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Numbers 13:2 - Spies scout Promised Land

Numbers 13:2 - במדבר 13:2

Hebrew Text

שְׁלַח־לְךָ אֲנָשִׁים וְיָתֻרוּ אֶת־אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִי נֹתֵן לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אִישׁ אֶחָד אִישׁ אֶחָד לְמַטֵּה אֲבֹתָיו תִּשְׁלָחוּ כֹּל נָשִׂיא בָהֶם׃

English Translation

Send thou men, that they may spy out the land of Kena῾an, which I give to the children of Yisra᾽el: of every tribe of their fathers shall you send a man, every one a ruler among them.

Transliteration

Shelach-lecha anashim veyaturu et-eretz Kena'an asher-ani noten livnei Yisra'el ish echad ish echad lemateh avotav tishlachu kol nasi bahem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁלַח־לְךָ֣ אֲנָשִׁ֗ים וְיָתֻ֙רוּ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִ֥י נֹתֵ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָד֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶחָ֜ד לְמַטֵּ֤ה אֲבֹתָיו֙ תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ כֹּ֖ל נָשִׂ֥יא בָהֶֽם׃
שְׁלַח־לְךָ֣ אֲנָשִׁ֗ים וְיָתֻ֙רוּ֙ אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִ֥י נֹתֵ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָד֩ אִ֨ישׁ אֶחָ֜ד לְמַטֵּ֤ה אֲבֹתָיו֙ תִּשְׁלָ֔חוּ כֹּ֖ל נָשִׂ֥יא בָהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse (Bamidbar 13:2)

The verse appears in Parashat Shelach, where Hashem instructs Moshe to send men to scout the Land of Canaan. This mission ultimately leads to the sin of the Meraglim (the Spies), resulting in severe consequences for Bnei Yisrael. The language "שְׁלַח־לְךָ" ("Send for yourself") suggests the initiative came from the people, as Rashi explains: "According to your own understanding—I am not commanding you, but if you wish, you may send" (Rashi on Bamidbar 13:2). This implies the mission was optional, not a divine imperative.

The Selection of the Spies

The verse specifies that each tribe should send one representative, each being a "נָשִׂיא" (leader). Ramban notes that these were distinguished individuals, chosen for their stature to ensure the people would trust their report (Ramban on Bamidbar 13:2). However, the Midrash (Tanchuma Shelach 5) criticizes their motives, suggesting some sought honor or had hidden doubts about entering Eretz Yisrael.

The Purpose of the Mission

Hashem describes the land as "אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִי נֹתֵן" ("which I am giving"), emphasizing His promise to grant it to Bnei Yisrael. The Kli Yakar (R’ Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) questions why scouting was necessary if Hashem had already assured them the land was good. He explains that the mission was meant to boost the people’s confidence in conquest strategies—not to doubt Hashem’s promise. However, the spies distorted this intent, leading to disaster.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Trust in Divine Promise: The episode warns against allowing human reasoning to override emunah (faith) in Hashem’s assurances (Sforno).
  • Leadership Responsibility: The spies’ failure highlights how even great leaders can err when personal biases influence their judgment (Malbim).
  • Collective Consequences: The phrase "לְמַטֵּה אֲבֹתָיו" ("from each tribe") teaches that individual actions impact the entire community (Talmud, Sotah 34b).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 34b
The verse is discussed in the context of the spies sent to scout the land of Canaan, focusing on the selection process and the implications of their mission.
📖 Sanhedrin 104a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of the spies' actions and their report, linking it to broader themes of leadership and trust in divine promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem command Moshe to send spies to scout the land of Canaan?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 13:2), Hashem permitted Moshe to send spies at the request of the people, but it was not originally part of the Divine plan. The people lacked full trust in Hashem's promise to give them the land, so they asked to see it first. This teaches us the importance of bitachon (trust in Hashem) even when we cannot see the outcome.
Q: Why were the spies chosen as 'nasi' (leaders) from each tribe?
A: The Ramban (Numbers 13:2) explains that each tribe sent its most respected leader to ensure an honest and thorough report. Since these were righteous men, their later failure (in bringing a negative report) shows how even great people can be influenced by fear and lack of faith when facing challenges.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the story of the spies?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 34b) and Midrash Tanchuma (Shelach 5) teach that the sin of the spies was speaking negatively about the Land of Israel and causing despair among the people. This teaches us the power of speech (lashon hara) and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook when facing difficulties, trusting in Hashem's promises.
Q: How does the command to send spies relate to us today?
A: The Kli Yakar (Numbers 13:2) explains that while it's sometimes necessary to investigate before making decisions, ultimate trust must be in Hashem. In our lives, we may research options (like a new job or home), but we must remember that success comes from Hashem's blessing, not just our efforts.
Q: Why does the verse say 'Send for yourself' (Shelach lecha) instead of just 'Send'?
A: Rashi (Numbers 13:2) notes the unusual wording 'shelach lecha' (send for yourself) implies this mission was for the people's benefit, not Hashem's command. Had they trusted Hashem completely, scouting wouldn't have been necessary. This teaches that sometimes Hashem allows us to follow our cautious nature, but greater rewards come from complete faith.