What Does Numbers 13:17-20 Mean?
The law in Numbers 13:17-20 defines Moses' instructions to twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. He tells them to check whether the people are strong or weak, few or many, and whether the land is fertile or barren - specifically noting the presence of trees. They are to be courageous and bring back some of the fruit, which they do, including a cluster of grapes so large it must be carried on a pole (Numbers 13:23).
Numbers 13:17-20
Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, "Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, And see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, Whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. And whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.
Key Facts
Book
Author
Moses
Genre
Law
Date
Approximately 1440 BC
Key People
Key Takeaways
- God calls us to explore His promises with courage, not doubt.
- Faith sees obstacles but trusts God’s power more than circumstances.
- Bring back fruit - evidence of God’s goodness - to strengthen others’ faith.
Setting Out from Paran: A Mission of Faith and Observation
This moment takes place at Kadesh-barnea in the wilderness of Paran, before Israel enters the Promised Land, as God’s people stand on the edge of His promise after escaping Egypt and receiving His laws at Sinai.
Moses sends one leader from each tribe to scout Canaan, not to question whether God would give them the land - He had already promised that - but to see what it was like and come back with evidence of its abundance. He tells them to check if the people are strong or weak, few or many, and whether the land is fertile, especially looking for trees, which signal life and long-term blessing. Their courage is key, because the mission isn’t about doubt, but about stepping into what God has prepared and bringing back fruit - literally - as a sign of faith.
The spies return with a giant cluster of grapes, showing the land truly flows with milk and honey, yet most let fear overshadow the evidence, setting up a tragic failure of trust in the chapters ahead.
Moses' Checklist and the Tension Between Faith and Observation
Moses’ detailed instructions to the spies reveal a careful balance between trusting God’s promise and responsibly assessing the reality ahead.
He tells them to check if the people are strong or weak - using the Hebrew word 'chazaq,' which means strong in power or courage - and whether their cities are fortified, questions common in ancient Near Eastern (ANE) military scouting reports, like those from Egypt and Mesopotamia that also evaluated enemy strength and land quality before campaigns. Yet this mission differs because Israel already had God’s promise: the land was theirs. The purpose wasn’t to decide whether to enter, but to see how to step into what God had given. The spies were to bring back fruit as tangible proof of blessing for themselves and for the whole community to see and believe. This wasn’t about doubt - it was about faith grounded in observation.
The command to 'be of good courage' is more than encouragement. It calls us to let faith shape perception, because the same land that looked fertile also held giants and strongholds that could stir fear. Later, ten spies let what they saw outweigh what God said, showing how easily evidence can be twisted when the heart lacks trust. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb remembered God’s power more than the obstacles, echoing the truth that faith sees beyond the eyes.
This moment foreshadows a deeper spiritual reality: God often calls us to investigate His promises, not to question them, but to return with fruit that strengthens others. As light shines in the darkness to reveal what’s truly there (2 Corinthians 4:6), our exploration of God’s promises should lead us to testify to His goodness, not retreat in fear.
Trust God’s Promise, Even When You See Challenges
The lesson from Moses’ mission is not only about scouting land. It is about how we respond when God’s promises meet real obstacles.
Jesus lived this perfectly: He faced the full reality of human weakness, suffering, and danger, yet never wavered from trusting the Father’s promise, even when it led to the cross. In the same way, 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, 'For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,' showing that our faith isn’t based on what we see, but on the God who brings light to anything dark or fearful.
Christians don’t follow this law as a command to spy out land, but we live its heart - trusting God’s promises no matter the evidence - because Jesus has already secured the ultimate Promised Land for us.
Sent on a Mission: From Spies to Sent Ones
Moses sent the spies to see the land and return with fruit. Later Scripture shows God’s people sent again, this time to trust His promise and bear witness.
In Deuteronomy 1:22-25, the people asked to send spies, and Moses agreed, showing how a mission meant to strengthen faith can become a sign of hesitation when hearts lean toward fear. But in Luke 10:1-2, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples with no instructions to assess the danger - only to go, trusting that ‘the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.’
The heart of the matter isn’t scouting for safety, but stepping out in courage because God has spoken - our mission today is not to doubt His promises, but to carry them forward, bringing the fruit of His goodness to others.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember the time I was offered a chance to lead a small group at church, but I kept focusing on what could go wrong - what if no one came, what if I wasn’t good enough, what if people judged me? I was like the ten spies, staring at the giants in the land and forgetting the One who promised to go before me. That moment in Numbers where Moses tells the spies to bring back fruit - tangible proof of God’s goodness - hit me hard. I realized I’d been living with fear as my default, not faith. When I finally stepped out, I trusted God’s call rather than feeling ready. I saw how He provided strength, as well as unexpected joy and connection. It changed how I face every new challenge: instead of asking, 'Can I handle this?' I’m learning to ask, 'What fruit might God want me to bring back from this?'
Personal Reflection
- Where in your life are you letting what you see - problems, fears, obstacles - overpower what God has already promised?
- What 'fruit' of God’s goodness can you intentionally look for and share this week, to strengthen your own faith and others’?
- When was the last time you stepped into something difficult because God said to be courageous, not because the path looked safe?
A Challenge For You
This week, choose one situation where fear or doubt is holding you back, and take one small, brave step forward. Then, write down or share with someone one piece of 'fruit' - a sign of God’s goodness - you noticed along the way, no matter how small.
A Prayer of Response
God, thank you for your promises. Forgive me for the times I’ve let fear cloud what you’ve clearly shown me. Help me to be courageous, not because everything looks easy, but because you are with me. Open my eyes to see the good things you’re doing, and give me the courage to step in and bring back fruit that points to your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Numbers 13:16
Names the twelve spies, showing each tribe was represented in this mission of national significance.
Numbers 13:21-23
Records the spies’ journey through Canaan and their return with the giant cluster of grapes, fulfilling Moses’ command.
Connections Across Scripture
Hebrews 3:12-19
Warns against an unbelieving heart like the spies who saw the land but lacked faith to enter.
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus sends His followers into the world with divine presence, echoing Moses’ commission with greater promise.
Isaiah 41:10
God commands courage and strength, just as Moses told the spies, because He goes before us.