Malbim: There are two kinds of spies. (a) When a nation or Shevet wants to acquire more territory, first they send Tarim to see if it is a good land, and worth fighting to get it, [like Moshe sent "Lasur Es Eretz Kena'an" - Bamidbar 13:17]. They are esteemed men, so people will rely on them, and from each Shevet, for each Shevet has its desires (some want grazing land, some want sea ports...) (b) After deciding that they want to capture it, they send Meraglim to see Ervas ha'Aretz, i.e. the weakest parts that are easiest to capture [like Yehoshua's spies]. They should be Giborim, to save themselves, who understand war; they need not be esteemed. Here they sent for both reasons. They sent mi'Mishpachtam (one from each family), mi'Ketzosam (the Katzinim, i.e. officers), Bnei Chayil (strong), Leragel and Lechakrah (to see if it is good). They were sent primarily for Chakirah, which is done first; they were told only "Chikru".

Radak, Malbim: Close to his house.

Malbim: In an inn [near Michah's house].