Numbers 13:4

KJV

And these [were] their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these were their names {H8034}: of the tribe {H4294} of Reuben {H7205}, Shammua {H8051} the son {H1121} of Zaccur {H2139}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here are their names: from the tribe of Re'uven, Shamua the son of Zakur;

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:4 is strategically placed at the very outset of a profoundly significant narrative arc within the book of Numbers. It immediately follows God's direct command to Moses to dispatch one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes to explore the land of Canaan (cf. [Numbers 13:1-3](/numbers/13-1-3 "Numbers 13:1-3 - God's Command to Send Spies")). The preceding chapters in Numbers meticulously detail the organizational structure of Israel's encampment, the sacred duties of the priesthood, and various census counts, all designed to prepare the nation for their impending entry into the Promised Land. This verse formally begins the listing of these chosen spies, a list that continues through [Numbers 13:15](/numbers/13-15 "Numbers 13:15 - The List of Spies Continues"). This enumeration directly precedes their forty-day mission and the subsequent, fateful report that would tragically lead to Israel's protracted forty years of wilderness wandering (cf. [Numbers 13:26-14:38](/numbers/13-26-14-38 "Numbers 13:26-14:38 - The Spies' Report and Israel's Rebellion")). The naming of Shammua is therefore far more than a mere administrative detail; it is the foundational step in a sequence of events that would profoundly shape the destiny of the Israelite nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this critical juncture in their journey, the Israelites have arrived at Kadesh-barnea, a strategic location situated at the southern border of Canaan. This geographical position marks a pivotal moment, as they stand on the very threshold of the land promised by God to their forefathers, approximately two years after their miraculous exodus from Egypt. The practice of sending out spies or scouts was a well-established military and strategic maneuver throughout the ancient Near East. Such reconnaissance missions were routinely employed to gather vital intelligence on enemy strength, the nature of the terrain, and available resources before any significant military engagement or invasion. The selection of a "prince" or "head" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) from each tribe underscores both the gravity of the mission and the representative nature of the chosen individuals. These men were expected to embody the wisdom, courage, and leadership of their respective clans. Furthermore, tribal identity and lineage were paramount in ancient Israelite society, dictating social standing, inheritance rights, and communal roles. Thus, the identification of Shammua by his tribe and father, "Shammua the son of Zaccur," carried immense cultural and social significance, affirming his legitimate place within the tribal structure and his authority to represent the tribe of Reuben.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 13:4, despite its brevity, significantly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. The theme of **Divine Mandate and Obedience** is central, as the mission of the spies, though ultimately leading to human failure, originated directly from God's explicit instruction to Moses (cf. [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God Commands Moses to Send Spies")). This highlights the inherent tension between God's perfect, sovereign plan and the exercise of human free will and responsibility. The verse also introduces the profound theme of **Leadership and Representation**, emphasizing that each chosen leader was to represent their entire tribe. This underscores the concept of collective responsibility and the far-reaching impact of leadership decisions on the entire community, a theme vividly illustrated by the catastrophic consequences of the spies' report in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Wilderness Wandering"). Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **Preparation for the Promised Land**, showcasing the practical and strategic steps involved in possessing God's inheritance, even while the ultimate victory depended entirely on divine power and Israel's unwavering faith, as seen in the later conquest narratives in [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shammua (Hebrew, _Shammûwaʻ'_):** From the root שָׁמֵם, this name (H8051) signifies "renowned" or "heard." In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried profound significance, reflecting character, circumstances of birth, or hopes for the individual. While the text does not explicitly elaborate on the specific implications for Shammua, his name might suggest he was a respected or well-known figure within the tribe of Reuben, making him a suitable candidate for such a critical reconnaissance mission. Ironically, despite his name meaning "heard," his fearful report (by implication, as one of the ten) was indeed heeded by the people, leading to disastrous consequences, rather than the faithful report of Joshua and Caleb.
* **Zaccur (Hebrew, _Zakkûwr'_):** Derived from זָכַר, the name of Shammua's father (H2139) means "mindful" or "remembered." This patronymic identification, "son of Zaccur," firmly situates Shammua within his lineage and tribal structure, reinforcing the paramount importance of family and clan identity in Israelite society. The combination of "renowned" or "heard" (Shammua) and "remembered" (Zaccur) subtly underscores the lasting impact of the spies' mission, which would be "heard" and "remembered" for generations due to its profound and tragic consequences.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This word (H4294), also meaning "rod" or "staff," figuratively refers to a "tribe" as a branch extending from a common ancestor. Its use here emphasizes the structured, genealogical, and representative nature of the Israelite community. Shammua is not merely an individual but a designated representative of a distinct, foundational segment of the nation, highlighting the collective responsibility inherent in the mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [were] their names:"** This introductory phrase serves as a formal declaration, signaling the beginning of a specific, divinely mandated roster. It emphasizes that the individuals to follow are not anonymous but are specifically identified by name, underscoring their individual significance and the personal responsibility each leader bore for the success or failure of the undertaking. This formal introduction lends authority and gravity to the list that follows.
* **"of the tribe of Reuben,"** This clause immediately establishes the tribal affiliation of the first named spy. The tribe of Reuben, as the firstborn son of Jacob, traditionally held a place of initial prominence, though its history was often marked by instability. This specific identification reinforces the representative nature of the mission, with each of the twelve tribes contributing a designated leader, ensuring comprehensive representation across the nation.
* **"Shammua the son of Zaccur."** This is the direct naming of the individual chosen from the tribe of Reuben, providing both his personal name and his father's name. This patronymic style was the standard and essential method for identification in ancient Israel, serving to firmly establish an individual's lineage, social standing, and connection to their ancestral heritage. Shammua is thus presented as the chosen leader from Reuben, the first among the twelve to be formally introduced in this pivotal list.

#### 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 (cf. [Numbers 13:4-15](/numbers/13-4-15 "Numbers 13:4-15 - The Names of the Spies")) 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 (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). 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.

* [Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - God's Anger at Israel's Unbelief")
* [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - The Reason for Failure to Enter God's Rest")
* [Deuteronomy 1:22-23](/deuteronomy/1-22-23 "Deuteronomy 1:22-23 - Moses' Account of Sending the Spies")

### 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
* **How does the naming of individuals in a list, like Shammua, emphasize the importance of personal responsibility within a collective mission or community?**
* **What qualities do you believe are most essential for spiritual leaders today, especially when facing daunting challenges or "giants" that seem to threaten the church's mission?**
* **In what ways might our own "reports" or perspectives (whether characterized by faith or fear) influence the faith, courage, and actions of those in our community or sphere of influence?**

### 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](/numbers/13-4 "Numbers 13:4 - Shammua, the First Spy Named") 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](/genesis/49-3-4 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy over Reuben"). 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](/numbers/13-4 "Numbers 13:4 - Shammua, the First Spy Named") only names Shammua, the subsequent narrative in [Numbers 13:26-33](/numbers/13-26-33 "Numbers 13:26-33 - The Spies' Discouraging Report") 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 (cf. [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6-9 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). 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](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Wilderness Wandering").

### 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 (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 7:19](/hebrews/7-19 "Hebrews 7:19 - A Better Hope Through Christ")).

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.