And the LORD said to Moses, The LORDThe Hebrew word used here is "Yahweh," the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush ( Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenant relationship with Israel. In the context of Numbers, it emphasizes God's direct involvement and authority over the events that are about to unfold. Yahweh is not a distant deity but an active participant in the lives of His people, guiding them according to His divine will. said to Moses
Moses, whose name in Hebrew is "Moshe," is the central human figure in the Pentateuch. He is God's chosen leader to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them to the Promised Land. The phrase "said to Moses" indicates a direct communication from God, underscoring Moses' role as a prophet and mediator between God and the Israelites. This divine communication highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as Moses is tasked with conveying God's will to the people. Send out for yourself men
The Hebrew verb "send" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a commissioning or dispatching with a purpose. The phrase "for yourself" suggests that this mission is not only for the benefit of the people but also for Moses' leadership. The selection of "men" indicates a specific group chosen for their capabilities and leadership qualities, as they are to represent the tribes of Israel. This mission is a test of faith and obedience, as the men are to scout the land promised by God. to spy out the land of Canaan
The term "spy out" (תּוּר, tur) means to explore or investigate. The "land of Canaan" is the territory promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). This land is significant not only for its physical attributes but also for its spiritual promise as a place of rest and blessing for God's people. The act of spying out the land is a step of faith, as the Israelites are to trust in God's promise despite the challenges they might perceive. which I am giving to the Israelites
The phrase "I am giving" (נֹתֵן, noten) is in the present tense, indicating the certainty and immediacy of God's promise. This is not a future possibility but a present reality in God's plan. The "Israelites" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, Bnei Yisrael) are the descendants of Jacob, chosen by God to be His covenant people. This promise of land is a continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. From each of their fathers’ tribes
The reference to "fathers' tribes" underscores the tribal structure of Israel, rooted in the twelve sons of Jacob. Each tribe has its own identity and inheritance, and the selection of representatives from each tribe ensures that the entire nation is involved in this mission. This tribal representation highlights the unity and diversity within the people of God, as each tribe contributes to the collective journey of faith. send one man who is a leader among them
The selection of "one man" from each tribe who is a "leader" (נָשִׂיא, nasi) emphasizes the importance of leadership and responsibility. These leaders are not only to observe but also to inspire and guide their tribes based on their findings. Their role is crucial, as their report will influence the faith and actions of the entire nation. This selection process underscores the need for wise and faithful leaders who can discern God's will and encourage others to trust in His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks directly to Moses, guiding the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and lead them through the wilderness. He acts as an intermediary between God and the people. 3. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are on a journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, Canaan. 4. The Promised Land (Canaan)The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey, representing God's faithfulness and provision. 5. The Event of Sending SpiesThis verse introduces the event where God instructs Moses to send spies to explore the land of Canaan, setting the stage for the subsequent report and its consequences. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and GuidanceGod initiates the exploration of the land, demonstrating His sovereign plan and guidance for His people. Believers are reminded to seek God's direction in their own lives. Leadership and ObedienceMoses' role as a leader highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands. Christian leaders are called to listen to God and lead others according to His will. Faith in God's PromisesThe sending of the spies is a test of faith for the Israelites. Believers today are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem challenging. Preparation for ChallengesGod prepares His people for the challenges ahead by instructing them to explore the land. Christians are called to prepare spiritually and practically for the challenges they face. Community and AccountabilityThe communal aspect of sending representatives from each tribe emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in the faith journey. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Numbers 13:1 influence your trust in His plans for your life? 2. In what ways can you seek God's guidance in your daily decisions, similar to how Moses received instructions from the LORD? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that tested your faith. How can the account of the spies in Numbers 13 encourage you to trust in God's promises? 4. How can you apply the principles of leadership and obedience demonstrated by Moses in your own roles and responsibilities? 5. What steps can you take to foster a sense of community and accountability in your faith journey, drawing from the example of the Israelite tribes working together? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3The calling of Moses at the burning bush, where God reveals His name as Yahweh and commissions Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, establishing Moses' role as a leader and prophet. Deuteronomy 1Moses recounts the sending of the spies and the Israelites' reaction, providing additional context and reflection on the events of Numbers 13. Hebrews 3The New Testament reflection on the faith and unbelief of the Israelites, using the events of Numbers 13 as a warning and lesson for believers to trust in God's promises. 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 Saying, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:1-2 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 13:1-3 4926 delay, human
5102 Moses, life of
8409 decision-making, and providence Numbers 13:1-6 7266 tribes of Israel 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 13:1 NIVNumbers 13:1 NLTNumbers 13:1 ESVNumbers 13:1 NASBNumbers 13:1 KJV
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