At the command of God, Moses sent twelve spies into the Land of Canaan to explore the Promised Land. This mission took place during the season of the first ripe grapes, likely in early to mid-August, near the time of the autumn feast days. The spies journeyed through the land from south to north and back again, observing the terrain and the inhabitants. Upon their return, they delivered a glowing report about the land itself, describing it as a good land flowing with milk and honey, abundant in natural resources and prime agricultural potential, far superior to the wilderness of Paran where Israel dwelt. They brought back fruit as evidence of the land's fertility, confirming that it was everything God had promised. However, the spies also reported a significant challenge: the current occupants of the land. They noted five different peoples—Amalekites in the south, Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites in the mountains, and Canaanites near the Jordan River and seashore—covering the entire region. The spies argued there was no room for Israel among them and that taking the land would require fighting each group in succession, a task they deemed too daunting. They recalled past struggles, like the difficult battle with the Amalekites, and described formidable strongholds and military prowess among the other nations, expressing doubt in their ability to conquer such enemies. Further, the spies escalated their concerns with exaggerated claims, stating that the land would devour Israel, either through exposure to attack or depletion of strength, leaving them vulnerable. They also spoke of giants among the inhabitants, portraying them as invincible warriors, heightening the fear with tales that distorted reality. These reports stirred fear and doubt among the Israelites, overshadowing the faithful counterarguments of Caleb and Joshua, who insisted that with God's help, they could overcome any obstacle and take possession of the Promised Land.