These are their names: Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah; These are their namesThis phrase introduces a list of individuals who are significant in the context of Israel's history. In the Hebrew tradition, names are not merely labels but carry deep significance, often reflecting character, destiny, or divine purpose. The listing of names here underscores the importance of each individual in the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. It is a reminder that God knows each person by name and has a specific role for them in His divine plan. Caleb
The name Caleb is derived from the Hebrew word "כָּלֵב" (Kaleb), which can mean "dog" or "faithful, devoted." Caleb is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and courage. He was one of the two spies, along with Joshua, who trusted in God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites, despite the daunting obstacles. Caleb's faithfulness is a powerful example of trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. son of Jephunneh
This phrase identifies Caleb's lineage, which is significant in the Hebrew culture where family heritage and tribal affiliation are crucial. Jephunneh, Caleb's father, is mentioned to establish Caleb's identity and legitimacy. The mention of one's father in biblical texts often serves to honor the family line and to connect the individual to the broader narrative of God's people. from the tribe of Judah
The tribe of Judah holds a place of prominence among the tribes of Israel. Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would come. This tribal affiliation highlights Caleb's significant role in the unfolding account of redemption. Judah is often associated with leadership and kingship, and Caleb's inclusion here foreshadows the tribe's future importance in Israel's history. Persons / Places / Events 1. CalebA prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. Caleb, along with Joshua, was one of the two spies who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan, despite the intimidating presence of its inhabitants. 2. JephunnehThe father of Caleb, mentioned here to establish Caleb's lineage and tribal affiliation with Judah, one of the leading tribes of Israel. 3. Tribe of JudahOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership role among the tribes. Judah's territory was significant, and it later became the region where Jerusalem was established. 4. Land of CanaanThe Promised Land that God pledged to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of this land to the tribes of Israel is a central theme in the book of Numbers. 5. Division of the LandThe event in which the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel, as instructed by God. This division was a fulfillment of God's promise and a crucial step in establishing Israel as a nation. Teaching Points Faithfulness and RewardCaleb's life exemplifies the principle that God rewards those who remain faithful to Him. Despite the challenges, Caleb trusted in God's promises and was rewarded with a significant inheritance. Leadership and CourageCaleb's role in the division of the land demonstrates the importance of godly leadership and courage. As believers, we are called to lead with integrity and trust in God's guidance. Heritage and IdentityUnderstanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ is crucial. Just as Caleb's lineage and tribal affiliation were significant, our identity as children of God shapes our purpose and mission. God's Promises FulfilledThe division of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, even when circumstances seem daunting. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Caleb's faithfulness inspire you in your own walk with God, especially when facing challenges? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate leadership and courage in your community or church, following Caleb's example? 3. How does understanding your spiritual heritage in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? 4. Reflect on a promise from God that you are holding onto. How does Caleb's account encourage you to trust in its fulfillment? 5. How can you apply the principle of faithfulness and reward in your personal and professional life, knowing that God sees and honors your commitment? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 14This chapter recounts Caleb's request for the hill country of Hebron, which he was promised because of his faithfulness. It highlights Caleb's enduring faith and strength even in his old age. Deuteronomy 1:36This verse emphasizes Caleb's wholehearted devotion to God, which earned him the promise of inheriting the land he explored. Genesis 49:8-12Jacob's blessing to Judah, which foreshadows the leadership and prominence of the tribe, connecting to Caleb's role as a leader in the division of the land. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Caleb, Jephunneh, Jephun'neh, Judah, Names, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:16-19 7266 tribes of Israel Numbers 34:17-29 4208 land, divine responsibility Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica 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 34:19 NIVNumbers 34:19 NLTNumbers 34:19 ESVNumbers 34:19 NASBNumbers 34:19 KJV
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