3 occurrences in 3 dictionaries

Reference: Spies

Easton

When the Israelites reached Kadesh for the first time, and were encamped there, Moses selected twelve spies from among the chiefs of the divisions of the tribes, and sent them forth to spy the land of Canaan (Nu 13), and to bring back to him a report of its actual condition. They at once proceeded on their important errand, and went through the land as far north as the district round Lake Merom. After about six weeks' absence they returned. Their report was very discouraging, and the people were greatly alarmed, and in a rebellious spirit proposed to elect a new leader and return to Egypt. Only two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, showed themselves on this occasion stout-hearted and faithful. All their appeals and remonstrances were in vain. Moses announced that as a punishment for their rebellion they must now wander in the wilderness till a new generation should arise which would go up and posses the land. The spies had been forty days absent on their expedition, and for each day the Israelites were to be wanderers for a year in the desert. (See Eshcol.)

Two spies were sent by Joshua "secretly" i.e., unknown to the people (Jos 2:1), "to view the land and Jericho" after the death of Moses, and just before the tribes under his leadership were about to cross the Jordan. They learned from Rahab (q.v.), in whose house they found a hiding-place, that terror had fallen on all the inhabitants of the land because of the great things they had heard that Jehovah had done for them (Ex 15:14-16; comp. Ex 23:27; De 2:25; 11:25). As the result of their mission they reported: "Truly Jehovah hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us."

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Fausets

According to Nu 13:2, Moses sent the spies into Canaan at the command of God; but according to De 1:22 at the suggestion of the people. The seeming discrepancy disappears thus; the people begged that they should be sent; Moses laid their request before God, who thereupon gave the command. In the historical book, Numbers, God's command alone is mentioned; but in Deuteronomy, which treats of the people's conduct toward God, Moses reminds them that the request which eventuated in their fathers' rebellion and death in the wilderness, emanated from themselves. The generation whom Moses addressed in Deuteronomy needed to be warned by the fate of their fathers. Moses treats fathers and children as one people.

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Morish

The sending of spies to ascertain the strength or state of an enemy's country was known as early as Gen. 42, when Joseph treated his brethren as such. Twelve were sent by Moses to search out the land of Palestine, the adoption of this means being first desired by the people, and afterwards ordered by God. Only two brought up a faithful report, and had faith in God that He would give them possession. Num. 13. Two were also sent by Joshua, who were hidden by Rahab. Joshua 2; Jos 6:23; Heb 11:31. David and Absalom both used this stratagem. 1Sa 26:4; 2Sa 15:10; cf. Jg 1:24.

Those are called 'spies' whom the rulers of Israel sent to entrap the Lord. They were secret agents who, by feigning themselves just men, hoped to catch the Lord in His replies; but they were themselves put to shame, and confounded by His wisdom. Lu 20:20.

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