New International Version What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? New Living Translation See what kind of land they live in. Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls, or are they unprotected like open camps? English Standard Version and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, Berean Standard Bible Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Berean Literal Bible and how is the land in which he is dwelling, is it good or bad; and how are the cities in which he is dwelling, in camps or in fortifications; King James Bible And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; New King James Version whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; New American Standard Bible And how is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are the people in open camps or in fortifications? NASB 1995 “How is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are they like open camps or with fortifications? NASB 1977 “And how is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are they like open camps or with fortifications? Legacy Standard Bible And how is the land in which they live, is it good or bad? And how are the cities in which they live, are they like open camps or with fortifications? Amplified Bible and whether the land in which they live is good or bad, and whether the cities in which they live are [open] camps or fortifications, Berean Annotated Bible Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Christian Standard Bible Is the land they live in good or bad? Are the cities they live in encampments or fortifications? Holman Christian Standard Bible Is the land they live in good or bad? Are the cities they live in encampments or fortifications? American Standard Version and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; English Revised Version and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strong holds; GOD'S WORD® Translation Is the land they live in good or bad? Do their cities have walls around them or not? Good News Translation Find out whether the land is good or bad and whether the people live in open towns or in fortified cities. International Standard Version Look to see whether the land where they live is good or bad, and whether the cities in which they live are merely tents or if they're fortified. NET Bible and whether the land they live in is good or bad, and whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or fortified cities, New Heart English Bible and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; Webster's Bible Translation And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIs the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? World English Bible and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand what the land [is] in which it is dwelling, whether it [is] good or bad; and what [are] the cities in which it is dwelling, whether in camps or in fortresses. Berean Literal Bible and how is the land in which he is dwelling, is it good or bad; and how are the cities in which he is dwelling, in camps or in fortifications; Young's Literal Translation and what the land is in which it is dwelling, whether it is good or bad; and what are the cities in which it is dwelling, whether in camps or in fortresses; Smith's Literal Translation And what the land that they dwell in it, whether it is good or evil; and what the cities that they shall dwell in them, whether in camps or in fortifications; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe land itself, whether it be good or bad: what manner of cities, walled or without walls: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Is the country in which they live good or bad? Are the towns in which they dwell open or fortified? New Revised Standard Version and whether the land they live in is good or bad, and whether the towns that they live in are unwalled or fortified, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd what the land is, in which they dwell, whether it is fertile, or poor, or whether it has trees in it or not. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And what the land is which they inhabit. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; Brenton Septuagint Translation And what the land is on which they dwell, whether it is good or bad; and what the cities are wherein these dwell, whether they dwell in walled cities or unwalled. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Spies Explore Canaan…18See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. 19 Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? 20Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)… Cross References Is the land where they live good or bad? Deuteronomy 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.” Deuteronomy 8:7-9 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and fountains and springs that flow through the valleys and hills; / a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; / a land where you will eat food without scarcity, where you will lack nothing; a land whose rocks are iron and whose hills are ready to be mined for copper. Exodus 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. Deuteronomy 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” Deuteronomy 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. Joshua 2:9-11 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. Joshua 14:12 Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.” Judges 18:7 So the five men departed and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living securely, like the Sidonians, quiet and unsuspecting. There was nothing lacking in the land and no oppressive ruler. And they were far away from the Sidonians and had no alliance with anyone. 1 Samuel 17:26 David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 2 Samuel 5:6-7 Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). 2 Kings 18:19-22 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. … Nehemiah 9:25 They captured fortified cities and fertile land and took houses full of all goods, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled; they grew fat and delighted in Your great goodness. Psalm 48:12-14 March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation. / For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death. Isaiah 36:4-7 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. … Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Treasury of Scripture And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; Jump to Previous Bad Camps Cities Dwell Dwelling Holds Kind Sort Strong Strongholds Tent-Circles Tents Towns Unwalled Walled WhetherJump to Next Bad Camps Cities Dwell Dwelling Holds Kind Sort Strong Strongholds Tent-Circles Tents Towns Unwalled Walled WhetherNumbers 13 1. The names of the men who were sent to search the land17. Their instructions 21. Their acts 26. Their relation Is the land where they live good or bad? The spies were to assess whether Canaan could sustain Israel’s families, herds, and future growth. God had promised Abraham’s descendants this land, and its fertility would confirm the richness of the inheritance awaiting them. Deu 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands…… Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Israel also needed to know the strength of the inhabitants and the defenses they would face. Many Canaanite cities were walled and fortified, presenting obstacles beyond Israel’s natural ability to overcome. Their report would reveal both the realities of the land and Israel’s need to trust God in taking it. Deu 3:5 All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who sent the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan. He is a central figure in the account, guiding the people according to God's commands. 2. The Twelve Spies Representatives from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, tasked with exploring Canaan and reporting back on its conditions. 3. Canaan The Promised Land that God had assured to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is the land being scouted by the spies. 4. Israelites The people of God, descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel, who are on the brink of entering the land promised to them by God. 5. The Wilderness of Paran The location from which the spies were sent out to explore Canaan. It represents a place of transition and testing for the Israelites. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipMoses exemplifies the importance of gathering information and seeking God's guidance before making decisions. Leaders today should also seek wisdom and discernment in their decision-making processes. Faith vs. Fear The question of whether the land is "good or bad" and whether the cities are "open camps or fortifications" reflects a deeper issue of faith versus fear. Believers are called to trust in God's promises rather than be swayed by intimidating circumstances. The Importance of Perspective The spies' report would greatly influence the morale and faith of the Israelites. Our perspective and the way we report or interpret situations can impact others' faith and courage. God's Promises and Human Responsibility While God promised the land to the Israelites, they were still responsible for taking action and trusting in His provision. Believers today must balance faith in God's promises with active obedience. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 13:19?2. How does Numbers 13:19 emphasize the importance of assessing enemy strength? 3. What can we learn from Numbers 13:19 about preparing for spiritual battles? 4. How does Numbers 13:19 connect with Ephesians 6:12 on spiritual warfare? 5. How can we apply Numbers 13:19's strategy in facing life's challenges today? 6. What role does discernment play in Numbers 13:19's approach to evaluating opposition? 7. How does Numbers 13:19 challenge the belief in divine guidance and human free will? 8. What historical evidence supports the existence of the cities mentioned in Numbers 13:19? 9. How does Numbers 13:19 reflect the Israelites' understanding of God's promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13? (19) Whether in tents.--Better, in camps, i.e., in open villages and hamlets, as contrasted with strongholds or fortified places.Numbers 13:19 shows Moses asking for two kinds of information: the quality of the land and the strength of its cities. The first reassures Israel of God’s bountiful promise; the second equips them for wise, courageous action. By inspecting both the blessings and the challenges, the spies would return able to testify that the land is indeed good and that, no matter how high the walls, the Lord who gives the land is greater still. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Is the landהָאָ֗רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land where אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they הוּא֙ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are live יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry good הֲטוֹבָ֥ה (hă·ṭō·w·ḇāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not bad? רָעָ֑ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Are the cities הֶֽעָרִ֗ים (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement where אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they הוּא֙ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are dwell יוֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·wō·šêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry open camps הַבְּמַֽחֲנִ֖ים (hab·bə·ma·ḥă·nîm) Article, Preposition-b | Noun - common plural Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army or אִ֥ם (’im) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not fortifications? בְּמִבְצָרִֽים׃ (bə·miḇ·ṣā·rîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender Additonal Resources Numbers 13:19 Blue Letter BibleNumbers 13:19 Bible Gateway Numbers 13:19 Bible.com Numbers 13:19 NIV |



