Numbers 13:17 - Scouting the Promised Land

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 13:17) describes Moshe's instructions to the twelve spies before their mission to scout the Land of Canaan. This event is pivotal in the narrative of Bnei Yisrael's journey toward Eretz Yisrael, ultimately leading to the tragic episode of the spies' negative report and the subsequent forty-year delay in entering the land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 13:17) notes that Moshe gave the spies specific directions—"Go up this way by the south"—because the southern region of Canaan was the most vulnerable and easiest to conquer. He wanted them to see that even the most fortified part of the land could be overcome with Hashem's help. Rashi also highlights that the phrase "וַעֲלִיתֶם אֶת־הָהָר" ("go up into the high land") refers to the mountainous region of Chevron, where the giants and the graves of the Avot (Patriarchs) were located, as a subtle reminder of the merit of the Avot.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (in his commentary on the Mishnah, Sanhedrin 1:2) discusses the broader implications of the spies' mission. He explains that Moshe’s directive was meant to assess the land’s agricultural and military conditions, as a practical step before conquest. However, the spies’ failure lay in their lack of faith, as they doubted Hashem’s promise despite witnessing His miracles.

Midrashic Insights

• The Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 5) elaborates that Moshe instructed them to enter from the south because it was the "gateway" to the land, just as Avraham had entered from that direction (Bereishit 12:9). This was a hint that the merit of Avraham would assist them.
• The Midrash also states that the phrase "עֲלוּ זֶה בַּנֶּגֶב" ("Go up this way by the south") alludes to the spiritual challenge of the mission—ascending in righteousness (represented by the Negev, a dry land requiring faith) rather than descending into fear and doubt.

Talmudic Interpretation

The Talmud (Sotah 34b) discusses the spies’ route, noting that Chevron was singled out because it was both a place of great spiritual significance (the burial place of the Avot) and a stronghold of the feared giants. The Talmud emphasizes that the spies should have drawn strength from the presence of the Avot’s graves, recognizing that their merit would ensure success.

Lessons from the Verse

This verse teaches the importance of faith and perspective in fulfilling divine missions. Moshe’s instructions were designed to inspire confidence in Hashem’s promise, but the spies’ inability to internalize this led to disaster. Orthodox Jewish tradition underscores that true success in any endeavor—especially those tied to Eretz Yisrael—requires both practical preparation and unwavering trust in Hashem.