from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori; from the tribe of SimeonThe tribe of Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. In Hebrew, "Simeon" means "to hear" or "to be heard," reflecting Leah's hope that God had heard her plight. Historically, the tribe of Simeon was known for its fierce warriors and was initially settled in the southern part of the Promised Land, within the territory of Judah. This phrase reminds us of the interconnectedness of the tribes and their shared heritage, emphasizing the unity and diversity within the people of God. Shaphat
The name "Shaphat" in Hebrew means "he has judged" or "judge." This name reflects a common theme in the Bible, where names often signify a person's character or destiny. Shaphat, as one of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan, represents the role of discernment and judgment in the life of faith. His inclusion in this mission underscores the importance of wise and godly leadership in assessing and responding to the challenges faced by God's people. son of Hori
The designation "son of Hori" provides a genealogical link, situating Shaphat within a specific family lineage. "Hori" may mean "cave dweller" or "free," suggesting a heritage that is both humble and liberated. This phrase highlights the significance of family and ancestry in the biblical narrative, reminding us that each individual is part of a larger story. It also points to the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith and values from one generation to the next. Persons / Places / Events 1. SimeonOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Simeon was known for its role in the early history of Israel and its eventual integration with the tribe of Judah. 2. ShaphatA leader from the tribe of Simeon chosen to be one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. His name means "He has judged" in Hebrew, indicating a role of discernment and leadership. 3. HoriThe father of Shaphat, mentioned here to establish lineage and tribal affiliation. The name "Hori" is derived from a root meaning "cave dweller" or "free," which may indicate a historical or cultural background. 4. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a land of great significance, representing God's faithfulness and the future inheritance of the Israelites. 5. The Spying of CanaanA pivotal event where twelve leaders, one from each tribe, were sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land. This mission was crucial in determining the Israelites' approach to entering Canaan. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityShaphat's role as a spy underscores the importance of leadership and the responsibility leaders have in guiding their people according to God's will. Faith and ObedienceThe mission to spy out Canaan was a test of faith and obedience. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises and act in faith, even when circumstances seem daunting. Heritage and IdentityUnderstanding one's spiritual heritage and identity in Christ is crucial. Just as Shaphat's lineage was significant, believers are called to recognize their identity as children of God. Discernment and JudgmentThe name "Shaphat" reminds us of the need for discernment and righteous judgment in our daily lives. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in making decisions. Community and UnityThe integration of Simeon with Judah illustrates the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. Believers are called to work together for the common good and the advancement of God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the role of Shaphat as a leader from the tribe of Simeon, and how does this apply to leadership roles in the church today? 2. How does the integration of the tribe of Simeon with Judah reflect the importance of unity among believers, and what steps can we take to promote unity in our own faith communities? 3. In what ways does the mission of the spies to Canaan challenge us to trust in God's promises, and how can we apply this trust in our personal lives? 4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ empower us to live out our faith more fully? 5. What practical steps can we take to develop discernment and righteous judgment in our decision-making processes, both individually and collectively as a church? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:5-7Jacob's prophecy about Simeon and Levi provides context for the tribe's characteristics and future. This background helps us understand the tribe's role and challenges in Israel's history. Joshua 19:1-9The allocation of land to the tribe of Simeon within the territory of Judah highlights the tribe's eventual integration and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding land inheritance. Deuteronomy 1:22-23The recounting of the decision to send spies into Canaan provides insight into the communal and leadership dynamics at play during this event. 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 Hori, Shaphat, Simeon, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes 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 13:5 NIVNumbers 13:5 NLTNumbers 13:5 ESVNumbers 13:5 NASBNumbers 13:5 KJV
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