The answer is: The inhabitants were great and tall

Deut 1:28

The Israelites’ fearfulness before entering the Promised Land is a striking and telling part of their journey. In Deuteronomy 1:28, the mention of “great and tall” inhabitants wasn’t just a casual observation — it captured the enormity of the challenge ahead. Picture yourself standing at the gateway of a new world, only to be met with towering giants that seem to loom as large as your fears!

This fear resonates still today. It’s a classic tale of the little guy standing up against overwhelming odds, which is a theme woven throughout the scriptures. When we consider David facing Goliath, we see that bravery often looks past stature and focuses on faith and conviction.

Additionally, the cultural backdrop adds an extra layer. The Israelites had been wandering for forty years, transforming from slaves into a new nation, yet maturity doesn’t always chase away the jitters! Their past experiences of oppression made it hard for them to trust their newfound identity as free people.

Interestingly, archaeological findings suggest that these "giants" of Canaan may have indeed refers to people of considerable stature, likely aided by their formidable fortifications. Regardless of our own “giants” — whether fears, challenges or doubts — the Israeli experience encourages us to confront our fears with courage. One can imagine the ribs of strong encouragement woven all through Israelite’s folklore from that fateful moment onwards. It proves that any seemingly insurmountable challenge can become an invitation to trust in something greater than ourselves.