When the spies mentioned the Canaanite peoples, they mentioned Amalek first. According to the Sages, the purpose of this was to instill fear in the hearts of the Israelites.

“Amalek lives in the southern region and the Hitites, and the Yevusites, and the Emorites…and the Canaanites” (Numbers 13:29). Why did the spies begin their report with Amalek? This can be explained by means of a parable of a student who misbehaved and was flogged with a strap. When they seek to frighten him, they mention the strap with which he was flogged. Amalek was the evil strap for Israel. (Bemidbar Rabba 16)