TRV
Translation
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also their names are these: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the sonne of Zaccur:
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In the KJVVerse 4,081 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 13:5 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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 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, and the Son of Man who has authority on earth 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. Jesus is the faithful Leader who does not falter, ensuring that His people will indeed inherit the glorious promises of God.