If we compare those verses with Deuteronomy 1:19-23, we shall discover that, though as in this place it is said, that the LORD spake unto Moses concerning those spies, going to search the land, yet the thought originated in some of the people. The LORD himself had spied out the land for them long before, and declared it to be a good land, and had promised it to their fathers; but notwithstanding this, they chose to see it for themselves, and did not wish altogether to trust to the LORD. See Ezekiel 20:6; Genesis 13:12-17. Alas! what unbelief, distrust of GOD'S mercy, and self-confidence, is in the heart of man! Reader! do you not discover, upon many occasions, evidences of the same in your own?
Related Commentaries of Numbers 13:1
Numbers 13:1-2
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.