This verse, Deuteronomy 1:24, refers to an event that took place after the Israelites left Mount Sinai and were poised to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down what it means:
"They turned and went up into the hill country": This indicates the Israelites moved away from their current location (likely in the plains) and ascended into the more elevated, mountainous region of Canaan.
"and came to the valley of Eshcol": The Valley of Eshcol was known for its fertility, particularly its grapes. The name "Eshcol" itself means "cluster [of grapes]."
"and spied it out": This is the key part. "Spied it out" means they explored the land as spies or scouts. They were sent ahead to observe the land, its inhabitants, its defenses, and its resources. Moses, under God's command, had instructed them to gather information to determine the feasibility of conquering the land.
In summary, Deuteronomy 1:24 describes the Israelites sending spies into the hill country of Canaan, specifically to the Valley of Eshcol, to gather intelligence before attempting to invade and occupy the land.
This event is also recorded in Numbers chapter 13, which provides more detail about the spies, their mission, and the report they brought back. The spies returned with a cluster of grapes so large it had to be carried on a pole by two men, demonstrating the land's abundance. However, their report was largely negative, focusing on the strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities. This negative report ultimately led to the Israelites' lack of faith and their subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years.
This verse, Deuteronomy 1:24, refers to an event that took place after the Israelites left Mount Sinai and were poised to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down what it means:
"They turned and went up into the hill country": This indicates the Israelites moved away from their current location (likely in the plains) and ascended into the more elevated, mountainous region of Canaan.
"and came to the valley of Eshcol": The Valley of Eshcol was known for its fertility, particularly its grapes. The name "Eshcol" itself means "cluster [of grapes]."
"and spied it out": This is the key part. "Spied it out" means they explored the land as spies or scouts. They were sent ahead to observe the land, its inhabitants, its defenses, and its resources. Moses, under God's command, had instructed them to gather information to determine the feasibility of conquering the land.
In summary, Deuteronomy 1:24 describes the Israelites sending spies into the hill country of Canaan, specifically to the Valley of Eshcol, to gather intelligence before attempting to invade and occupy the land.
This event is also recorded in Numbers chapter 13, which provides more detail about the spies, their mission, and the report they brought back. The spies returned with a cluster of grapes so large it had to be carried on a pole by two men, demonstrating the land's abundance. However, their report was largely negative, focusing on the strength of the inhabitants and their fortified cities. This negative report ultimately led to the Israelites' lack of faith and their subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years.