In spite of Moses' word not to be afraid, the people were afraid and so planned to send spies ahead instead of believing as Moses had called them to do. They wanted to send spies who were to explore the land and then advise on the best line of attack and also report on the size of the cities.
22 Vous vous approchâtes tous de moi, et vous dîtes: Envoyons des hommes devant nous, pour explorer le pays, et pour nous faire un rapport sur le chemin par lequel nous y monterons et sur les villes où nous arriverons.