Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

These are the names {H8034} of the men {H582} which Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} to spy out {H8446} the land {H776}. And Moses {H4872} called {H7121} Oshea {H1954} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126} Jehoshua {H3091}.

These are the names of the men Moshe sent out to reconnoiter the land. Moshe gave to Hoshea the son of Nun the name Y'hoshua.

These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.

These are the names of the men that Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.

Commentary

Numbers 13:16 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the twelve spies sent by Moses into the land of Canaan. This verse highlights a significant detail about one of the key figures who would later play a crucial role in Israel's history.

Context

This verse appears immediately after the listing of the twelve men chosen, one from each tribe, to spy out the Promised Land. The mission, initiated at the Lord's command, was to survey the land's strength, its inhabitants, and its produce, to prepare the Israelites for their eventual entry. Among these chosen leaders was Oshea, the son of Nun, representing the tribe of Ephraim.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Preparation for Leadership: The act of Moses changing Oshea's name signifies a divine anointing and preparation for a greater purpose. This was not a casual renaming but an act with profound theological implications, setting apart the individual for a unique role in God's plan.
  • The Significance of a Name Change: In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name change often indicated a change in destiny, character, or relationship with God (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel). For Oshea, it marked his transition into a leader who would embody God's saving power.
  • Foreshadowing of Salvation: The new name, Jehoshua, carries immense prophetic weight, pointing to the ultimate deliverer.

Linguistic Insights

The most profound insight in this verse lies in the name change itself:

  • Oshea (ื”ื•ึนืฉึตืืขึท - Hoshea): This original Hebrew name means "salvation" or "he saves."
  • Jehoshua (ื™ึฐื”ื•ึนืฉึปืืขึท - Yehoshua): Moses changed Oshea's name by adding the prefix "Jeho-" (or "Yeho-"), which is a shortened form of God's covenant name, Yahweh (YHWH). Thus, Jehoshua means "Yahweh is salvation" or "the Lord saves." This transformation emphasizes that the salvation or deliverance of Israel would come not merely through human effort, but through God's power and presence working through His chosen leader.

It is crucial to note that "Jehoshua" is the Hebrew name from which the Greek name "Iesous" (Jesus) is derived. This makes Joshua a powerful Old Testament type of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Savior through whom God provides salvation.

Practical Application

Numbers 13:16 reminds believers that God is sovereign in raising up leaders and preparing individuals for His purposes. Just as God equipped Jehoshua to lead His people into the Promised Land, He equips believers today for their roles in His kingdom. The name change also serves as a powerful reminder that true salvation and victory come from God alone โ€“ "Yahweh is salvation." Our hope and strength are found not in human ability, but in the saving power of the Lord.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:8

    Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.

  • Exodus 17:9

    And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

  • Hosea 1:1

    ยถ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

  • Numbers 14:6

    And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

  • Matthew 1:21

    And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

  • Matthew 1:23

    Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

  • Romans 9:25

    ยถ As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
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