King James Bible
"Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there."
The Israelites voice despair after hearing the spies' report, questioning the very purpose of entering the Promised Land. Their rhetorical question reveals how fear-driven reports from their own scouts have crushed their morale and faith in God's promise. The spies emphasized the physical superiority of Canaan's inhabitants, focusing on human limitations rather than divine power. This comparison reflects the common ancient Near Eastern concern with warrior stature as a measure of military might. The hyperbolic description of fortifications "up to heaven" conveys seemingly insurmountable defenses. Such walled cities were indeed formidable in Bronze Age warfare, but the exaggeration reveals the spies' overwhelming fear. The Anakim were legendary giants descended from Anak, whose presence terrified the Israelites. This final detail crystallizes their panic—not only are the people tall and cities strong, but mythical warrior-giants inhabit the land.