Numbers 13:4

³So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, ⁴and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur;

Summary

In Numbers 13:4, Moses appoints twelve men, each representing a tribe of Israel, to spy out the land of Canaan, which God had promised to give them. This act demonstrates the importance of gathering information and seeking God's guidance before embarking on a journey or making significant decisions. The selection of these men signifies the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel, as they work together to fulfill God's plan. This event also serves as a test of faith for the Israelites, as they must trust in God's promise despite the challenges and obstacles they may face. Ultimately, the spies' report will reveal the faithfulness of God and the need for unwavering trust in His provision.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And these were their names, of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. From Num 13:4, there is nothing but the names of the said persons, whose sons they were, and of what tribe; and the several tribes are mentioned, not according to the order of the birth of the patriarchs, nor according to the dignity of their mothers that bore them, but, very likely, according to the order in which they were sent, two by two, to search the land; for had they gone all twelve in a body, they would have been liable to suspicion: the signification of their names is of no importance to know, and will give us no light into their characters or the reason of their choice, nor are their parents elsewhere taken notice of, nor any of them but Joshua and Caleb, of whom we shall hear more hereafter. , there is nothing but the names of the said persons, whose sons they were, and of what tribe; and the several tribes are mentioned, not according to the order of the birth of the patriarchs, nor according to the dignity of their mothers that bore them, but, very likely, according to the order in which they were sent, two by two, to search the land; for had they gone all twelve in a body, they would have been liable to suspicion: the signification of their names is of no importance to know, and will give us no light into their characters or the reason of their choice, nor are their parents elsewhere taken notice of, nor any of them but Joshua and Caleb, of whom we shall hear more hereafter. Numbers 13:5 num 13:5 num 13:5 num 13:5Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. See Gill on Num 13:4.