In Numbers 13:2, God ordered Moses to "Send men to spy out the land of Canaan". It literally says "Send for yourself". God didn't need spies since he already knew everything about the land. The twelve spies were sent for the benefit of the people of Israel, so that they would know what God had promised them.

Deuteronomy 1:22 says the people asked for spies. This can be reconciled with Numbers 13:2 by assuming Moses relayed the request to God who said, "If that's what you want." #shelach #shlach