Numbers 32:9 - For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which Yahweh had given them.

Generated Verse: Numbers 32:9

What does "Numbers 32:9" mean?


This verse from Numbers 32:9 is a direct consequence of the story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land of Canaan (Numbers 13-14). Let's break it down:

"For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol...": This refers to the mission the twelve spies were given. The Valley of Eshcol was a fertile region in Canaan. They brought back a cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry it, as evidence of the land's bounty.

"...and saw the land...": They did, in fact, witness the richness and potential of the land.

"...they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel...": This is the key point. Despite seeing the land's fertility, ten of the twelve spies focused on the challenges of conquering it. They exaggerated the strength and size of the inhabitants (the Anakites) and the fortified cities. They spread fear and doubt among the Israelites.

"...that they should not go into the land which Yahweh had given them.": The consequence of their negativity was that the Israelites, who had been ready to move into Canaan, became terrified and refused to trust God's promise to give them the land. They lost faith and wanted to return to Egypt.

In essence, this verse highlights the following:

The impact of negative reporting: The spies, despite seeing evidence of God's blessing, chose to focus on the obstacles. This led to widespread discouragement.
Loss of faith: The people allowed fear to override their trust in God's promise and power.
Disobedience: Their fear and lack of faith resulted in direct disobedience to God's command to enter the land.

Therefore, the verse serves as a warning about the dangers of fear, doubt, and negativity. It emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. It shows how easily people can be swayed by a negative report, leading to disastrous consequences.