13:19 And what the land [is] that they dwell in, whether it [be] {d} good or bad; and what cities [they be] that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;
(d) Plentiful or barren.
13:19 In tents - As the Arabians did; or in unwalled villages, which, like tents, are exposed to an enemy.
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, De 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.
