1)
Why does it say that the five spies entered? Verse 15 already said so!
1.
Malbim (15-17): Initially, the five greeted [the Levi] also in the name of the 600. "V'Shesh Me'os" at the beginning of verse refers to the end of verse 15 "va'Yish'alu Lo l'Shalom." They were from Dan, and recognized him. When he went out to the gate [to the 600], they returned to the house and took the idolatry.
