The modern military commander will define Priority Intelligence Requirements, which must be met for a successful reconnaissance mission. In Numbers 13, we see Moses doing the same for the twelve leaders:
Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.
Numbers 13:17-20 NET
The men Moses sent out were key military leaders of the tribes. Joshua was the commander of Ephraim and also of the entire Israelite military force. Caleb led Judah, the largest tribe with a place of honor as the first in the order of march and encamped on the east side of the Tabernacle.
When the leaders return, viewing their responses in light of this knowledge helps us to understand God’s treatment of them.
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