Deuteronomy 1:28 - Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart melt, saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to the sky. Moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there!’”
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What does "Deuteronomy 1:28" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 1:28, is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It describes the fear and discouragement that gripped the people after the spies they sent to scout out Canaan returned with a negative report. Let's break down what it means:
"Where are we going up?" This expresses deep doubt and hesitation. The Israelites are questioning their ability to conquer the land. It's a rhetorical question implying they see the task as impossible.
"Our brothers have made our heart melt..." This refers to the Israelite spies (10 out of the 12) who brought back a pessimistic and frightening report. "Heart melt" describes their terror and loss of courage.
"...saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we." This is the core of the spies' negative assessment. They emphasize the perceived superiority of the Canaanites in terms of size and strength. This is not just a description of physical stature, but implies superior power and military might.
"The cities are great and fortified up to the sky." This highlights the formidable defenses of the Canaanite cities. "Fortified up to the sky" is hyperbole, exaggerating the height and strength of the city walls to emphasize the difficulty of breaching them. It conveys a sense of impregnability.
"Moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there!’” The Anakim were a people known for their great size and strength, often described as giants. Seeing them specifically inspired great fear, as they were perceived as particularly terrifying opponents. The Anakim were well known to the people as a symbol of terror and doom.
In essence, the verse portrays:
Fear and Discouragement: The Israelites are gripped by fear and doubt due to the negative report from the spies.
Perceived Impossibility: They see the task of conquering Canaan as insurmountable due to the perceived strength and power of the inhabitants and their fortified cities.
Loss of Faith: The verse indicates a lack of faith in God's promise to deliver the land to them. They are focusing on the obstacles rather than God's power.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it illustrates the Israelites' lack of faith and their reluctance to trust in God's promise. Their fear and negativity ultimately led to them wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until that generation (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) died out, and a new generation, more willing to trust in God, could enter the Promised Land. It is a reminder of the consequences of fear and unbelief.
Deuteronomy 1:28 - Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart melt, saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to the sky. Moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there!’”
What does "Deuteronomy 1:28" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 1:28, is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It describes the fear and discouragement that gripped the people after the spies they sent to scout out Canaan returned with a negative report. Let's break down what it means:
"Where are we going up?" This expresses deep doubt and hesitation. The Israelites are questioning their ability to conquer the land. It's a rhetorical question implying they see the task as impossible.
"Our brothers have made our heart melt..." This refers to the Israelite spies (10 out of the 12) who brought back a pessimistic and frightening report. "Heart melt" describes their terror and loss of courage.
"...saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we." This is the core of the spies' negative assessment. They emphasize the perceived superiority of the Canaanites in terms of size and strength. This is not just a description of physical stature, but implies superior power and military might.
"The cities are great and fortified up to the sky." This highlights the formidable defenses of the Canaanite cities. "Fortified up to the sky" is hyperbole, exaggerating the height and strength of the city walls to emphasize the difficulty of breaching them. It conveys a sense of impregnability.
"Moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there!’” The Anakim were a people known for their great size and strength, often described as giants. Seeing them specifically inspired great fear, as they were perceived as particularly terrifying opponents. The Anakim were well known to the people as a symbol of terror and doom.
In essence, the verse portrays:
Fear and Discouragement: The Israelites are gripped by fear and doubt due to the negative report from the spies.
Perceived Impossibility: They see the task of conquering Canaan as insurmountable due to the perceived strength and power of the inhabitants and their fortified cities.
Loss of Faith: The verse indicates a lack of faith in God's promise to deliver the land to them. They are focusing on the obstacles rather than God's power.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it illustrates the Israelites' lack of faith and their reluctance to trust in God's promise. Their fear and negativity ultimately led to them wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until that generation (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) died out, and a new generation, more willing to trust in God, could enter the Promised Land. It is a reminder of the consequences of fear and unbelief.