Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, spies play a significant role in several key events, serving as agents who gather intelligence and provide strategic information. Their actions often have profound implications for the unfolding of God's plans and the history of Israel.1. The Twelve Spies in Canaan: One of the most notable accounts of spies in the Bible is found in the Book of Numbers. Moses, following God's command, sends twelve men to explore the land of Canaan, which the Israelites are to inherit. These men, one from each tribe, are tasked with assessing the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. Numbers 13:1-2 states, "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of their fathers’ tribes.'" Upon their return, ten of the spies report that the land is indeed fruitful but express fear over the formidable inhabitants, leading to widespread panic among the Israelites. Only Joshua and Caleb, two of the spies, encourage the people to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land. Their faithfulness is later rewarded, as they are the only members of their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30). 2. Rahab and the Spies in Jericho: Another significant espionage event occurs in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan, Joshua sends two spies to scout the city of Jericho. These spies are sheltered by Rahab, a prostitute, who recognizes the power of the God of Israel and seeks protection for her family in exchange for her assistance. Joshua 2:1 records, "Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there." Rahab's faith and actions are pivotal, as she helps the spies escape, ensuring the Israelites' successful conquest of Jericho. Her account is celebrated in the New Testament as an example of faith (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). 3. David and the Spies: Spies also feature in the life of David, particularly during his conflict with Saul and later in his reign as king. In 1 Samuel 26, David sends out spies to confirm Saul's location before sparing his life in the wilderness of Ziph. This act of reconnaissance demonstrates David's strategic acumen and his commitment to God's anointed king. 1 Samuel 26:4 states, "David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived." Additionally, during Absalom's rebellion, David employs Hushai as a spy to counteract the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor. Hushai's successful infiltration and misinformation campaign help preserve David's throne (2 Samuel 15-17). 4. The Role of Spies in Warfare and Strategy: Throughout the Bible, spies are often used in the context of warfare and strategy. Their role is to gather intelligence, assess enemy strength, and provide critical information for military decisions. This practice underscores the importance of wisdom, discernment, and reliance on God's guidance in the face of challenges. The use of spies in the biblical narrative highlights themes of faith, obedience, and divine providence. While espionage involves secrecy and deception, the biblical accounts emphasize the ultimate sovereignty of God in guiding and protecting His people, often using unexpected means and individuals to fulfill His purposes. Easton's Bible Dictionary When the Israelites reached Kadesh for the first time, and were encamped there, Moses selected twelve spies from among the chiefs of the divisions of the tribes, and sent them forth to spy the land of Canaan (Numbers 13), and to bring back to him a report of its actual condition. They at once proceeded on their important errand, and went through the land as far north as the district round Lake Merom. After about six weeks' absence they returned. Their report was very discouraging, and the people were greatly alarmed, and in a rebellious spirit proposed to elect a new leader and return to Egypt. Only two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, showed themselves on this occasion stout-hearted and faithful. All their appeals and remonstrances were in vain. Moses announced that as a punishment for their rebellion they must now wander in the wilderness till a new generation should arise which would go up and posses the land. The spies had been forty days absent on their expedition, and for each day the Israelites were to be wanderers for a year in the desert. (see ESHCOL.)Two spies were sent by Joshua "secretly" i.e., unknown to the people (Joshua 2:1), "to view the land and Jericho" after the death of Moses, and just before the tribes under his leadership were about to cross the Jordan. They learned from Rahab (q.v.), in whose house they found a hiding-place, that terror had fallen on all the inhabitants of the land because of the great things they had heard that Jehovah had done for them (Exodus 15:14-16; Comp. 23:27; Deuteronomy 2:25; 11:25). As the result of their mission they reported: "Truly Jehovah hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Spy.Greek 5432. phroureo -- to guard ... From a compound of pro and horao; to be a watcher in advance, ie To mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect -- keep ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5432.htm - 7k 2685. kataskopos -- a spy 4460. Rhaab -- Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ 4477. Rhachab -- Rachab. 1455. egkathetos -- hired to lie in wait, lying in wait Strong's Hebrew 871. Atharim -- a caravan route in the Negev... spies. Plural from an unused root (probably meaning to step); places; Atharim, a place near Palestine -- spies. 870, 871. Atharim. 872 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/871.htm - 6k 7270. ragal -- to go about on foot 2658. chaphar -- to dig, search for 6822. tsaphah -- to look out or about, spy, keep watch 8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve Library The Spies Spies in the Enemy's Camp. The Report of the Hebrew Spies The Testing of Joseph's Brothers The Story of the Grapes from Canaan The Story of Benjamin. Then Follows the Book of Leviticus, in which the Precepts Bearing ... How Moses Sent Some Persons to Search Out the Land of the ... How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The From Joshua to Samuel. Thesaurus Spies (22 Occurrences)... When the Israelites reached Kadesh for the first time, and were encamped there, Moses selected twelve spies from among the chiefs of the divisions of the tribes ... /s/spies.htm - 15k Rahab (14 Occurrences) Honest (34 Occurrences) Kadesh (30 Occurrences) Caleb (39 Occurrences) Numbers (136 Occurrences) Dan (71 Occurrences) Ephraim (168 Occurrences) Shittim (34 Occurrences) Negeb (37 Occurrences) Resources Why did the Israelite spies visit the house of Rahab the prostitute? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Spies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Spies (22 Occurrences)Luke 20:20 2 Corinthians 11:26 Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25 Genesis 42:9 Genesis 42:11 Genesis 42:14 Genesis 42:16 Genesis 42:30 Genesis 42:31 Genesis 42:34 Numbers 21:1 Joshua 2:1 Joshua 2:7 Joshua 6:17 Joshua 6:23 Joshua 6:25 Judges 1:24 1 Samuel 26:4 2 Samuel 15:10 Job 39:29 Psalms 37:32 Subtopics Spies in the Congregation of Galatia Spies used at the Court of Absalom Spies: General Scriptures Concerning Spies: Sent to Investigate: Canaan Spies: Sent to Investigate: Jaazer Spies: Sent to Investigate: Jericho Related Terms |