Numbers 13:5

KJV

Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the tribe {H4294} of Simeon {H8095}, Shaphat {H8202} the son {H1121} of Hori {H2753}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the tribe of Shim'on, Shafat the son of Hori;

Berean Standard Bible

from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori;

American Standard Version

Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:5 introduces Shaphat, son of Hori, the divinely appointed representative from the tribe of Simeon, chosen to participate in the reconnaissance mission into the land of Canaan. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is a critical detail within the larger narrative of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, highlighting God's meticulous organization, the corporate responsibility of the tribes, and setting the stage for a pivotal moment of faith and obedience that would determine the nation's immediate future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:5 is an integral part of a meticulously compiled list found in [Numbers 13:1-16](/numbers/13-1-16 "Numbers 13:1-16 - The Spies Sent Out"), which enumerates the twelve tribal leaders selected by Moses, under the direct command of the Lord, to scout the land of Canaan. This specific verse follows God's explicit instruction to Moses in [Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - God Commands the Sending of Spies") to send one leader from each ancestral tribe. The inclusion of each man's name, his father's name, and his tribal affiliation underscores the divine precision and the corporate representation inherent in this critical mission. The narrative immediately following this list, from [Numbers 13:17](/numbers/13-17 "Numbers 13:17 - Moses' Instructions to the Spies") onwards, recounts the spies' journey, their conflicting reports, and the catastrophic crisis of faith that ensued, leading directly to the forty-year wilderness wandering detailed in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The People Rebel and Are Punished").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is the wilderness of Paran, approximately two years after the momentous Exodus from Egypt, with the Israelite nation poised on the very threshold of the Promised Land. Reconnaissance missions were a common and essential military and strategic practice in the ancient Near East, typically undertaken to assess the strength of enemy forces, the terrain, available resources, and potential routes before an invasion or major movement. The selection of tribal "leaders" or "princes" (Hebrew: נָשִׂיא, _nasi_) for this daunting task was culturally significant, as these men were highly respected figures, entrusted with the welfare and destiny of their respective tribes. The land of Canaan itself was known to be inhabited by various formidable peoples, including the Anakim, Amorites, and Hittites, renowned for their fortified cities and experienced warriors, posing a significant challenge to the Israelites, who had primarily known a nomadic existence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully highlights **Divine Appointment and Leadership**, as God meticulously chooses and commissions individuals for specific, weighty tasks, emphasizing that true authority and effective leadership originate from divine decree, not human ambition. The inclusion of a representative from each tribe underscores the theme of **Tribal Representation and Corporate Unity**, demonstrating the collective identity of Israel as a single people preparing to inherit the land promised to their forefathers, a covenant promise reiterated from [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Furthermore, the very mission itself, and the subsequent divergent responses to the spies' report, powerfully illustrates the critical and recurring theme of **Faith versus Unbelief**. The actions of these twelve men, including Shaphat, would serve as a pivotal test of Israel's trust in God's power and promises, ultimately leading to a profound lesson on the devastating consequences of disobedience, as vividly portrayed in the aftermath found in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The People Rebel and Are Punished").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shaphat (Hebrew, _Shâphâṭ'_):** The name שָׁפָט (Shaphat, H8202) is derived from the Hebrew verb meaning "to judge." Thus, the name itself signifies "judge" or "he has judged." This carries significant, albeit ironic, theological weight within the context of Numbers 13-14. While Shaphat's individual actions are not detailed, his participation as one of the ten unfaithful spies directly contributed to the collective report that led to God's judgment upon the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land. The name "He has judged" is strikingly associated with a mission that resulted in divine judgment against the people.
* **Simeon (Hebrew, _Shimʻôwn'_):** The tribal name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimʻôwn, H8095) means "hearing" or "heard," derived from the verb "to hear" (שָׁמַע, _shama_). This name was given by Leah, who declared that God "heard" her affliction (see [Genesis 29:33](/genesis/29-33 "Genesis 29:33 - Leah Names Simeon")). In the context of the spies' mission, the name "hearing" stands in stark contrast to the nation's tragic failure to "hear" and believe God's promise and command to enter the land after the spies' report. This highlights a profound spiritual disconnect between the tribe's name and the nation's collective action.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** The word מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh, H4294) primarily means "a branch" or "rod." Figuratively, as used here, it denotes a "tribe." This term emphasizes the organizational structure of Israel, representing a distinct family group or clan. The selection of one leader from each "tribe" underscores the corporate nature of the mission and the collective identity of Israel as a unified people, each segment contributing to the national destiny. The broader semantic range of _maṭṭeh_ also includes concepts of authority (a scepter) and support (a staff), subtly hinting at the leadership role and the support system that the tribes were meant to be for one another.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the tribe of Simeon,"**: This initial phrase immediately identifies Shaphat's tribal affiliation, emphasizing the comprehensive and representative nature of the scouting mission. The inclusion of a delegate from each of the twelve tribes of Israel was crucial for establishing identity, defining inheritance, and organizing military and civil life within ancient Israel. It highlights that the mission was a corporate undertaking, involving the entire nation through its leadership.
* **"Shaphat"**: This is the personal name of the individual chosen from the tribe of Simeon. His selection, along with the others, was not arbitrary but part of a divinely ordered process initiated through Moses. This underscores his role as a designated leader and representative, entrusted with a significant responsibility on behalf of his people.
* **"the son of Hori."**: This patronymic identifies Shaphat's father, providing his lineage. Such genealogical details were vital in ancient Israel for establishing an individual's identity, tribal affiliation, and social standing. It confirms that Shaphat was a recognized and respected figure within his tribe, chosen from a known and established family, lending legitimacy and authority to his role in the mission.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:5, though concise, employs several significant literary techniques. It functions primarily as part of a **Roster** or **List**, a common structural feature throughout the book of Numbers, which frequently catalogs individuals, tribes, and their designated roles. This precise listing underscores the meticulous organization and divine order inherent in the formation and journey of Israel. The verse also serves as a **Genealogical Note**, providing the specific lineage of Shaphat, "the son of Hori," which firmly establishes his identity and tribal connection within the broader Israelite framework. While seemingly straightforward, the names themselves introduce elements of **Ironic Naming** and **Foreshadowing**. The name "Shaphat" ("He has judged") ironically prefigures the severe divine judgment that would fall upon the generation due to the unfaithful report, of which Shaphat was a participant. Similarly, the tribe of "Simeon" ("hearing") stands in stark contrast to Israel's collective failure to "hear" and obey God's voice, highlighting a tragic disconnect between the meaning of the name and the nation's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:5, despite its brevity, is rich with theological implications. It speaks profoundly to God's meticulous involvement in the minutiae of His people's lives, extending even to the selection of individual leaders for specific, pivotal tasks. The corporate representation of the twelve tribes in this mission underscores the biblical principle of corporate responsibility before God; the actions and faith (or lack thereof) of these chosen few would have profound and far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. It also highlights the inherent tension between divine promise and human faithlessness, a recurring and tragic theme throughout Israel's wilderness journey. God had unequivocally promised the land, but human fear and unbelief could delay or even forfeit the immediate realization of that promise, demonstrating that God's promises are contingent on human obedience and faith.

* [Deuteronomy 1:22-23](/deuteronomy/1-22-23 "Deuteronomy 1:22-23 - Moses Recounts the Spies' Mission")
* [Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17-19 "Hebrews 3:17-19 - The Disobedient Generation")
* [Joshua 14:6-10](/joshua/14-6-10 "Joshua 14:6-10 - Caleb's Faithfulness and Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 13:5 serves as a profound reminder that every individual, even those seemingly minor figures listed in a historical roster, plays a significant and often critical role in God's unfolding redemptive plan. Shaphat, though his individual story is brief, was chosen and commissioned for a specific, vital task. His inclusion in the list of spies, and the subsequent outcome of their mission, stands as a sober reminder that divine calling is always accompanied by significant responsibility. Our response to God's commands and promises, particularly when faced with daunting challenges or intimidating obstacles, profoundly determines our spiritual trajectory and can directly influence the journey and destiny of those around us. This verse challenges us to earnestly consider our own "missions" within God's kingdom and to honestly assess whether we approach them with unwavering faith and courageous obedience, or with fear and doubt. Just as God meticulously selected each spy, He has a unique and purposeful calling for every believer, urging us to faithful obedience even when the "giants" in our lives seem overwhelmingly formidable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous selection of Shaphat and the other spies illustrate God's intentionality and preparation for His people's journey?**
* **In what specific ways does the narrative of the spies, initiated by this listing, challenge my own faith when confronted with difficult circumstances or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in my life?**
* **What responsibilities do I bear as a "representative" of Christ in my sphere of influence, and how does Shaphat's story, particularly its outcome, inform my approach to those responsibilities?**

### FAQ

**Why is Numbers 13:5, a seemingly simple verse, considered important?**

Answer: Numbers 13:5 is important because it is an integral part of a crucial list of individuals chosen by God to scout the Promised Land. This mission, though appearing to be a tactical reconnaissance, became a pivotal test of Israel's faith and obedience. The individual names listed, including Shaphat, represent the corporate body of Israel and signify God's direct involvement in the intricate details of their journey. The subsequent actions of these spies, particularly their negative report and the people's faithless reaction, led directly to the forty-year wilderness wandering, making this verse a foundational element in understanding a major turning point in Israel's history, as comprehensively detailed in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and the People's Rebellion").

**What happened to Shaphat the son of Hori?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide specific details about Shaphat's individual actions or personal fate beyond his inclusion in the list of spies. However, as one of the ten spies who brought back a negative and discouraging report about the land, he would have been among those who "died by a plague before the Lord" [Numbers 14:37](/numbers/14-37 "Numbers 14:37 - The Ten Spies Die") as a direct consequence of their unbelief and their role in disheartening the entire congregation. Only Joshua and Caleb, who brought back a good report rooted in faith, were permitted to enter the Promised Land.

**What is the significance of "the son of Hori"?**

Answer: "The son of Hori" is a patronymic, serving to identify Shaphat's father. In ancient Israelite society, lineage was of paramount importance for establishing an individual's identity, tribal affiliation, and social standing within the community. Its inclusion confirms that Shaphat was a recognized and legitimate leader within the tribe of Simeon, chosen not as an obscure individual but as a man whose family background was known and respected. While the name Hori itself does not carry a direct thematic message in this immediate context, its presence underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record and the profound importance of tribal and family identity within Israelite culture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 13:5, by introducing one of the chosen representatives sent to survey the promised inheritance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike Shaphat and the other unfaithful spies who brought back a report steeped in fear and unbelief, Jesus is the faithful and true "Spy" who perfectly entered the "land" of humanity, not to assess its dangers, but to secure its salvation. He is the ultimate and perfect representative of God to humanity and, simultaneously, of humanity to God. Where the spies failed to lead Israel into their earthly inheritance due to their unbelief and disobedience, Jesus, through His perfect faith, unwavering obedience, and sacrificial death, leads His people into a far greater, eternal inheritance. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the [Son of Man who has authority on earth](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - The Son of Man Has Authority") to forgive sins, demonstrating that the true "land" of blessing and rest is found exclusively in Him. His mission was not merely to scout, but to conquer sin, death, and the grave, thereby paving the way for all who believe to enter into God's eternal rest—a rest that the generation of the spies tragically failed to enter due to their disobedience, as profoundly highlighted in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest Remains"). Jesus is the faithful Leader who does not falter, ensuring that His people will indeed inherit the glorious promises of God.

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.