from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael; from the tribe of AsherThe phrase "from the tribe of Asher" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The name "Asher" in Hebrew means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting the blessing Jacob gave to Asher in Genesis 49:20, where he prophesied prosperity and abundance. Historically, the tribe of Asher was known for its fertile land, rich in olive oil, which was a significant commodity in ancient Israel. This tribe's inclusion in the reconnaissance mission to Canaan underscores the unity and collective responsibility of all tribes in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Sethur
The name "Sethur" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "hidden" or "mystery." This name might suggest a divine purpose or a hidden plan in the context of the mission to spy out the land of Canaan. Sethur's role as a representative of his tribe highlights the importance of each tribe's contribution to the collective mission. In a broader spiritual sense, the name can remind believers of the hidden wisdom and mysteries of God, which are revealed in His timing and through faith. son of Michael
The phrase "son of Michael" identifies Sethur's lineage, with "Michael" meaning "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. This name is a rhetorical question, emphasizing the uniqueness and incomparability of God. In the biblical context, names often carried significant meaning and were reflective of the character or destiny of individuals. The mention of Michael here may serve to remind readers of the divine authority and protection over the mission. It also underscores the importance of godly heritage and the influence of faithful ancestors in the lives of their descendants. In a spiritual application, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own spiritual lineage and the legacy they are building for future generations. Persons / Places / Events 1. SethurA leader from the tribe of Asher, chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. His name means "hidden" or "mystery" in Hebrew, which may reflect the secretive nature of the mission. 2. Tribe of AsherOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its rich land and abundance. Asher's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. 3. MichaelThe father of Sethur. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, a common name that signifies reverence and devotion to God. 4. Spying the Land of CanaanThis event involved twelve leaders, one from each tribe, sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land and report back on its conditions and inhabitants. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who commissioned the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan, following God's command. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilitySethur, as a leader, was entrusted with a significant responsibility. Leaders today are called to act with integrity and faithfulness, recognizing the impact of their actions on their communities. Faith vs. FearThe mission of the spies was to gather information, but their report was influenced by fear. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises rather than be swayed by fear or doubt. The Importance of ObedienceThe sending of the spies was in obedience to God's command. Obedience to God’s directives is crucial, even when the path seems uncertain or challenging. Community and UnityEach tribe was represented in the mission, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility within the body of Christ. God's Sovereignty and ProvisionThe exploration of Canaan was a step towards fulfilling God's promise to Israel. Trusting in God's sovereignty and provision is essential for believers as they navigate life's challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. What qualities should a leader possess, as seen in the selection of Sethur and the other spies, and how can these qualities be applied in our own leadership roles today? 2. How does the mission of the spies in Numbers 13 relate to the concept of faith versus fear, and what can we learn from their experience about trusting God's promises? 3. In what ways does the account of the spies reflect the importance of obedience to God, and how can we apply this lesson in our daily lives? 4. How does the inclusion of representatives from each tribe in the spying mission highlight the importance of community and unity within the church? 5. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the tribe of Asher in fully possessing their land, what can we learn about perseverance and reliance on God in overcoming obstacles in our spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:22-25This passage recounts the people's request to send spies into Canaan, providing additional context to the mission described in Numbers 13. Joshua 19:24-31Details the inheritance of the tribe of Asher, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. Judges 1:31-32Describes the challenges faced by the tribe of Asher in fully possessing their allotted territory, reflecting the ongoing struggle to trust and obey God. 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 Asher, Michael, Sethur, 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 13:13 NIVNumbers 13:13 NLTNumbers 13:13 ESVNumbers 13:13 NASBNumbers 13:13 KJV
Numbers 13:13 Commentaries
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