," a little to the West of the carriage road just before it enters the outskirts of Hebron.
E. W. G. Masterman
Strong's Hebrew
812. Eshkol -- an Amorite, also a region of Hebron... 811, 812. Eshkol. 813 . an Amorite, also a region of Hebron. Transliteration:
Eshkol Phonetic Spelling: (esh-kole') Short Definition:
Eshcol.
...Eshcol.
...Library
Afraid of Giants
... And they came unto the brook ofEshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one
cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon staff; and they brought...
Foretastes of the Heavenly Life
... sent twelve men as spies into the land of Canaan, who brought back with them the
fruit of the land, amongst the rest a bunch of grapes fromEshcol too heavy to...
The Story of the Grapes from Canaan
... They named the place where they found this bunch of grapesEshcol, a word which
means "a cluster." These twelve men were called "spies," because they went "to...
The Report of the Hebrew Spies
... When they came to the valley ofEshcol, they cut down from there a branch with one
cluster of grapes and brought it away on a pole carried by two men....
Chapter xiv
... And a fugitive came and told Abram, the man from across the river, who was dwelling
by the terebinths of Mamre, the Amorite, the brother ofEshcol and Aner...
"Alas for Us, if Thou Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth"
... upon earth? Is Canaan ours from Dan to Beersheba, and shall we eat no
fruit fromEshcol's vine on this side of Jordan? Shall we...
The Waters of Meribah
... This is all that we have got by reassembling here.' Do we not often feel that
the drought of Kadesh is more real than the grapes ofEshcol?...
Abraham
... Lot his nephew, Abimelech, Aner,Eshcol, Mamre, and others, seem to have
known whom Abraham meant when he spoke of the Almighty God....
The Ancestral Home
... For twice the length of your life and mine he had sat in the bower of the
promises, plucking the round, ripe clusters ofEshcol....
The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
... Those recorded are but a small proportion of those done. There were more grapes
in the vineyards ofEshcol than the messengers brought in evidence to the camp....
Thesaurus
Eshcol (6 Occurrences)... (2.) A valley in which the spies obtained a fine cluster of grapes (Numbers 13:23,
24; "the brook
Eshcol, " AV; "the
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ESHCOL (1).
...Cluster (6 Occurrences)
... close body. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CLUSTER. klus'-ter: (1) 'eshkol;
compare proper name VALE OFESHCOL. (which see), from...
Vine (76 Occurrences)
... The men sent out by Moses brought with them from the Valley ofEshcol a cluster
of grapes so large that "they bare it between two upon a staff" (Numbers 13: 23...
Hebron (71 Occurrences)
... (1.) A city in the south end of the valley ofEshcol, about midway between Jerusalem
and Beersheba, from which it is distant about 20 miles in a straight line....
Aner (3 Occurrences)
... Hebrew. Now he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother ofEshcol,
and brother of Aner; and these were allies of Abram....
Grapes (74 Occurrences)
... Numbers 13:23 They came to the valley ofEshcol, and cut down from there a branch
with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two; they...
Mamre (10 Occurrences)
... Hebrew. Now he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother ofEshcol,
and brother of Aner; and these were allies of Abram....
Valley (187 Occurrences)
... (3.) Ge, "a bursting," a "flowing together," a narrow glen or ravine, such as the
valley of the children of Hinnom (2 Kings 23:10); ofEshcol (Deuteronomy 1:24...
Thence (152 Occurrences)
... Numbers 13:23 And they came unto the brook ofEshcol, and cut down from thence a
branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff...
Brook (75 Occurrences)
... Numbers 13:23 And they came unto the brook ofEshcol, and cut down from thence a
branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff...
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