The account of the twelve spies sent into Canaan is found in Numbers 13–14. It marks a critical moment in Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and reveals the consequences of fear and unbelief.
God instructed Moses to send one leader from each of the twelve tribes to spy out the land of Canaan. Numbers 13:2 says:
“Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel…”
The spies explored the land for forty days. They returned with a good report about its fertility, saying in verse 27:
“We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.”
However, ten of the spies discouraged the people by focusing on the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. They said in verse 31:
“We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.”
The inhabitants were giants and the spies felt like grasshoppers in comparison (verse 33). Only Caleb and Joshua urged the people to trust God and take the land:
“If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us…” (Numbers 14:8)
The congregation sided with the ten fearful spies and wanted to return to Egypt. As a result, God judged that generation. Numbers 14:29–30 declares:
“The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness… except for Caleb… and Joshua…”
Because of their unbelief, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, one year for each day the spies were in the land, until that entire generation perished.
This account stands as a solemn warning. Though God had promised victory, the majority rejected His word, and only two believed. Faith brings inheritance; unbelief brings judgment.
