Nahbi
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Topical Encyclopedia
Nahbi is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan, as recorded in Numbers 13. Nahbi represents the tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His role, along with the other spies, was to assess the land that God had promised to the Israelites and to bring back a report to Moses and the congregation.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 13:1-2, the Lord instructs Moses to send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which He is giving to the Israelites. Each of the twelve tribes is to be represented by one leader. Nahbi is chosen to represent the tribe of Naphtali. Numbers 13:14 specifically mentions Nahbi: "from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi."

The mission of the spies is to evaluate the land's fertility, the strength of its inhabitants, and the fortifications of its cities. After forty days of exploration, the spies return with their report. They bring back samples of the land's produce, including a cluster of grapes so large that it must be carried on a pole between two men (Numbers 13:23).

The Report of the Spies

Upon their return, the spies present a mixed report. They confirm that the land "flows with milk and honey" and show the fruit as evidence (Numbers 13:27). However, ten of the spies, including Nahbi, express fear and doubt, emphasizing the strength and size of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. Numbers 13:31-32 records their discouraging report: "We cannot attack those people, for they are stronger than we are." They spread a bad report among the Israelites, saying, "The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are of great size."

This negative report leads to a crisis of faith among the Israelites, causing them to grumble against Moses and Aaron and express a desire to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4). Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, stand firm in their faith, urging the people to trust in God's promise and power to deliver the land into their hands (Numbers 14:6-9).

Consequences

The lack of faith demonstrated by Nahbi and the other ten spies results in severe consequences for the Israelites. God declares that the entire generation of Israelites who doubted Him will not enter the Promised Land, except for Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:29-30). The ten spies who spread the bad report are struck down by a plague before the Lord (Numbers 14:37).

Significance

Nahbi's role in the biblical narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of doubt and disobedience to God's commands. His actions, along with those of the other ten spies, highlight the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The account of the twelve spies underscores the theme of faith versus fear, a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures.

Tribe of Naphtali

The tribe of Naphtali, which Nahbi represents, is one of the northern tribes of Israel. It is known for its valor and is later praised in the Song of Deborah for its bravery in battle (Judges 5:18). Despite Nahbi's failure in faith, the tribe of Naphtali plays a significant role in the history of Israel, contributing to the nation's military and spiritual heritage.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Nahbi

very secret

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Nahbi

(hidden), the son of Vophsi, a Naphtalite, and one of the twelve spies. (Numbers 13:14)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hidden, one of the twelve spies sent out to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:14).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
NAHBI

na'-bi (nachbi): The representative of Naphtali among the 12 spies (Numbers 13:14).

Strong's Hebrew
5147. Nachbi -- a Naphtalite
... 5146, 5147. Nachbi. 5148 . a Naphtalite. Transliteration: Nachbi Phonetic
Spelling: (nakh-bee') Short Definition: Nahbi. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5147.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Nahbi (1 Occurrence)
...NAHBI. na'-bi (nachbi): The representative of Naphtali among the 12 spies (Numbers
13:14). Multi-Version Concordance Nahbi (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nahbi.htm - 7k

Vophsi (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia VOPHSI. vof'-si (wophci, meaning unknown): Father
of Nahbi the Naphtalite spy (Numbers 13:14); but the text is doubtful. ...
/v/vophsi.htm - 7k

Nahath (5 Occurrences)

/n/nahath.htm - 9k

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... Among the spies the tribe was represented by Nahbi ben Vophsi (Numbers 13:14). ...
Numbers 13:14 Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. ...
/n/naphtali.htm - 35k

Vopshi (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vopshi (1 Occurrence). Numbers 13:14 For
the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vopshi. (YLT). ...
/v/vopshi.htm - 6k

Nahom (1 Occurrence)

/n/nahom.htm - 6k

Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
... Ahira the son of Enan. (See RSV). Numbers 13:14 Of the tribe of Naphtali,
Nahbi the son of Vophsi. (See RSV). Numbers 26:48 The sons ...
/n/naph'tali.htm - 18k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 13:14 Of the tribe of Naphtali,
Nahbi the son of Vophsi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

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