Comentario sobre Números 13:27

זבת חלב ודבש [WE CAME INTO THE LAND … AND SURELY] IT FLOWETH WITH MILK AND HONEY — They stated this because no fabricated statement in which one does not say at least some true words at first can in the end be maintained (Sotah 35a).

AND SURELY IT FLOWETH WITH MILK AND HONEY. Since Moses had commanded them to see what the Land is, whether it is fat or lean²⁴Further, Verse 20. the spies reported to him that it is fat, and surely it floweth with milk and honey. And in answer to his question whether there are trees therein or not²⁴Further, Verse 20. they reported to him, and this is its fruit⁵²In Verse 27 before us. for so he had commanded them, to show it to him.²⁴Further, Verse 20. Now in all this they said the truth, and gave a report about those matters which they had been commanded [to find out],⁵³Verses 27-28. therefore they should [indeed] have said [as in fact they did] that the people that dwell in the Land are fierce and the cities are fortified;⁵³Verses 27-28. for it was their duty to bring back words of truth to them that sent them,⁵⁴Proverbs 22:21. and Moses had commanded them [to see] whether they are strong or weak,⁵⁵Verse 18. [and what cities they are that they dwell in], whether in camps, or in strongholds.⁵⁶Verse 19. But the wickedness of the spies consisted in saying the word ephes [“nevertheless” — ‘Nevertheless’ the people that dwell in the Land are fierce],⁵³Verses 27-28. which signifies something negative and beyond human capability, something impossible of achievement, under any circumstances, similar to the expressions: ‘Ha’aphes’ lanetzach chasdo (Is His mercy ‘clean gone’ for ever?);⁵⁷Psalms 77:9. The thought implied is clear: It is impossible to think that His mercy has been withdrawn forever. and there is none else; ‘ephes’ (there is no other) G-d.⁵⁸Isaiah 45:14. Here too, the thought suggested is abundantly clear: It is inconceivable that there is another deity beside the true One G-d. Thus the spies told Moses that the Land is fertile and surely it floweth with milk and honey⁵³Verses 27-28. and the fruits are good, but it is impossible to fight against the people because they are fierce, and the cities are fortified, and very great; and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.⁵³Verses 27-28.

וגם זבת חלב ודבש היא; not only is it a good land, but it deserves the superlative “a land flowing with milk and honey.” The land yields its bounty without man having to engage in backbreaking labour. It produces abundantly in all areas of agriculture and cattle breeding.