Deuteronomy 1:24 - Spies explore promised land

Context in the Torah

This verse (Numbers 13:22) describes the actions of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout the Land of Canaan. The phrase "וַיִּפְנוּ וַיַּעֲלוּ הָהָרָה" ("they turned and went up to the mountain") marks a pivotal moment in their mission, as they begin their reconnaissance of the land.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "וַיִּפְנוּ" ("they turned") indicates a deliberate change in direction. He cites the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:11) that they turned away from the straight path, both physically and spiritually, as their intentions became corrupted. Their ascent to the mountain symbolizes their misguided ambition to challenge Hashem's promise by seeking flaws in the land.

The Wadi of Eshkol

The "נַחַל אֶשְׁכֹּל" (Wadi of Eshkol) is identified by Ramban as a place named after the giant cluster of grapes (אשכול) they later cut from there. The Talmud (Sotah 34a) notes that this location was specifically chosen to test the land's fertility, as valleys were known for abundant produce. However, their focus on the physical bounty—without recognizing its divine origin—revealed their lack of faith.

Spiritual Implications of "וַיְרַגְּלוּ אֹתָהּ"

The term "וַיְרַגְּלוּ" ("they searched it out") carries a dual meaning in Midrashic literature (Tanchuma Shelach 5):

• Literal: They conducted a thorough military and agricultural survey.
• Allegorical: They "searched for faults" (רגל implying דֶּרֶךְ רְגִילָה, habitual suspicion), reflecting their predisposition to distrust Hashem's promise.

Lessons from the Spies' Error

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that their physical ascent to the mountain paralleled a spiritual descent. By relying solely on human assessment ("וַיְרַגְּלוּ"), they neglected the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem). This serves as a timeless warning against evaluating divine gifts through a lens of doubt rather than gratitude.