The Twelve Spies

From the wilderness of Paran, Moses sends out twelve men, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. For forty days they travel it from south to north, passing through Hebron. In the Valley of Eshcol they cut down a single cluster of grapes so large that two men carry it on a pole. Back at Kadesh, they confirm that it is a land “flowing with milk and honey.” But the cities are fortified and the people are strong. Caleb cries out: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it!” The others spread fear: giants, and “we were in our own sight as grasshoppers.” The people weep all night and want to go back to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb plead: “The LORD is with us, fear them not!” There is talk of stoning them. Moses intercedes, and God pardons, but he rules: this unbelieving generation will wander forty years in the wilderness, a year for each day of exploring, and die there. Only Joshua and Caleb will enter.