Numbers 13:21-25 – Foretaste
We have here a short account of the survey which the spies made of the promised land. They go right through it, from Zin in the south, to Rehob, near Hamath, in the north. Probably they don’t go all together in a big group, so they won’t be suspected and captured, which would be a big danger if the Canaanites knew how close the Israelites are; but they divide themselves into several groups, and so pass unsuspected, as way-faring men.
They take particular notice of Hebron, probably because near there is the field of Machpelah, where their ancestors are buried. They find the adjoining city to this field in the possession of the sons of Anak, who are named. In the place where they expect the greatest encouragements they meet the greatest discouragements. Where the bodies of their ancestors are a reminder that the land is theirs, it has been promised to them, the giants are a reminder that they are going to have to fight for it.
They bring a bunch of grapes with them, and some other of the fruits of the land, as a proof of the extraordinary goodness of the country. The cluster of grapes is so large and so heavy that they hang it upon a bar, and carry it between two of them. The place where they take it from is, from this circumstance, called the valley of the cluster, that famous cluster which is to Israel a symbol of all the fruits of Canaan. When we have fellowship and communion with God through worship, Bible reading, and prayer, this is a foretaste of the fullness of joy we can expect in the heavenly Canaan.
Question
- Who is buried at Machpelah?
- What do they bring back with them?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the foretaste we have of Heaven.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.