Numbers 13 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

It is a memorable and very melancholy story which is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, when they were just ready to set foot in it, and the sentencing of them to wander and perish in the wilderness for their unbelief and murmuring. It is referred to Ps. xcv. 7, &c., and improved for warning to Christians, Heb. iii. 7, &c. In this chapter we have, I. The sending of twelve spies before them into Canaan, ver. 1-16. II. The instructions given to these spies, ver. 17-20. III. Their executing their commission according to their instructions, and their return from the search, ver. 21-25. IV. The report they brought back to the camp of Israel, ver. 26, &c.

Missions of the Twelve Spies. (b. c. 1490.)

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Numbers 13

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Numbers 13 — OverviewNumbers 13 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeNumbers 13:1, The names of the men who were sent to search the land; Numbers 13:17, Their instructions; Numbers 13:21, Their acts; Numbers 13:26, Their relation.Numbers 13 — OverviewNumbers 13 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter an order is given by the Lord, to send twelve men into the land of Canaan, to search and spy it, and which was accordingly executed, Nu 13:1; and the names of the twelve persons are given, Nu 13:4; the…Numbers 13:1-20Numbers 13:1-20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere we have, I. Orders given to send spies to search out the land of Canaan. It is here said, God directed Moses to send them (v. 1, 2), but it appears by the repetition of the story afterwards (Deut. i. 22) that…Numbers 13:1-33Numbers 13:1-33 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THE REBELLION AT KADESH (Numbers 13:1-33, Numbers 14:1-45).Numbers 13:2Numbers 13:2 · The Pulpit CommentarySend thou men, that they may search the land. If this account of the mission of the spies be compared with that given in Deuteronomy 1:20-25, it may be seen in a striking instance how entirely different a colour may be…Numbers 13:2Numbers 13:2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeSend thou: Numbers 32:8; Deuteronomy 1:22-25; Joshua 2:1-24 of every: Numbers 1:4, Numbers 34:18 a ruler: Numbers 11:16; Exodus 18:25; Deuteronomy 1:15

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.sermonThe Labourers in the VineyardThe Divine Plan in the Ordering of Scripture Chapters As we move through chapter nineteen of Matthew's Gospel, we seem to breathe a different atmosphere...George H. Morrison