Numbers 13:18
And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;
Numbers 13:18
This verse sets out four questions the spies are to answer: the land’s nature (good vs. bad), the people’s strength (strong or weak), their quantity (few or many), and the qualities of the cities (dwellings—tents or fortifications). The fourfold inquiry reveals the comprehensive reconnaissance expected: land quality, population dynamics, and urban infrastructure. The purpose is practical; the spies are to determine what kind of challenge Israel will face and how secure the settlements might be. The verse also shows Moses’s emphasis on empirically assessing the land rather than guessing. This method reflects a robust approach to decision-making—honest assessment coupled with faith.
The questions foreground a biblical realism: life involves facing real obstacles, but they are not ultimate determinants because God’s presence and promise transcend human factors. The land’s quality and the strength or weakness of people are data points through which God’s faithfulness will be tested and demonstrated. Theologically, it frames the land as a divinely given possession, not a human achievement, thereby keeping the focus on God’s initiative and sovereignty.
In contemporary life, you’ll encounter “data points” that seem to dictate outcomes. Use these questions as a practical template: What are the realities on the ground? Who or what might hinder progress? What resources do we have? What are the possible outcomes? But couple data with prayer: invite God to shift your perspective from fear to faith. This approach helps you evaluate risks realistically while remaining open to God’s leading, which may include taking bold steps in areas like generosity, mission, or career change.
Cross-References: Joshua 14:6–12; Deuteronomy 1:22–33; 2 Corinthians 5:7