18 And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;
18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.
18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many,
18 Look the land over, see what it is like. Assess the people: Are they strong or weak? Are there few or many?
18 and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many;
18 See what the land is like, and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Commentary on Numbers 13:1-20
(Read Numbers 13:1-20)
A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish in the wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears, Deuteronomy 1:22, that the motion to search out the land came from the people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of God's wisdom. Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports and representations of sense rather than Divine revelation. We walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be of good courage. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution; but a great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful. Courage in such circumstances can only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.