Numbers 13 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

2. In the wilderness (10:11–19:22) * The Israelites set out, the Israelites rebel about the manna, Miriam and Aaron rebel against Moses, the leaders explore Canaan, and the Israelites refuse to enter Canaan and are punished (10:11–14:45)In this chapter, Yahweh has Moses send 12 leaders to explore the land of Canaan. They explore it from south to north and then return to the Israelites. They report that the land is good, but most of them discourage the Israelites from going there because the inhabitants are big and strong.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Exploring Canaan

In this chapter, Moses sends 12 leaders to explore the land of Canaan. Moses asks them to find out how the area is laid out, how fertile it is, what its people are like, and what their defenses are like. Moses asks for this information because it will help him plan how to take over the area.

Areas within Canaan

Moses tells the leaders to go from the Negev in the south to the hill country, which is the central area to the north of the Negev. When the leaders travel, they go from the wilderness of Zin in the southern part of the region to Lebo Hamath in the northern part of the region. The author also mentions Hebron, which is in the southern part of the hill country, and Wadi Eshkol, whose location is unknown. The mentioned locations indicate that the leaders did explore the entire land of Canaan, from south to north and then back south.

The Anak and the Nephils

In this chapter, the author mentions that there are “sons of the Anak” living at Hebron. These “Anakites” were tall and powerful men. The author mentions three names: Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. These could be names of three tribes or, more likely, three men. At the end of the chapter, the Israelite leaders mention “Nephils,” and the author notes that the sons of Anak are a type of Nephil. The Nephils are also mentioned in [Genesis 6:4](../../gen/06/04.md), where they are described as mighty men. Scholars do not agree on exactly what the Nephils and the Anakites were. It is clear that they were tall and powerful people. (See: anak and nephils)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Order of events

There are two places in this chapter where events are not narrated in sequence. First, [13:3](../13/03.md) states that Moses sent the leaders to Canaan. Then, after a list of these leaders, [13:17](../13/17.md) again states that Moses sent the leaders, followed by the instructions that Moses gave to them. This second statement about Moses sending them resumes the main story line after the list. Consider how you would resume the main story line in your language. Second, [13:21](../13/21.md) provides a summary statement that indicates that the leaders explored the entire region of Canaan. Then, [13:22](../13/22.md) begins a more detailed narrative of how they explored the region, which ends in [13:26](../13/26.md). Consider how you might express a summary statement followed by a more detailed explanation. (See: figs-events)

“Go up”

Multiple times in this chapter, the author or characters use the word “up” with verbs of movement, such as “go” or “come.” This language often includes elevation in its descriptions of movement. For example, going from the Negev to the hill country is going “up” because elevation is gained during the travel. For some languages, “up” would give the wrong meaning or is not necessary. (See: figs-explicitinfo)

Indirect questions

In [13:18–20](../13/18.md), Moses uses indirect questions to tell the leaders what he wants to know about Canaan. These questions begin with “what” or “whether.” The ULT and UST both use indirect questions here. However, you could use direct questions if it would be helpful in your language. Here is the ULT but with the indirect questions expressed as direct questions:> [18] And you shall see the land. What is it? And the people dwelling upon it, is it strong or weak? Is it few or many? [19] And what is the land in which it is dwelling? Is it good or evil? And what are the cities in which it is dwelling? Is it in camps or in fortresses? [20] And what is the land? Is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? And you shall strengthen yourselves, and you shall take from the fruit of the land.