The answer is: 12

Num 13

When Moses sent those twelve spies into the land of Canaan, it marked a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey after escaping Egypt. Picture this: a group of brave (and maybe a bit nervous) men stepping into a land filled with promise and potential. They spent 40 days exploring Canaan, checking out the locals, and bringing back rumors of luscious grapes and titanic giants! Talk about adventure!

Now, here's a fun fact: twelve is a significant number in the Bible. Besides the spies, there were also twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe traces its roots back to one of Jacob’s sons, making the number a symbol of wholeness and community for the nation of Israel. Interestingly, in the New Testament, there are also twelve apostles, echoing this spiritual completeness.

When they came back, however, ten of the spies were scared stiff, focusing solely on the challenges, while only Caleb and Joshua saw the opportunity ahead. Their contrasting perspectives remind us how attitudes can change everything! Would you believe that their reluctance would lead to forty long years in the desert? Turns out, not all who enter the promised land enter with a ready heart. This story encourages us to embrace possibilities, trust in our journeys, and keep our eyes on the prize, even when doubt tries to cloud our vision.