TRV
Translation
King James Version
And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
Berean Standard Bible
and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur;
American Standard Version
And these were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
World English Bible Messianic
These were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses sent them out of the wildernesse of Paran at the commandement of the Lord: all those men were heades of the children of Israel.
Young's Literal Translation
and these their names: For the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur.
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In the KJVVerse 4,080 of 31,102
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Commentary on Numbers 13 verses 1–20
1 ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.
3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
7 Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph.
8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu.
10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi.
11 Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi.
12 Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli.
13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
14 Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.
15 Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
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.
17 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 ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
Here we have, I. Orders given to send spies to search out the land of Canaan. It is here said, God directed Moses to send them (Num 13:1, Num 13:2), but it appears by the repetition of the story afterwards (Deu 1:22) that the motion came originally from the people; they came to Moses, and said, We will send men before us; and it was the fruit of their unbelief. They would not take God's word that it was a good land, and that he would, without fail, put them in possession of it. They could not trust the pillar of cloud and fire to show them the way to it, but had a better opinion of their own politics than of God's wisdom. How absurd was it for them to send to spy out a land which God himself had spied out for them, to enquire the way into it when God himself had undertaken to show them the way! But thus we ruin ourselves by giving more credit to the reports and representations of sense than to divine revelation; we walk by sight, not by faith; whereas, if we will receive the witness of men, without doubt the witness of God is greater. The people making this motion to Moses, he (perhaps not aware of the unbelief at the bottom of it) consulted God in the case, who bade him gratify the people in this matter, and send spies before them: "Let them walk in their own counsels." Yet God was no way accessory to the sin that followed, for the sending of these spies was so far from being the cause of the sin that if the spies had done their duty, and the people theirs, it might have been the confirmation of their faith, and of good service to them.
II. The persons nominated that were to be employed in this service (Num 13:4, etc.), one of each tribe, that it might appear to be the act of the people in general; and rulers, person of figure in their respective tribes, some of the rulers of thousands or hundreds, to put the greater credit upon their embassy. This was designed for the best, but it proved to have this ill effect that the quality of the persons occasioned the evil report they brought up to be the more credited and the people to be the more influenced by it. Some think that they are all named for the sake of two good ones that were among them, Caleb and Joshua. Notice is taken of the change of Joshua's name upon this occasion, Num 13:16. He was Moses's minister, but had been employed, though of the tribe of Ephraim, as general of the forces that were sent out against Amalek. The name by which he was generally called and known in his own tribe was Oshea, but Moses called him Joshua, in token of his affection to him and power over him; and now, it should seem, he ordered others to call him so, and fixed that to be his name henceforward. Oshea signifies a prayer for salvation, Save thou; Joshua signifies a promise of salvation, He will save, in answer to that prayer: so near is the relation between prayers and promises. Prayers prevail for promises, and promises direct and encourage prayers. Some think that Moses designed, by taking the first syllable of the name Jehovah and prefixing it to his name, which turned Hoshea into Jehoshua, to put an honour upon him, and to encourage him in this and all his future services with the assurances of God's presence. Yet after this he is called Hoshea, Deu 32:44. Jesus is the same name with Joshua, and it is the name of our Lord Christ, of whom Joshua was a type as successor to Moses, Israel's captain, and conqueror of Canaan. There was another of the same name, who was also a type of Christ, Zac 6:11. Joshua was the saviour of God's people from the powers of Canaan, but Christ is their Saviour from the powers of hell.
III. The instructions given to those spies. They were sent into the land of Canaan the nearest way, to traverse the country, and to take account of its present state, Num 13:17. Two heads of enquiry were given them in charge, 1. Concerning the land itself: See what that is (Num 13:18, and again, Num 13:19), see whether it be good or bad, and (Num 13:20) whether it be fat or lean. All parts of the earth do not share alike in the blessing of fruitfulness; some countries are blessed with a richer soil than others. Moses himself was well satisfied that Canaan was a very good land, but he sent these spies to bring an account of it for the satisfaction of the people; as John Baptist sent to Jesus, to ask whether he was the Christ, not to inform himself, but to inform those he sent. They must take notice whether the air was healthful or no, what the soil was, and what the productions; and, for the better satisfaction of the people, they must bring with them some of the fruits. 2. Concerning the inhabitants - their number, few or many - their size and stature, whether strong able-bodied men or weak, - their habitations, whether they lived in tents or houses, whether in open villages or in walled towns, - whether the woods were standing as in those countries that are uncultivated, through the unskillfulness and slothfulness of the inhabitants, or whether the woods were cut down, and the country made champaign, for the convenience of tillage. These were the things they were to enquire about. Perhaps there had not been of late years such commerce between Egypt and Canaan as there was in Jacob's time, else they might have informed themselves of these things without sending men on purpose to search. See the advantage we may derive from books and learning, which acquaint those that are curious and inquisitive with the state of foreign countries, at a much greater distance than Canaan was now from Israel, without this trouble and expense.
IV. Moses dismisses the spies with this charge, Be of good courage, intimating, not only that they should be themselves encouraged against the difficulties of this expedition, but that they should bring an encouraging account to the people and make the best of every thing. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution, but it was a great trust that was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 13:4 initiates the divinely ordained roster of twelve tribal leaders chosen by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. This verse specifically introduces Shammua, the son of Zaccur, representing the tribe of Reuben, marking the commencement of a pivotal list. It sets the stage for a critical reconnaissance mission that would ultimately test Israel's faith and determine the immediate trajectory of their wilderness journey toward the Promised Land, serving as the first named individual in a narrative fraught with spiritual and historical significance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 13:4 primarily employs Listing and Patronymic Identification. The verse initiates a detailed list of the twelve spies, a common and effective literary device in biblical narratives used to convey comprehensive information, establish authority, and emphasize the collective nature of a group or action. Each subsequent entry in the list (Numbers 13:4-15) follows a consistent, repetitive pattern: "of the tribe of X, Y the son of Z." This structured repetition reinforces the organized, tribal representation of the mission. The use of Patronymic Identification (e.g., "Shammua the son of Zaccur") is a fundamental aspect of ancient Israelite genealogy and social structure, serving to firmly root individuals within their specific family lines and tribal heritage, thereby validating their identity and role. While subtle, the naming also carries an element of Foreshadowing, as the subsequent narrative will tragically reveal the collective failure of most of these named individuals, including Shammua by implication, to trust God, leading to severe consequences for the entire nation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:4, though a seemingly simple naming, is profoundly connected to the broader theological themes of divine promise, human responsibility, and the critical role of faith in possessing God's blessings. The selection of these leaders, including Shammua, was an integral part of God's strategic plan to prepare Israel for the inheritance He had pledged to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). However, the subsequent failure of ten of these spies, including Shammua, to trust God's omnipotence over the perceived strength of the Canaanites, vividly demonstrates the devastating impact of unbelief on the fulfillment of divine promises. This narrative serves as a stark and enduring reminder that while God's promises are absolutely sure and unfailing, their realization in human experience often hinges on human obedience and faith, particularly from those in positions of leadership. The entire episode underscores that even divinely appointed leaders can falter, and their lack of faith can have catastrophic and far-reaching consequences for the entire community.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even a seemingly administrative verse like Numbers 13:4, which simply names an individual, carries significant weight when viewed within its broader narrative context. It powerfully reminds us that God often chooses to work through specific individuals and their choices, thereby placing a profound responsibility on those called to leadership. Shammua's inclusion in this vital mission, though his subsequent actions were not exemplary, highlights the universal truth that every person has a part to play in God's unfolding plan. For believers today, this verse serves as a potent call to consider our own roles within the community of faith. Are we prepared to step into the responsibilities God calls us to, even when they involve risk, require courage, or demand unwavering trust in His promises? Do we fully grasp that our individual responses of faith or unbelief can have far-reaching and profound consequences for those in our community, influencing their courage, hope, or despair? This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of unwavering trust in God's promises, even when faced with daunting challenges that appear insurmountable, and to prayerfully seek out and support leaders who exemplify such steadfast faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Shammua, from the tribe of Reuben, named first among the spies?
Answer: Shammua's naming as the first individual in the list of spies in Numbers 13:4 is primarily due to the traditional order of the tribes. Reuben, as the firstborn son of Jacob, typically held a prominent position in tribal listings throughout the Old Testament, even if his tribe had lost its preeminence due to Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:3-4. The list in Numbers 13 follows a consistent pattern of naming one leader from each tribe, and Reuben's placement at the beginning is a reflection of this established tribal hierarchy rather than a specific commendation of Shammua himself.
Did Shammua give a faithful report, or was he among the ten spies who discouraged the people?
Answer: Although Numbers 13:4 only names Shammua, the subsequent narrative in Numbers 13:26-33 strongly implies that Shammua was among the ten spies who brought back a fearful and discouraging report. Only Joshua (from the tribe of Ephraim) and Caleb (from the tribe of Judah) are explicitly identified as bringing a positive, faith-filled report (Numbers 14:6-9). The collective failure of the "men who had gone up with him" (Numbers 13:31) to trust God's power indicates that Shammua, as one of the twelve and not specifically singled out as faithful, participated in the majority's unbelief, leading to the severe consequences detailed in Numbers 14.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 13:4 itself is a simple naming, the broader narrative of the spies and Israel's subsequent failure to enter the Promised Land profoundly foreshadows the necessity of a new and better leader—a perfect deliverer who would truly lead God's people into their promised rest. The failure of Shammua and the other ten spies, despite their initial divine appointment, highlights the inherent limitations and ultimate failures of human leadership under the Old Covenant. Their unbelief, which tragically kept an entire generation from entering the earthly promised land, underscores humanity's deep-seated need for a perfect High Priest and King who would never falter in faith. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and faithful "Spy" or scout, who "spied out" the true Promised Land—heavenly rest and eternal life—not by fearfully assessing obstacles, but by perfectly obeying the Father, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). He is the true Joshua (whose name, Yeshua, means "Yahweh is salvation"), who leads His people into the spiritual rest that the earthly Canaan could only dimly prefigure (Hebrews 4:8-10). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ has opened the way to the ultimate, eternal inheritance, fulfilling the promise that the Old Covenant generation failed to grasp due to their unbelief, offering a "better hope" through which we now draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19).