Numbers 13:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:16 records a seemingly brief but profoundly significant detail within the account of the twelve spies sent into Canaan: Moses renames Oshea, son of Nun, to Jehoshua. This act, occurring just before the spies embark on their critical mission, elevates Oshea beyond a mere tribal representative, imbuing his identity with divine purpose and foreshadowing his pivotal role as the future leader who would bring Israel into the Promised Land, a role intrinsically linked to God's saving power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:16 is strategically placed within the larger narrative of Israel's journey from Sinai to the Promised Land. It immediately follows the divine command for Moses to send spies (Numbers 13:1-2) and the listing of the twelve tribal leaders chosen for this reconnaissance mission (Numbers 13:4-15). The renaming of Oshea, though a parenthetical note, serves as a significant theological marker, setting apart this individual before the mission's details are even given (Numbers 13:17-20). It highlights divine foresight and preparation for leadership, contrasting sharply with the subsequent faithless report of ten of the spies and the resulting forty years of wilderness wandering (Numbers 13:26-14:38).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, names were not merely labels but often conveyed identity, character, and destiny. A name change, particularly when initiated by a figure of authority like Moses or by God Himself, frequently signified a new status, a divine calling, or a profound transformation (e.g., [Abram to Abraham](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram's Name Change to Abraham") or [Jacob to Israel](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob's Name Change to Israel")). This cultural understanding amplifies the significance of Moses' action. Furthermore, the Israelites were on the cusp of entering a new phase of their history—transitioning from a nomadic existence to conquering and settling a land. Strong, divinely appointed leadership was paramount for such a monumental undertaking, making the preparation of a successor like Jehoshua a critical act of divine providence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Leadership**, demonstrating God's active hand in preparing and appointing individuals for His purposes, even before their full role is revealed. The name change itself highlights the **Significance of Names**, particularly in conveying theological truth—that true "salvation" or "deliverance" comes from God alone. It also serves as a profound instance of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to Jehoshua's future role as the one who would actually lead Israel into the Promised Land, a task Moses himself would not complete (Deuteronomy 3:27-28). The renaming sets the stage for Jehoshua to embody God's saving power in the midst of Israel's journey and future conquest, as seen in [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - Joshua's Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oshea (Hebrew, _Hoshea'_):** This original Hebrew name, meaning "salvation" or "he saves," carries an inherent sense of deliverance or help. It reflects a human capacity or desire for rescue. However, by itself, it does not explicitly attribute the source of that salvation.
* **Jehoshua (Hebrew, _Yehoshua'_):** This transformed name is theologically potent. Moses adds the prefix "Jeho-" (or "Yeho-"), which is a shortened form of the divine covenant name, Yahweh (YHWH). Thus, "Jehoshua" translates to "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This linguistic alteration shifts the focus from human capability to divine agency, emphasizing that any true deliverance or victory would emanate directly from God's power and presence working through His chosen instrument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land."**: This initial clause serves as a direct continuation of the preceding verses (Numbers 13:4-15), which enumerate the twelve tribal leaders chosen for the reconnaissance mission. It firmly establishes the context of the verse within the spy narrative, reminding the reader of the purpose and participants of this crucial undertaking. Moses' role as the sender underscores his authority as God's appointed leader.
* **"And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua."**: This is the pivotal statement of the verse. It records a specific, deliberate act by Moses: the renaming of Oshea, the spy from the tribe of Ephraim. The inclusion of "the son of Nun" serves to clearly identify the individual, linking him to his lineage. The act of renaming itself is not casual; it signifies a profound change in identity, purpose, and divine association. By adding the divine name "Yahweh" to "Oshea," Moses prophetically declares that this man, Jehoshua, will be the vessel through whom God's salvation and deliverance will be manifested for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 13:16 is **Nomen Omen**, where a name itself carries prophetic or descriptive significance. The transformation of Oshea's name to Jehoshua is a powerful example, as the new name ("Yahweh is salvation") directly foreshadows his future role as the one who, by God's power, would lead Israel into the Promised Land, embodying divine deliverance. This act also functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Jehoshua's elevated status and crucial destiny beyond the immediate spying mission. Furthermore, the divine inspiration behind Moses' act implies **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's active hand in preparing His chosen instruments for future redemptive purposes, even before their full mission is revealed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The renaming of Oshea to Jehoshua in Numbers 13:16 is a profound theological statement about the nature of salvation and divine leadership. It teaches that true deliverance and success come not from human strength or ingenuity, but from God alone. By embedding the divine name Yahweh into Oshea's name, Moses underscores that the future leader's effectiveness would be entirely dependent on God's presence and power. This act establishes a pattern of divine preparation and empowerment for those whom God calls to lead His people, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled through instruments consecrated by His own name and power. It is a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate source of all salvation, whether physical deliverance from enemies or spiritual redemption from sin.

* [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Abram's Name Change to Abraham")
* [Isaiah 43:11](/isaiah/43-11 "Isaiah 43:11 - God as Sole Savior")
* [Joshua 1:1-2](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-2 - Joshua's Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:16 offers a rich tapestry for reflection on God's sovereign hand in our lives and His preparation of individuals for His purposes. Just as God, through Moses, prepared Jehoshua for a monumental task, so too does He equip and empower believers today for their unique callings within His kingdom. This verse reminds us that our true identity and effectiveness are not rooted in our own abilities or original names, but in our connection to the God who saves. When we bear the name of Christ, we are called to embody "Yahweh is salvation" in a world desperately needing deliverance. It challenges us to surrender our own plans and capacities, trusting that God will work through us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is and His saving power. Our hope and strength are found not in human effort, but in the saving power of the Lord, who transforms and commissions us for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's renaming of Oshea to Jehoshua speak to His active involvement in preparing leaders for His purposes?**
* **In what ways does the meaning of "Jehoshua" ("Yahweh is salvation") challenge us to rely on God's power rather than our own efforts for true deliverance and success?**
* **Considering the significance of names in the Bible, what does your name, or your identity in Christ, reveal about God's calling and character in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses change Oshea's name to Jehoshua?**

Answer: Moses changed Oshea's name to Jehoshua as an act of divine foresight and prophetic significance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name change often indicated a new destiny, a divine calling, or a profound transformation in relationship with God. By adding the "Jeho-" (or "Yeho-") prefix, which is a shortened form of God's covenant name, Yahweh, Moses transformed "Oshea" (meaning "salvation" or "he saves") into "Jehoshua" (meaning "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves"). This renaming signified that the salvation and deliverance Oshea would bring to Israel would not be by his own power, but by the power and presence of Yahweh working through him. It was a divine anointing and preparation for his future role as the leader who would bring Israel into the Promised Land, a task that required God's direct intervention and saving power.

**What is the connection between the name Jehoshua and Jesus?**

Answer: The connection between Jehoshua and Jesus is profound and direct. "Jehoshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) is the original Hebrew name from which the Greek name "Iesous" (Ἰησοῦς) is derived. From "Iesous," we get the English name "Jesus." Both names carry the identical meaning: "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This linguistic and theological link highlights Joshua as a significant Old Testament "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led God's people into the earthly promised land, Jesus, the ultimate "Yahweh is salvation," leads His people into the true, heavenly rest and delivers them from the bondage of sin and death. The shared name underscores their shared mission of salvation, with Jesus being the ultimate fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:16, though seemingly a minor detail in the narrative of the spies, holds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The renaming of Oshea to Jehoshua ("Yahweh is salvation") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua was chosen and divinely empowered to lead God's people into the earthly Promised Land, overcoming formidable enemies, so too is Jesus the one true leader who brings His people into the eternal, heavenly inheritance. His very name, "Jesus," is the Greek equivalent of "Jehoshua," meaning "the Lord saves" (as revealed in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus' Name and Mission")). Joshua's mission, though significant, was limited; he led Israel into a physical land, but could not provide ultimate rest from sin and striving. The author of Hebrews makes this clear, stating that if Joshua had given them true rest, God would not have spoken later of another day of rest, which is found in Christ (see [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - Jesus, Our Rest")). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and there is salvation in no other name ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Thus, the renaming of Oshea points prophetically to the One through whom God's ultimate and complete salvation would be accomplished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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

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