The answer is: 12

Num 13

In the Book of Numbers, specifically chapter 13, Moses famously sends out 12 spies to scout the land of Canaan. Each spy was chosen from a tribe of Israel, representing the entire nation. This small detail illustrates how the Israelites had a full-course meal of diversity even among their leadership—each tribe had its own unique strengths and traditions.

Did you know that the number 12 pops up all throughout the Bible? It’s not just a nice round number; it symbolizes completeness and divine authority. Think about the 12 tribes of Israel, or the 12 apostles that Jesus chose to spread His teachings to the world. It’s a number that really channels the essence of God's plans.

Now, when these spies returned with their report, while 10 of them brought back a scary vision of giants and impenetrable walls, only two—Joshua and Caleb—maintained faith in God’s promise. This marked a turning point; negativity led the Israelites to wander the wilderness for 40 years, a reminder of how perspective can affect an entire community.

The 40 years of wandering afterward can even echo other significant Biblical timelines, like how Jonah needed three days in the belly of a fish before he delivered God’s message! So, the next time you hear about those 12 spies, remember the bigger picture about faith, trust, and the stories that formed families and communities in their search for hope.