Numbers 13:15
and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.
from the tribe of Gad
The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The name "Gad" means "fortune" or "luck" in Hebrew, reflecting Leah's declaration upon his birth, "A troop comes!" (Genesis 30:11). Historically, the tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River, known for its strong warriors and pastoral lands. This location was strategic, providing both protection and resources. The tribe's role in the reconnaissance mission to Canaan underscores its importance and involvement in Israel's formative history.

Geuel
The name "Geuel" means "majesty of God" or "God is exalted" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, a common theme in Hebrew names that often encapsulate a theological truth or hope. Geuel's inclusion in the list of spies signifies his standing and the trust placed in him by his tribe. His name serves as a reminder of the divine presence and authority guiding the Israelites during their journey.

son of Machi
The designation "son of Machi" provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. "Machi" means "decrease" or "smitten" in Hebrew, which might suggest a narrative of overcoming adversity or a humble beginning. This familial reference situates Geuel within a broader community, highlighting the interconnectedness of the tribes and the collective identity of the Israelites. It also underscores the biblical theme of God working through families and generations to fulfill His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Geuel
Geuel is the representative from the tribe of Gad chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. His name means "majesty of God" or "God is exalted," reflecting a divine connection or purpose.

2. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Gad was known for its warriors and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Machi
The father of Geuel, though not much is known about him, his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.

4. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the challenges of faith and obedience.

5. Spying the Land
This event involves the sending of twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore Canaan and report back to Moses and the Israelites. It is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and sense of purpose. Just as Geuel's identity was tied to his tribe and family, Christians are part of a spiritual family with a rich heritage in Christ.

Faithful Representation
Geuel was chosen to represent his tribe. As Christians, we are called to represent Christ in our communities, living out our faith with integrity and courage.

Facing Challenges with Faith
The mission to spy out Canaan was daunting, yet it was an opportunity to trust in God's promises. In our lives, we face challenges that require us to rely on God's strength and guidance.

The Importance of Obedience
The spies' mission was a test of obedience to God's command. Our obedience to God's Word is crucial in fulfilling His purposes for our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Geuel's role as a representative of his tribe, and how does this apply to our role as representatives of Christ today?

2. How does the heritage of the tribe of Gad, as seen in Genesis 49:19 and Deuteronomy 33:20-21, inspire us to face our own battles with faith and courage?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our identity in Christ influences our decisions and actions, similar to how Geuel's identity was tied to his tribe?

4. How do the challenges faced by the spies in Canaan relate to the challenges we face in our spiritual journey, and what scriptures can we draw on for strength?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's Word led to a positive outcome in your life. How can this experience encourage you to trust and obey God in future challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:19
This verse contains Jacob's blessing to Gad, foretelling that Gad will be attacked but will triumph in the end. This connection highlights the tribe's resilience and warrior spirit.

Joshua 4:12-13
These verses describe the men of Gad crossing the Jordan River armed for battle, emphasizing their readiness and commitment to God's mission.

Deuteronomy 33:20-21
Moses' blessing to Gad speaks of their strength and justice, reinforcing the tribe's role in Israel's history and God's plan.
Glimpses of the Better LandIslay Burns, D. D.Numbers 13:1-20
The Change of Joshua's NameMarcus Dods, . D. D.Numbers 13:1-20
The Mission of the SpiesD. Young Numbers 13:1-20
The Promised LandH. Christmas, M. A.Numbers 13:1-20
The Sending Forth of the SpiesW. Jones.Numbers 13:1-20
The Twelve SpiesJ. C. Gray.Numbers 13:1-20
Wise TravellersBp. Babington.Numbers 13:1-20
The SpiesW. Binnie Numbers 13:1-33
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, Zebulun
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Hebron, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Negeb, Paran, Rehob, Sinai, Valley of Eshcol, Wilderness of Paran, Zin, Zoan
Topics
Gad, Geuel, Geu'el, Gevel, Machi, Maki, Tribe
Dictionary 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 Scripture

The 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

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