from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi; from the tribe of NaphtaliThe phrase "from the tribe of Naphtali" refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its valor and swiftness, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:21, "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." Historically, the territory of Naphtali was located in the northern part of Israel, a region known for its fertile land and strategic importance. This tribe's inclusion in the reconnaissance mission underscores the unity and collective responsibility of all Israelite tribes in the exploration of Canaan. Nahbi son of Vophsi
"Nahbi son of Vophsi" is a specific individual chosen to represent the tribe of Naphtali in the exploration of the Promised Land. The name "Nahbi" is derived from the Hebrew root "נחב" (nachab), which can mean "to hide" or "to conceal." This might suggest a character trait or a role that Nahbi played, possibly indicating wisdom or discretion. The mention of his father, "Vophsi," whose name means "addition" or "increase," highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This genealogical detail emphasizes the continuity of God's promises through generations, as each tribe and family plays a part in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. NaphtaliOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe is known for its warriors and is allotted land in the northern part of Canaan. 2. NahbiA leader from the tribe of Naphtali chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. His name means "hidden" or "concealed" in Hebrew, which may reflect his role in the covert mission. 3. VophsiThe father of Nahbi. Little is known about him, but his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. 4. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The exploration of Canaan by the twelve spies is a pivotal event in Israel's journey to the Promised Land. 5. The Spies' MissionTwelve leaders, one from each tribe, were sent by Moses to explore Canaan and report back on the land and its inhabitants. This mission was crucial in determining Israel's approach to entering the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Importance of Faith Over FearThe mission of the spies highlights the challenge of trusting God's promises despite daunting circumstances. Believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight. The Role of Leadership and InfluenceNahbi, as a leader, had the power to influence his tribe's perception and actions. Christian leaders today must recognize their responsibility to guide others in faith and truth. Heritage and Identity in ChristJust as Nahbi's identity was tied to his tribe and lineage, Christians find their identity in Christ. Understanding our spiritual heritage can empower us to fulfill our God-given purposes. The Consequences of UnbeliefThe negative report of the spies led to Israel's wandering in the wilderness. Unbelief can hinder our spiritual journey and delay God's promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Nahbi as a spy from the tribe of Naphtali illustrate the importance of faith in leadership? 2. In what ways can the account of the twelve spies inform our understanding of the challenges of living by faith today? 3. How does the concept of heritage and identity in the Bible apply to our identity in Christ? 4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences faced by the Israelites due to the spies' report, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual walk? 5. How can we, as modern believers, ensure that our influence and leadership align with God's truth and promises, especially in challenging situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:21Jacob's blessing to Naphtali, describing him as a "doe set free," which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's future role and characteristics. Joshua 19:32-39The allotment of land to the tribe of Naphtali, fulfilling the promise of land inheritance. Judges 4-5The role of the tribe of Naphtali in the battle led by Deborah and Barak, showcasing their warrior spirit and faithfulness. Hebrews 11:1-2The concept of faith as assurance and conviction, which contrasts with the fear and doubt exhibited by most of the spies, including Nahbi. People Aaron, Ahiman, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammiel, Amorites, Anak, Asher, Benjamin, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Eshcol, Gad, Gaddi, Gaddiel, Gemalli, Geuel, Hittites, Hori, Hoshea, Igal, Israelites, Issachar, Jebusites, Jehoshua, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Machi, Manasseh, Michael, Moses, Nahbi, Naphtali, Nun, Oshea, Palti, Raphu, Rehob, Reuben, Sethur, Shammua, Shaphat, Sheshai, Simeon, Sodi, Susi, Talmai, Vophsi, Zaccur, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Hebron, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Negeb, Paran, Rehob, Sinai, Valley of Eshcol, Wilderness of Paran, Zin, ZoanTopics Nahbi, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Tribe, Vophsi, VopshiDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:1-20 5552 spies Library Afraid of Giants
'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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Hebron
From Jericho we proceed to Hebron, far off in situation, but next to it in dignity: yea, there was a time, when it went before Jerusalem itself in name and honour;--namely, while the first foundations of the kingdom of David were laid; and, at that time, Jericho was buried in rubbish, and Jerusalem was trampled upon by the profane feet of the Jebusites. Hebron was placed, as in the mountainous country of Judea, so in a place very rocky, but yet in a very fruitful coast. "There is no place, in all …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Epistle xvii. To Felix, Bishop of Messana.
To Felix, Bishop of Messana. To our most reverend brother, the Bishop Felix, Gregory, servant of the servants of God [246] . Our Head, which is Christ, to this end has willed us to be His members, that through His large charity and faithfulness He might make us one body in Himself, to whom it befits us so to cling that, since without Him we can do nothing, through Him we may be enabled to be what we are called. From the citadel of the Head let nothing divide us, lest, if we refuse to be His members, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 13:14 NIVNumbers 13:14 NLTNumbers 13:14 ESVNumbers 13:14 NASBNumbers 13:14 KJV
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