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spies

Concise Bible Dictionary:

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 afterward 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 (Josh. 2; Josh. 6:23²³And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel. (Joshua 6:23); Heb. 11:31³¹By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:31)). David and Absalom both used this stratagem (1 Sam. 26:4⁴David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul was come in very deed. (1 Samuel 26:4); 2 Sam. 15:10¹⁰But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron. (2 Samuel 15:10); compare Judg. 1:24²⁴And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Show us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will show thee mercy. (Judges 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 (Luke 20:20²⁰And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20:20)).

Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:

Number:

871 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)

Transliteration:

’Athariym

Phonic:

ath-aw-reem’

Meaning:

plural from an unused root (probably meaning to step); places; Atharim, a place near Palestine

KJV Usage:

spies