Numbers 14 - Introduction

The investigation of the land by the spies: their report, and its sequel

The narrative presents many serious difficulties which cannot be removed except by the recognition that it contains a fusion of the early traditions of J E with the later account of P. The two Chapter s should be studied as follows:

J E Numbers 13:17 b (from and said) Numbers 13:21 a (so they went up), Numbers 13:22; Numbers 13:26 b ([and they went to Kadesh&c.) Numbers 13:31; Numbers 13:33; Numbers 14:1 (partly), Numbers 14:3; Numbers 14:4; Numbers 14:8; Numbers 14:9; Numbers 14:11; Numbers 14:31; Numbers 14:39 b Numbers 14:45.

P Numbers 13:1-17 a, Numbers 13:21 b, Numbers 13:25; Numbers 13:26 a, Numbers 13:32; Numbers 14:1 (partly), Numbers 14:2; Numbers 14:5; Numbers 14:10; Numbers 14:26; Numbers 14:32 a.

This separation of the traditions depends partly on the presence of characteristic words and expressions, but partly also on irreconcileable differences in the facts which each relate. In J E, the spies start from Kadesh; they search the southern borderof Palestine round Hebron; they report that the land is fertilebut invincible; Caleb aloneencourages the people, and is allowed to enter Canaan. In P, the spies start from the Wilderness of Paran; they search the wholeof Palestine; they report that the land is not fertile; both Joshua and Calebencourage the people, and are allowed to enter Canaan.