1. The verb chapar is more frequently used to depict the action of digging, or rooting out things. It is used in the sense of "spying" only rarely, such as in Jos 2:2-3. From its basic meaning of digging, however, is derived the word for 'rodents' in Isa 2:20. It is not humour the Israelites will appreciate but, it seems like it was a rat that caused their dismay at Kadesh Barnea!