This verse from Numbers 13:19 is part of Moses' instructions to the spies he sends into Canaan to scout out the land before the Israelites attempt to conquer it. He's giving them specific points to investigate and report back on. Let's break it down:
"and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad;" This asks the spies to assess the quality of the land itself. Is it fertile and productive (good)? Or is it barren and difficult to cultivate (bad)? This is about the agricultural potential and the overall suitability of the land for sustaining a population.
"and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;" This part focuses on the nature of the settlements where the people live. Are they living in:
Camps: This suggests temporary or less fortified settlements. People in camps might be nomadic, vulnerable, or less settled. It indicates a weaker defense.
Strongholds: This indicates well-fortified cities with defenses like walls, towers, and gates. Strongholds would suggest a strong and organized defense, and that the people are settled and well-defended.
In essence, Moses wants to know:
What's the land like? (Fertile or barren?)
What are the people living in? (Weak, temporary camps or well-defended cities?)
This information is crucial for Moses and the Israelites to understand the challenges and opportunities they'll face when attempting to conquer Canaan. Knowing the land's resources and the strength of their potential enemies will help them strategize and prepare for battle. It's intelligence gathering at its most fundamental level.
This verse from Numbers 13:19 is part of Moses' instructions to the spies he sends into Canaan to scout out the land before the Israelites attempt to conquer it. He's giving them specific points to investigate and report back on. Let's break it down:
"and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad;" This asks the spies to assess the quality of the land itself. Is it fertile and productive (good)? Or is it barren and difficult to cultivate (bad)? This is about the agricultural potential and the overall suitability of the land for sustaining a population.
"and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;" This part focuses on the nature of the settlements where the people live. Are they living in:
Camps: This suggests temporary or less fortified settlements. People in camps might be nomadic, vulnerable, or less settled. It indicates a weaker defense.
Strongholds: This indicates well-fortified cities with defenses like walls, towers, and gates. Strongholds would suggest a strong and organized defense, and that the people are settled and well-defended.
In essence, Moses wants to know:
What's the land like? (Fertile or barren?)
What are the people living in? (Weak, temporary camps or well-defended cities?)
This information is crucial for Moses and the Israelites to understand the challenges and opportunities they'll face when attempting to conquer Canaan. Knowing the land's resources and the strength of their potential enemies will help them strategize and prepare for battle. It's intelligence gathering at its most fundamental level.