Numbers 13:3
New International Version
So at the LORD’s command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites.

New Living Translation
So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He sent out twelve men, all tribal leaders of Israel, from their camp in the wilderness of Paran.

English Standard Version
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites,

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of Yahweh, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
So Moses sent spies from the Wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the Israelites.

Christian Standard Bible
Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran at the LORD’s command. All the men were leaders in Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran at the LORD’s command. All the men were leaders in Israel.

American Standard Version
And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Jehovah: all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
So Moses sent twelve tribal leaders from Israel's camp in the Paran Desert

English Revised Version
And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of the LORD: all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So at the LORD's command, Moses sent these men from the Desert of Paran. All of them were leaders of the Israelites.

International Standard Version
So that's just what Moses did, sending them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the LORD's instructions. All of the men were Israeli leaders.

Majority Standard Bible
So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites,

NET Bible
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD. All of them were leaders of the Israelites.

New Heart English Bible
Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of the LORD: all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Yahweh. All of them were men who were heads of the children of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses sends them from the wilderness of Paran by the command of YHWH; all of them [are] men, [and] they are heads of the sons of Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses sendeth them from the wilderness of Paran by the command of Jehovah; all of them are men, heads of the sons of Israel they are,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will send them from the desert of Paran, at the mouth of Jehovah; all of them chiefs, the heads of the sons of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moses did what the Lord had commanded, sending from the desert of Pharan, principal men, whose names are these:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moses did what the Lord had commanded, sending, from the desert of Paran, leading men, whose names are these:

New American Bible
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, at the direction of the LORD. All of them were leaders among the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the LORD, all of them leading men among the Israelites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran by the commandment of the LORD; all of those men were chieftains of the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe sent them from the wilderness of Paran by the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH; all of the men were Leaders of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of the LORD; all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses sent them out of the wilderness of Pharan by the word of the Lord; all these were the princes of the sons of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Spies Explore Canaan
2“Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.” 3So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, 4and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur;…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:22-23
Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land and bring us word of what route to follow and which cities to enter.” / The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one from each tribe.

Joshua 2:1
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

Hebrews 3:16-19
For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ...

Deuteronomy 9:23
And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh-barnea, He said, “Go up and possess the land that I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You neither believed Him nor obeyed Him.

Joshua 14:7
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report.

Nehemiah 9:13-14
You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. / You revealed to them Your holy Sabbath and gave them commandments and statutes and laws through Your servant Moses.

Psalm 106:24-25
They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise. / They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD.

1 Corinthians 10:5-10
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness. / These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. / Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” ...

Deuteronomy 1:19-21
And just as the LORD our God had commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites, through all the vast and terrifying wilderness you have seen. When we reached Kadesh-barnea, / I said: “You have reached the hill country of the Amorites, which the LORD our God is giving us. / See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 2:23-24
Then the two men started back, came down from the hill country, and crossed the river. So they came to Joshua son of Nun and reported all that had happened to them. / “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.”

Hebrews 4:1-2
Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. / For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...

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.

Acts 7:45
And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David,


Treasury of Scripture

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.

The wilderness of Paran, says Dr.

Numbers 1:19
As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.

Numbers 12:16
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

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Children Command Commandment Desert Heads Israel Israelites Paran Waste Wilderness
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Children Command Commandment Desert Heads Israel Israelites Paran Waste Wilderness
Numbers 13
1. The names of the men who were sent to search the land
17. Their instructions
21. Their acts
26. Their relation














So at the command of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the mission. The LORD's command signifies His sovereign will and purpose for Israel. It reflects the consistent biblical theme of God directing His people, as seen in other instances such as the calling of Abraham (Genesis 12:1) and the instructions given to Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9). This command underscores the importance of obedience to God's directives, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Moses sent them out
Moses, as the leader and prophet of Israel, acts in obedience to God's command. His role as a mediator between God and the people is highlighted here, similar to his intercessory role in Exodus 32:11-14. This action also prefigures the sending out of the apostles by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 10:5-6), where leaders are sent to fulfill God's mission.

from the Wilderness of Paran
The Wilderness of Paran is a significant geographical location in the journey of the Israelites. It is situated in the Sinai Peninsula, serving as a staging ground for the exploration of Canaan. This wilderness experience is part of the broader narrative of Israel's 40-year journey, reflecting themes of testing and reliance on God, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-5. Archaeological evidence suggests this area was a well-traveled route, supporting the biblical account of Israel's movements.

All the men were leaders of the Israelites
The selection of leaders indicates the importance of the mission. These men were not ordinary individuals but recognized leaders, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This mirrors the structure seen in Exodus 18:25, where capable men were chosen to lead. The leadership role here is crucial, as it involves responsibility and accountability, paralleling the New Testament concept of church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-7). The leaders' failure to trust in God's promise later in the chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unbelief and disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is obedient to God's command in sending the spies.

2. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who commands Moses to send out the spies. His authority and guidance are central to the account.

3. The Wilderness of Paran
A desert region where the Israelites camped. It serves as the launching point for the exploration of Canaan.

4. The Spies
Twelve leaders from the tribes of Israel, chosen to scout the land of Canaan. Their mission is pivotal in the unfolding account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on a journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Their faith and obedience are tested throughout this journey.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Command
Moses' immediate response to God's command demonstrates the importance of obedience. As believers, we are called to trust and act upon God's instructions without hesitation.

Leadership and Responsibility
The selection of leaders to spy the land underscores the responsibility of leadership. Leaders are called to act with integrity and faith, influencing those they lead.

Faith in God's Promises
The mission to explore Canaan is rooted in God's promise to give the land to Israel. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting.

The Role of Community
The involvement of the entire community in the decision to send spies highlights the importance of collective discernment and unity in pursuing God's will.

Consequences of Unbelief
The broader account warns of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience. Trusting in God's plan is crucial for experiencing His blessings.(3) And Moses, by the commandment of the Lord, sent them, &c.--Better, And Moses sent them, from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command (literally, the mouth) of the Lord, i.e., as appears from Deuteronomy 1:19. from Kadesh-barnea.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the command
פִּ֣י (pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֛ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

them out
אֹתָ֥ם (’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

from the wilderness
מִמִּדְבַּ֥ר (mim·miḏ·bar)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

of Paran.
פָּארָ֖ן (pā·rān)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6290: Paran -- a place in Sinai

All
כֻּלָּ֣ם (kul·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the men
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

were leaders
רָאשֵׁ֥י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the Israelites,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Law: Numbers 13:3 Moses sent them from the wilderness (Nu Num.)
Numbers 13:2
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