The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just list groups; it strategically places them to highlight every possible obstacle. By noting the Amalekites in the south and others in the mountains, by the sea, and along the Jordan, the spies emphasize that all entry points and paths into the land are heavily guarded by formidable peoples. It's a subtle but powerful way of building the case for fear by showing no easy access exists.
The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The spies sent by Moses have just returned from scouting the Promised Land, reporting that it "floweth with milk and honey" but is inhabited by strong people in walled cities, including the formidable Anakites. In this verse, the spies continue their detailed assessment, mapping out where specific hostile nations—the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites—are located, effectively describing the formidable defenses guarding every possible approach to the land. This information immediately sets up the tension and debate that follows, as the Israelites must decide whether to trust God's promises or fear these established inhabitants.
Ever feel like no matter where you turn, there's an obstacle? The Israelites faced a similar reality as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The spies' report detailed not just people, but where these people were.
This verse paints a geographical picture of the challenges awaiting Israel:
The list of peoples can sound like a simple roster of enemies. But the term 'Canaanite' here is more complex, acting as both a specific tribe and a broader descriptor for the land's inhabitants.
Ask a follow-up
The report uses 'Canaanites' in a way that requires careful attention:
Understand the original words
Amaleqi · Hebrew Proper Noun/Adjective
A historical nation, often viewed as a persistent enemy of Israel, representing the spiritual and physical opposition that God's people encounter when stepping into His will.
Kena'ani · Hebrew Proper Noun/Adjective
A name referring to the diverse peoples living in the Promised Land before the Israelite conquest. They represent the opposition to God's kingdom and the spiritual powers and influences that God commands His people to separate from.
This verse reflects the crucial moment when the Israelites, poised to enter the Promised Land after their exodus, receive a detailed geographical and demographic report from their spies. The description of the existing inhabitants highlights the formidable challenges and the strategic divisions of the land, directly influencing the people's fear and subsequent refusal to advance.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites, led by Moses, depart from Egypt, beginning their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Arrive at Kadesh Barnea
The Israelites reach the vicinity of Kadesh Barnea, on the southern border of Canaan, after their exodus from Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
Spies Sent into Canaan
At Moses' command, twelve spies are dispatched to scout the land of Canaan, assessing its people, cities, and resources.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Spies' Report on Canaan's Inhabitants
The spies return and report on the various peoples inhabiting the land, including the Amalekites in the south, Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites in the hills, and Canaanites by the sea and Jordan.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Refuse to Enter the Land
Following the negative report from ten of the spies, the Israelites despair and refuse to advance into Canaan, leading to a 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Enter Canaan
After 40 years of wandering, the new generation of Israelites, led by Joshua, crosses the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan.
This passage echoes the description of Canaanite settlement by the sea and Jordan, highlighting their widespread presence across the land.
Judges 1:10This verse mentions Caleb conquering Hebron, which was inhabited by descendants of Anak (the Anakim), directly linking to the spies' report in Numbers 13:22 about seeing the sons of Anak in the hill country.
Exodus 17:8-13This passage details the Amalekites attacking Israel in the wilderness shortly after leaving Egypt, demonstrating their hostility and confirming their position as an immediate threat upon entering the land, as noted by the spies.
Deuteronomy 1:44This verse describes the Amorites, who the spies reported as dwelling in the mountains, actively driving out the Israelites when they attempted to enter the land, underscoring the reality of the opposition described by the scouts.
jfbNumbers 13:29: "The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan."
- The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south—Their territory lay between the Dead and the Red Seas, skirting the borders of Canaan.Hittites … dwell in the mountains—Their settlements were in the southern and mountainous part of Palestine (Ge 23:7).the Canaanites dwell by the sea—The re…
gillNumbers 13:29: "The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan."
The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south,.... On the southern side of the land of Canaan: not in it, for they were not Canaanites, but neighbours to them, and lay nearest to the camp of Israel, and at the entrance into the land of Canaan; and as they were enemies of Israel, as appears…
This verse doesn't just list groups; it strategically places them to highlight every possible obstacle. By noting the Amalekites in the south and others in the mountains, by the sea, and along the Jordan, the spies emphasize that all entry points and paths into the land are heavily guarded by formidable peoples. It's a subtle but powerful way of building the case for fear by showing no easy access exists.
The spies sent by Moses have just returned from scouting the Promised Land, reporting that it "floweth with milk and honey" but is inhabited by strong people in walled cities, including the formidable Anakites. In this verse, the spies continue their detailed assessment, mapping out where specific hostile nations—the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites—are located, effectively describing the formidable defenses guarding every possible approach to the land. This information immediately sets up the tension and debate that follows, as the Israelites must decide whether to trust God's promises or fear these established inhabitants.
The spies sent by Moses have just returned from scouting the Promised Land, reporting that it "floweth with milk and honey" but is inhabited by strong people in walled cities, including the formidable Anakites. In this verse, the spies continue their detailed assessment, mapping out where specific hostile nations—the Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, and Canaanites—are located, effectively describing the formidable defenses guarding every possible approach to the land. This information immediately sets up the tension and debate that follows, as the Israelites must decide whether to trust God's promises or fear these established inhabitants.
"The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”" — This verse doesn't just list groups; it strategically places them to highlight every possible obstacle. By noting the Amalekites in the south and others in the mountains, by the sea, and along the Jo…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026