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Numbers 13:20 - Scout Canaan's bounty bravely?

Numbers 13:20 - במדבר 13:20

Hebrew Text

וּמָה הָאָרֶץ הַשְּׁמֵנָה הִוא אִם־רָזָה הֲיֵשׁ־בָּהּ עֵץ אִם־אַיִן וְהִתְחַזַּקְתֶּם וּלְקַחְתֶּם מִפְּרִי הָאָרֶץ וְהַיָּמִים יְמֵי בִּכּוּרֵי עֲנָבִים׃

English Translation

and what the land is, whether fat or lean, whether there are trees in it, or not. And be of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

Transliteration

U-ma ha-a-retz ha-shme-na hi im-ra-za ha-yesh-ba etz im-ayin ve-hit-khazak-tem u-le-kakh-tem mi-pri ha-a-retz ve-ha-ya-mim yemey bikurey a-na-vim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמָ֣ה הָ֠אָ֠רֶץ הַשְּׁמֵנָ֨ה הִ֜וא אִם־רָזָ֗ה הֲיֵֽשׁ־בָּ֥הּ עֵץ֙ אִם־אַ֔יִן וְהִ֨תְחַזַּקְתֶּ֔ם וּלְקַחְתֶּ֖ם מִפְּרִ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהַ֨יָּמִ֔ים יְמֵ֖י בִּכּוּרֵ֥י עֲנָבִֽים׃
וּמָ֣ה הָ֠אָ֠רֶץ הַשְּׁמֵנָ֨ה הִ֜וא אִם־רָזָ֗ה הֲיֵֽשׁ־בָּ֥הּ עֵץ֙ אִם־אַ֔יִן וְהִ֨תְחַזַּקְתֶּ֔ם וּלְקַחְתֶּ֖ם מִפְּרִ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ וְהַ֨יָּמִ֔ים יְמֵ֖י בִּכּוּרֵ֥י עֲנָבִֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 13:20) is part of Moshe's instructions to the twelve spies before their mission to scout the Land of Israel. The verse emphasizes the need to assess the land's fertility and agricultural potential, as well as to gather tangible evidence of its bounty.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Moshe instructed the spies to investigate whether the land was "fat or lean" (hashmenah hi im-razah)—meaning whether it was fertile or barren. He further clarifies that the phrase "whether there are trees in it, or not" refers not merely to the presence of trees but to whether the land had righteous people (tzaddikim) whose merit would protect its inhabitants (Rashi on Bamidbar 13:20, citing Midrash Tanchuma).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50) interprets the spies' mission as a test of faith. The instruction to bring back fruit was meant to inspire confidence in the people by demonstrating the land's richness, thereby strengthening their trust in Hashem's promise.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 16:20) notes that the phrase "the time was the time of the firstripe grapes" indicates divine providence—the spies were sent at the optimal season to witness the land's abundance, reinforcing the idea that Eretz Yisrael is a land flowing with "milk and honey."
  • The Sifrei (Bamidbar 104) highlights that Moshe's instruction to "be of good courage" (vehitchazaktem) was a warning against fear or discouragement, urging the spies to approach their task with faith and resolve.

Symbolism of the Firstripe Grapes

The mention of "the firstripe grapes" (bikurei anavim) carries deeper significance. The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) explains that these grapes symbolize the land's potential for spiritual and material blessing. Just as the first fruits (bikkurim) are brought to the Beit HaMikdash in gratitude, the spies were to recognize the land's holiness and its suitability for the Jewish people.

Practical Lessons

  • The verse teaches the importance of due diligence combined with faith—Moshe instructed the spies to investigate, but their mission was ultimately about trusting in Hashem's promise.
  • The emphasis on the land's fertility reminds us that Eretz Yisrael is uniquely blessed, as stated in Devarim 8:7-10, and its produce reflects its spiritual stature.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Numbers 13:20 in the context of the spies' mission?
A: Numbers 13:20 is part of Moshe's instructions to the twelve spies before they scout the Land of Israel. He tells them to assess the land's fertility ('fat or lean'), whether it has trees, and to bring back its fruit. Rashi explains that Moshe wanted them to see the land's goodness firsthand, as the fruit would testify to its quality. The phrase 'be of good courage' reminds them to approach their mission with strength and faith in Hashem's promise.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the time of the firstripe grapes'?
A: The Torah specifies that this event occurred during the season of the firstripe grapes (בִּכּוּרֵי עֲנָבִים) to highlight that the land was abundant. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 16:9) notes that Hashem orchestrated the timing so the spies would see the land at its peak fertility, making their later negative report even more blameworthy. Grapes were also a key symbol of the land's blessing (as seen later with the giant cluster in Numbers 13:23).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the command 'be of good courage' (וְהִתְחַזַּקְתֶּם)?
A: The instruction to 'be of good courage' teaches the importance of mental and spiritual strength when facing challenges. Ramban explains that Moshe was preparing the spies to resist fear or bias when evaluating the land. Today, this reminds us to approach difficulties with emunah (faith) and inner resilience, trusting in Hashem's guidance rather than being swayed by external appearances or fear.
Q: Why did Moshe ask about trees in the land?
A: Rashi (quoting the Talmud, Sotah 34a) explains that Moshe hinted at checking the moral character of the land's inhabitants: if the people were righteous, their trees would be well-tended. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50) adds that fertile land with trees signifies a place suitable for settling and thriving. This detail emphasized that the spies were to evaluate both the physical and spiritual state of the land.
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of gratitude in Judaism?
A: The command to bring back fruit was an opportunity for the spies—and later Bnei Yisrael—to appreciate Hashem's gift of a fertile land. The Sforno notes that their failure to do so properly (by slandering the land) showed ingratitude. Today, we learn to recognize and thank Hashem for blessings, especially the produce of Eretz Yisrael, which holds special kedushah (holiness).