In Numbers 13, the Lord directed the Israelites to send out a survey team to "spy" out the promised land of Canaan. So, Moses sent out a group of men who were heads of the families of Israel. On their return, they reported that the land was very fertile, "flowing with milk and honey" , but the people who currently possess the land were very strong and their cities were heavily fortified. They were fearful of the inhabitants there and did not believe they could overtake them in order to gain Canaan for themselves. However, Caleb faithfully "quieted the people before Moses and said, ' we should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it. "