Numbers 13:20 - and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. Be courageous, and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes.

Generated Verse: Numbers 13:20

What does "Numbers 13:20" mean?


This verse is part of the instructions Moses gives to the spies he sends into Canaan to scout out the land before the Israelites attempt to conquer it. Let's break down the meaning:

"and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean": This refers to the fertility of the land. "Fat" means fertile, rich, and productive; capable of yielding abundant crops. "Lean" means infertile, poor, and unproductive, suggesting difficult farming conditions.
"whether there is wood therein, or not": This is important for a few reasons. Wood would be needed for building shelters, fires, and other practical purposes. Its presence would indicate that the land is well-watered and can sustain tree growth. Absence of wood could signify a drier, more barren environment.
"Be courageous, and bring some of the fruit of the land": This emphasizes the importance of the mission. Moses is urging the spies to be brave in their task and to bring back physical evidence of what the land produces. Seeing the actual fruit will give the Israelites a tangible sense of the land's potential (and a sense of its challenges).
"Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes": This detail is significant because it provides context for the fruit they will find. First-ripe grapes would be an indicator of the land's potential for vineyards and agriculture. It suggests that the spies are going at a time when they can get a good sense of the land's productivity. The fact that the grapes are "first-ripe" also hints that there may be even more and better produce later in the season.

In Summary:

Moses is tasking the spies to bring back specific information about Canaan:

1. Fertility: Is the land productive or barren?
2. Resources: Does it have essential resources like wood?
3. Evidence: Bring back fruit as proof of what the land can produce.

This information will help Moses and the Israelites assess the challenges and opportunities of conquering the land and decide on the best course of action. The mention of the first-ripe grapes is a detail that adds a layer of richness to their mission, as it signifies a moment of potential harvest and abundance.

What categories does "Numbers 13:20" have?