Spies(detectives)
Summary
Individuals sent to secretly gather intelligence about enemy territory, mentioned prominently in connection with Israel's reconnaissance of Canaan.
☩The Twelve Spies
When Israel reached Kadesh, Moses sent twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. They traveled through the land for forty days, reaching as far north as Rehob near Lebo-hamath. Upon returning, ten of the spies gave a discouraging report, focusing on the fortified cities and giants in the land, while only Caleb and Joshua encouraged the people to trust God and take possession. The people's faithless response to the majority report led to God's judgment that the entire generation would die in the wilderness.
☩Other Biblical Examples
Joshua sent two spies to Jericho, where they were hidden by Rahab. David used spies to monitor Saul's movements and later employed intelligence networks during Absalom's rebellion. In the New Testament, the religious leaders sent spies who pretended to be righteous men, hoping to trap Jesus in His words.
Related Verses21 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.Matthew George Easton, "Spies," in Easton's Bible Dictionary (T. Nelson and Sons, 1897).
- 2.George Morrish, "Spies," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Spies," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).