12 Men Went to Spy on Canaan is one of our favorite children's ministry songs.
In Numbers 13 and 14 we see that twelve men were selected from the tribes of Israel to spy out the promised land of Canaan. They all reported seeing a fertile land "flowing with milk and honey." They all saw giants as well. Unfortunately ten men saw the odds they were up against and became faint of heart, and convinced an entire nation to doubt the Lord.
Two men, Joshua and Caleb, saw that God is bigger than any opposition we see with our human eyes. The entire Israelite nation lost their faith and refused to pursue the blessing God had for them. As a result, all of them had to wander in the wilderness for fourty years, and the task of inhabiting the promised land fell to the next generation.
This is a wonderful song to present many lessons. You can help the children understand that no matter what giants they face, they can pursue God's purpose for their life. Some people see the "Giant's big and tall," some see, "Grapes and clusters fall." It all depends on if you want to view the world as God sees it, or as your own eyes see it.
As you sing this song, begin slowly so that all the kids can get the hand motions down. Speed up a little each repetition. Soon you will have a room full of screaming children with flailing limbs having a great time!
Begin with crossed fingers to represent the Roman numeral XII, or 12.
The lyrics are:
12 Men Went to spy on Canaan
10 were bad and 2 were good
What did they see when they spied on Canaan
10 were bad and 2 were good
Some saw giants, big and tall
Some saw grapes and clusters fall
Some saw God was in it all
10 were bad and 2 were good
I hope you enjoy this we have for you!