Definition: And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 13:20. It's a really significant passage about God’s plan for Israel and their relationship with the land of Canaan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites to be incredibly careful and productive in the land they’re given, and to bring a good harvest. It’s a test of their faith and their ability to work hard and be fruitful. Let's unpack each part: “And what the land [is], whether it [be] fat or lean…” This is saying that God is looking at the overall condition of the land – whether it’s full of fertile soil, barren, or somewhere in between. It's about the land's potential. “whether there be wood therein, or not.” This refers to the trees and vegetation in the land. The point is that God wants to see if the land can support life and growth – whether it has enough resources for plants and animals. “And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land.” This is the crucial part! God is asking them to be brave and hardworking. He wants them to produce a good harvest – meaning they should be successful in their work and bring forth bountiful results. “Now the time [was] the time of the firstripe grapes.” This is where it gets really interesting! The verse says that at this specific moment, God was looking for a perfect time to harvest grapes – specifically, the first ripe ones. It's like saying, “This is the best time to gather these grapes because they’re ready to be picked.” Overall Meaning & Significance: This passage is about God’s blessing on Israel and their responsibility to care for the land. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: He has a plan for everything, even the land itself. Responsibility: The Israelites are entrusted with managing and cultivating this land. Fruitfulness: Producing good results – in this case, grapes – is a sign of God's favor and their success. In short, it’s a call to action: work hard, be productive, and bring forth a plentiful harvest for the benefit of the nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Provide a little historical context about why this passage might have been written?