So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, at the command of the LORDThis phrase underscores the divine authority and initiative behind the mission. The Hebrew word for "command" is "peh," which can also mean "mouth," indicating that this directive came directly from God's spoken word. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Israelites were to act not on their own accord but in response to God's sovereign will, reminding us of the necessity to seek and follow divine guidance in our own lives. Moses sent them out
Moses, as the chosen leader of Israel, acts in obedience to God's command. The Hebrew verb "shalach" means "to send" and is often used in the context of commissioning someone for a specific task. This action by Moses signifies the trust and responsibility placed upon him as God's appointed leader. It also reflects the structure and order within the community, where leadership is respected and followed, a principle that is vital for the health and unity of any group or congregation. from the Wilderness of Paran
The Wilderness of Paran is a significant geographical location in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. Situated in the Sinai Peninsula, it served as a place of testing and preparation for the people of Israel. The wilderness experience is symbolic of spiritual trials and growth, where reliance on God is paramount. Historically, this area is associated with the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites, emphasizing their dependence on God for provision and guidance during their journey to the Promised Land. All the men were leaders of the Israelites
This phrase highlights the selection of individuals who were not just ordinary members of the community but recognized leaders. The Hebrew word for "leaders" is "nasi," which implies a person of authority and influence. These men were chosen for their ability to represent and lead their respective tribes, indicating the importance of wise and capable leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the need for leaders to be aligned with God's vision and directives. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He is obedient to God's command in sending the spies. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who commands Moses to send out the spies. His authority and guidance are central to the account. 3. The Wilderness of ParanA desert region where the Israelites camped. It serves as the launching point for the exploration of Canaan. 4. The SpiesTwelve leaders from the tribes of Israel, chosen to scout the land of Canaan. Their mission is pivotal in the unfolding account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. 5. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are on a journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Their faith and obedience are tested throughout this journey. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandMoses' immediate response to God's command demonstrates the importance of obedience. As believers, we are called to trust and act upon God's instructions without hesitation. Leadership and ResponsibilityThe selection of leaders to spy the land underscores the responsibility of leadership. Leaders are called to act with integrity and faith, influencing those they lead. Faith in God's PromisesThe mission to explore Canaan is rooted in God's promise to give the land to Israel. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises, even when circumstances seem daunting. The Role of CommunityThe involvement of the entire community in the decision to send spies highlights the importance of collective discernment and unity in pursuing God's will. Consequences of UnbeliefThe broader account warns of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience. Trusting in God's plan is crucial for experiencing His blessings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' obedience to God's command in Numbers 13:3 serve as a model for our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our leaders are acting with faith and integrity, as seen in the selection of the spies? 3. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's promises when facing challenges in our own lives? 4. What role does community play in discerning and following God's will, and how can we foster this in our church or small group? 5. Reflecting on the consequences of unbelief seen in the broader account, how can we guard against doubt and cultivate a strong faith in God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 1:19-23Provides a recount of the same event, emphasizing the people's request to send spies and Moses' agreement, showing a collaborative decision-making process. Hebrews 3:16-19Reflects on the Israelites' unbelief and disobedience, which prevented them from entering the Promised Land, highlighting the consequences of not trusting God's promises. Joshua 2:1Describes a later mission of spies sent by Joshua, showing a parallel in the exploration of the land and the importance of faith and obedience in God's plan. 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 Command, Commandment, Desert, Heads, Israelites, Leaders, Orders, Paran, Sons, Waste, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:1-3 4926 delay, human
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 13:3 NIVNumbers 13:3 NLTNumbers 13:3 ESVNumbers 13:3 NASBNumbers 13:3 KJV
Numbers 13:3 Commentaries
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