Exploring Canaan: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Numbers 13

Executive Summary

Numbers 13, a pivotal chapter, recounts the mission of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. This *Exploration of Canaan* reveals not only the land’s abundance but also the spies’ divided report. Ten spies, overwhelmed by the perceived strength of the Canaanites, spread fear and doubt amongst the Israelites, leading to a near-rebellion against God. Only Caleb and Joshua stood firm in their faith, urging the people to trust in God’s promise and seize the land. This chapter serves as a potent reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the dangers of succumbing to fear and doubt, crucial lessons applicable even in our modern spiritual journey. The repercussions of the Israelites’ disbelief were severe, leading to a forty-year wandering in the wilderness. The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of faith, the consequences of disobedience, and God’s unwavering faithfulness.

The book of Numbers, often overlooked, is filled with profound spiritual lessons. Today, we delve into Numbers 13, focusing on the *Exploration of Canaan*, a chapter that highlights faith, fear, and the consequences of our choices.

Commentary on Numbers 13

Numbers 13:1-3 (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.

καὶ ἐλάλησεν Κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν λέγων ἀπόστειλον σεαυτῷ ἄνδρας καὶ κατασκοπευσάτωσαν τὴν γῆν Χαναάν ἣν ἐγὼ δίδωμι τοῖς υἱοῖς Ἰσραήλ ἀνὰ φυλὴν ἀνὰ φυλὴν πατριῶν αὐτῶν ἀποστελεῖς πάντα ἄνδρα ἄρχοντα ἐν αὐτοῖς. (Septuagint)

God commands Moses to send spies. This isn’t because God needs information; He already knows the land. Rather, it’s for the Israelites’ sake, allowing them to see and confirm what God has promised. Each tribe sending a leader signifies the unified responsibility in claiming God’s promise. This highlights the importance of community and shared experience in our spiritual walk. We are not meant to walk alone but to support and encourage one another in faith. Just like Moses followed God’s command, we must be obedient to His word and guidance. This may entail exploring uncharted territory, both literally and figuratively, in our spiritual lives.

Spiritual application: Obedience to God’s call requires action. Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain? Consider using dohost.us for practical tools to support your endeavors.

Numbers 13:17-20 (KJV)

And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς Μωυσῆς κατασκοπεῦσαι τὴν γῆν Χαναάν καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ἀνάβητε ταύτην διὰ Νότου καὶ ἀναβήσεσθε εἰς τὴν ὀρεινήν καὶ ἴδετε τὴν γῆν τίς ἐστιν καὶ τὸν λαὸν τὸν κατοικοῦντα ἐν αὐτῇ εἰ δυνατός ἐστιν ἢ ἀσθενὴς ὀλίγοι εἰσὶν ἢ πολλοί καὶ ποία ἡ γῆ ἧς αὐτὸς κατοικεῖ ἐν αὐτῇ εἰ ἀγαθὴ ἐστιν ἢ κακή καὶ ποῖαι αἱ πόλεις ἃς αὐτὸς κατοικεῖ ἐν αὐταῖς εἰ ἐν παρεμβολαῖς ἢ ἐν ὀχυρώμασιν καὶ ποία ἡ γῆ εἰ πίων ἐστιν ἢ ισχνὴ εἰ ἔστιν ἐν αὐτῇ ξύλον ἢ οὔ καὶ ἀνδρίζεσθε καὶ λάβετε ἀπὸ τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς ὁ δὲ καιρὸς ἦν καιρὸς πρωίμων σταφυλῶν. (Septuagint)

Moses’ specific instructions highlight the importance of thorough investigation. He directs them to observe the land’s resources, the strength of its inhabitants, and the nature of their settlements. The phrase “be ye of good courage” emphasizes the need for a positive and faithful mindset. Bringing back fruit is a symbolic act, showing the tangible evidence of God’s promise. The early grapes indicate the season of harvest, signifying the opportune time to claim the land. From a geographical perspective, Canaan was known for its diverse terrain, from fertile valleys to mountainous regions. The request for fruit reflects this diversity and the potential of the land. This also serves as a reminder that we must be thorough in our discernment, seeking God’s wisdom in all we do, and approaching challenges with courage and faith.

Spiritual application: Discernment is key. We must carefully evaluate situations and seek God’s wisdom before making decisions. Don’t let fear paralyze you from claiming God’s blessings.

Numbers 13:25-29 (KJV)

And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. 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 shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.

καὶ ἀπέστρεψαν ἀπὸ κατασκοπεύσεως τῆς γῆς μετὰ τεσσαράκοντα ἡμέρας καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς Μωυσῆν καὶ πρὸς Ααρων καὶ πρὸς πᾶσαν τὴν συναγωγὴν τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ εἰς τὴν ἔρημον Φαραν εἰς Καδης καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν αὐτοῖς λόγον καὶ ἔδειξαν αὐτοῖς τοὺς καρποὺς τῆς γῆς καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν αὐτῷ καὶ εἶπαν ἤλθομεν εἰς τὴν γῆν εἰς ἣν ἀπέστειλας ἡμᾶς καὶ ἰδοὺ ῥεῖ γάλα καὶ μέλι καὶ οὗτοι οἱ καρποὶ αὐτῆς πλὴν ὅτι δυνατὸς ὁ λαὸς ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν τῇ γῇ καὶ αἱ πόλεις ὀχυραὶ μεγάλαι σφόδρα καὶ γε καὶ τοὺς γίγαντας εἴδομεν ἐκεῖ τοὺς υἱοὺς Ενακ Αμαληκ δὲ κατοικεῖ τὴν γῆν τὴν πρὸς νότον Χετταῖοι δὲ καὶ Ιεβουσαῖοι καὶ Αμορραῖοι κατοικοῦσιν ἐν τῇ ὀρεινῇ Χαναναῖοι δὲ κάθηνται παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ παρὰ τὸν Ιορδάνην (Septuagint)

The spies confirm the land’s abundance (“it floweth with milk and honey”) – a testament to God’s promise. Yet, they immediately introduce doubt by emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. This is a classic example of focusing on the obstacle rather than the promise-giver. Mentioning the Anakim, known for their great stature, heightens the fear. The listing of various tribes emphasizes the widespread presence of opposition. Saint Athanasius speaks about the importance of not being discouraged by the enemy in his *Life of Antony:* “Μὴ φοβοῦ τὰ φαντάσματα, οὐδὲ δειλιάσῃς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐπιθέσεων τοῦ διαβόλου” (Fear not the phantasms, neither be thou cowardly at the assaults of the devil). This aligns with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of spiritual warfare. It’s a battle fought not with physical weapons but with faith, prayer, and reliance on God. The forty-day period could be symbolically related to periods of testing and preparation in the Scriptures, like Noah’s flood lasting for 40 days or Christ’s temptation in the wilderness.

Spiritual application: Recognize the difference between acknowledging challenges and succumbing to fear. God’s promises are not nullified by obstacles. Remember that God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Numbers 13:30-33 (KJV)

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

ἐσιώπησεν δὲ Χαλεβ τὸν λαὸν πρὸς Μωυσῆν καὶ εἶπεν ἀναβάντες ἀναβησόμεθα καὶ κατασχῶμεν αὐτήν ὅτι δυνατοὶ δυνάμεθα πρὸς αὐτούς οἱ δὲ ἄνδρες οἱ ἀναβάντες μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἔλεγον οὐ δυνάμεθα ἀναβῆναι πρὸς τὸν λαὸν ὅτι ἰσχυρότεροι εἰσὶν ἡμῶν καὶ ἐξήνεγκαν λόγον πονηρὸν περὶ τῆς γῆς ἧς κατεσκόπευσαν αὐτὴν εἰς τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ λέγοντες ἡ γῆ ἧς διήλθομεν δι᾿ αὐτῆς κατασκοπεῦσαι αὐτὴν γῆ ἐσθίουσα τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐν αὐτῇ ἐστιν καὶ πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ὃν εἴδομεν ἐν αὐτῇ ἄνδρες ὑψηλοὶ καὶ ἐκεῖ εἴδομεν τοὺς γίγαντας τοὺς υἱοὺς Ενακ ἐκ τῶν γιγάντων καὶ ἤμεθα ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν ὡσεὶ ἀκρίδες καὶ οὕτως ἤμεθα ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν (Septuagint)

Caleb’s bold declaration of faith contrasts sharply with the fearful report of the other spies. He urges immediate action, trusting in God’s ability to deliver them. The ten spies, however, spread an “evil report,” exaggerating the dangers and instilling fear. Their description of the land as “eating up the inhabitants” is likely hyperbole meant to incite fear. Their self-perception as “grasshoppers” reveals their lack of faith and trust in God’s power. This lack of faith highlights a crucial point in Coptic Orthodox theology: Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, unwavering trust in God’s power and promises, a practical and lived experience of the Holy Spirit. It’s about seeing oneself through God’s eyes, not through the lens of fear and inadequacy.

Spiritual Application: Be a Caleb in your own life. Stand firm in your faith, even when others are filled with doubt and fear. Your faith can encourage others to trust in God’s power.

The Power of Perspective

This chapter underscores the profound impact of perspective. The same land, viewed through the lens of faith, becomes a promise waiting to be claimed. Viewed through the lens of fear, it becomes an insurmountable obstacle. This applies directly to our lives.

• Faith Over Fear: Cultivate a mindset of faith, trusting in God’s promises despite challenges.
• Positive Confession: Speak words of faith and encouragement, even when facing difficult circumstances.
• Focus on God’s Power: Remember that God’s power is greater than any obstacle we face.
• Community Support: Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith.
• Spiritual Warfare: Recognize that fear and doubt are spiritual attacks and resist them with prayer and faith.
• Renew your Mind: Continually fill your mind with God’s Word and promises to combat negative thoughts.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did God allow the spies to explore the land if He already knew what would happen?

A: God allowed the *Exploration of Canaan* not for His own benefit but for the sake of the Israelites. It was an opportunity for them to exercise faith and witness firsthand the bounty of the land He had promised. Their failure reveals the condition of their hearts, not a lack of God’s foreknowledge.

Q: What is the significance of the forty days of exploration?

A: The forty days may symbolize a period of testing and preparation, similar to other periods in the Bible. It represents a time of intense focus and evaluation, after which a crucial decision must be made. It serves as a time of evaluation before making a major decision.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Numbers 13 to our spiritual lives today?

A: We can learn to cultivate a mindset of faith over fear, focusing on God’s promises rather than the obstacles. We must choose to speak words of encouragement and believe in God’s power to overcome any challenge. We should also surround ourselves with fellow believers who will uplift and support our faith.

Conclusion

The story of the twelve spies in Numbers 13 is a timeless reminder of the importance of faith and the dangers of doubt. The *Exploration of Canaan* became a turning point for the Israelites, leading to a forty-year delay in entering the promised land. This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts and to ensure that we are not allowing fear to dictate our decisions. Like Caleb and Joshua, we must choose to believe in God’s promises and to step out in faith, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Let us cultivate a spirit of courage and trust, relying on God’s power to overcome any obstacle in our path. When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember God’s faithfulness and lean on Him to guide you through. Do not let fear and doubt prevent you from claiming the blessings that God has prepared for you.

Tags

Faith, Fear, Obedience, Canaan, Spies, Joshua, Caleb, Promised Land, Coptic Orthodox, Old Testament

Meta Description

Numbers 13 commentary: Explore Canaan, faith vs. fear, lessons for today. A Coptic Orthodox perspective on obedience, God’s promises, and overcoming doubt.