Spies Sent to Canaan
Following the Exodus from Egypt, God instructed Moses to send one leader from each of the twelve tribes to scout the land of Canaan, which had been promised to the Israelites as their inheritance. The spies returned after forty days with evidence of the land's fertility, yet ten of them emphasized the strength of its inhabitants and cities, spreading fear that led the people to rebel against entering the land. Joshua and Caleb countered with a report of faith, urging the nation to trust God's promise despite the obstacles. This event proved pivotal in Scripture, as the resulting unbelief prompted God to decree forty years of wilderness wandering, ensuring that only the faithful spies Joshua and Caleb would survive to enter Canaan with the next generation.
Meanwhile in the World
Egypt is at the height of its New Kingdom power under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The Hittite Empire controls Anatolia. The Late Bronze Age collapse is approaching. Troy exists as a real city. This is the time of the Amarna letters and international diplomacy.