from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli; from the tribe of DanThe phrase "from the tribe of Dan" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Dan is historically significant, often associated with both strength and judgment, as the name "Dan" itself means "judge" in Hebrew. In the context of Numbers 13, the tribe of Dan is represented among the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. This inclusion underscores the unity and collective responsibility of all tribes in the mission to assess the land God promised to their ancestors. Archaeological findings, such as the Tel Dan Stele, provide evidence of the tribe's historical presence and influence in the region, further affirming the biblical narrative. Ammiel
The name "Ammiel" means "people of God" in Hebrew, combining "am" (people) and "El" (God). This name reflects a deep connection to the divine, suggesting that Ammiel's identity and purpose are rooted in his relationship with God. In the context of Numbers 13, Ammiel is one of the twelve spies, representing the tribe of Dan. His role in this pivotal moment in Israel's history highlights the importance of each individual's contribution to the community's faith journey. The name serves as a reminder of the calling to live as a people set apart for God's purposes, embodying faith and obedience. son of Gemalli
The phrase "son of Gemalli" identifies Ammiel's lineage, with "Gemalli" meaning "camel driver" or "camel owner" in Hebrew. This detail, while seemingly minor, provides insight into the familial and societal roles within the Israelite community. Camels were valuable assets in ancient times, used for transportation and trade, indicating that Gemalli's family may have been involved in these activities. This background could suggest a level of resourcefulness and adaptability, qualities that would be beneficial for a spy tasked with exploring new territories. The mention of Gemalli also emphasizes the importance of heritage and legacy in biblical narratives, where family lines often carry significant spiritual and cultural weight. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmmielAmmiel is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. He represents the tribe of Dan. His name means "people of God" in Hebrew, which is significant given the context of his mission. 2. Tribe of DanOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the fifth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe of Dan was known for its later struggles with idolatry and relocation within the Promised Land. 3. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is the land that the spies, including Ammiel, were sent to explore. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who, under God's command, sent the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan. 5. The Spies' MissionThe event where twelve leaders from the tribes of Israel were sent to explore Canaan and report back on the land and its inhabitants. Teaching Points Faithfulness in LeadershipAmmiel, as a leader, had a significant responsibility. Leaders today must remain faithful and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. The Consequences of UnbeliefThe report of the spies, including Ammiel, led to fear and rebellion among the Israelites. Unbelief can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities. The Importance of PerspectiveThe spies saw the same land but reported differently based on their perspective. Believers are encouraged to view challenges through the lens of faith, trusting in God's power and promises. Legacy and InfluenceAmmiel's actions contributed to the account of his tribe and the nation. Our actions and decisions can leave a lasting impact on those around us and future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the role of Ammiel as a representative of the tribe of Dan, and how does this apply to our roles in our communities today? 2. How does the account of the twelve spies, including Ammiel, illustrate the importance of faith and trust in God's promises? 3. In what ways can the struggles of the tribe of Dan, as seen in other scriptures, serve as a warning or lesson for us in our spiritual journey? 4. How can we ensure that our perspective aligns with God's promises when facing challenges, similar to the differing reports of the spies? 5. Reflecting on Hebrews 3:16-19, how can we guard against unbelief in our own lives and encourage faithfulness in our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 19:40-48This passage describes the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, providing context for their later history and struggles. Judges 18This chapter details the migration of the tribe of Dan and their establishment in a new territory, highlighting their challenges and failures in faithfulness. Hebrews 3:16-19This New Testament passage reflects on the unbelief of the Israelites during the wilderness period, connecting to the lack of faith demonstrated by most of the spies. People Aaron, Ahiman, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammiel, Amorites, Anak, Asher, Benjamin, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Eshcol, Gad, Gaddi, Gaddiel, Gemalli, Geuel, Hittites, Hori, Hoshea, Igal, Israelites, Issachar, Jebusites, Jehoshua, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Machi, Manasseh, Michael, Moses, Nahbi, Naphtali, Nun, Oshea, Palti, Raphu, Rehob, Reuben, Sethur, Shammua, Shaphat, Sheshai, Simeon, Sodi, Susi, Talmai, Vophsi, Zaccur, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Hebron, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Negeb, Paran, Rehob, Sinai, Valley of Eshcol, Wilderness of Paran, Zin, ZoanTopics Ammiel, Am'miel, Dan, Gemalli, Gemal'li, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:1-20 5552 spies Library Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Hebron
From Jericho we proceed to Hebron, far off in situation, but next to it in dignity: yea, there was a time, when it went before Jerusalem itself in name and honour;--namely, while the first foundations of the kingdom of David were laid; and, at that time, Jericho was buried in rubbish, and Jerusalem was trampled upon by the profane feet of the Jebusites. Hebron was placed, as in the mountainous country of Judea, so in a place very rocky, but yet in a very fruitful coast. "There is no place, in all …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Epistle xvii. To Felix, Bishop of Messana.
To Felix, Bishop of Messana. To our most reverend brother, the Bishop Felix, Gregory, servant of the servants of God [246] . Our Head, which is Christ, to this end has willed us to be His members, that through His large charity and faithfulness He might make us one body in Himself, to whom it befits us so to cling that, since without Him we can do nothing, through Him we may be enabled to be what we are called. From the citadel of the Head let nothing divide us, lest, if we refuse to be His members, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 13:12 NIVNumbers 13:12 NLTNumbers 13:12 ESVNumbers 13:12 NASBNumbers 13:12 KJV
Numbers 13:12 Commentaries
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