G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Numbers 13:1-33
Here we have another story of failure. It is closely associated with the movement of the people toward the promised land. The hour had come in which they should go forward. In this account in Numbers it is stated sending the spies was in obedience to the divine command. However, a comparison of this with the reference to the matter in the first chapter of Deuteronomy will show that the command followed the people's determination to do this very thing. This was in itself an act of suspicion and... read more
F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Numbers 13:1-20
the Spies Sent to Canaan Numbers 12:16 ; Numbers 13:1-20 By comparing the opening verses with Deuteronomy 1:19-22 , it appears that the suggestion about the spies emanated from the people, and that their proposal was graciously acquiesced in by God. But let us remember that it is a profound mistake to spy out or criticize the land or lot into which we are being led. We are almost certain to see the difficulties apart from the grace, and they sometimes appear to be insurmountable. It is... read more