from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun; from the tribe of EphraimThe tribe of Ephraim holds significant importance in the history of Israel. Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The name "Ephraim" in Hebrew means "fruitful," reflecting the blessing Jacob bestowed upon Joseph's sons in Genesis 48:19, where Ephraim was prophesied to become a multitude of nations. Historically, the tribe of Ephraim became one of the most powerful tribes in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often representing the entire northern tribes. This context underscores the prominence and responsibility of the tribe in the mission of exploring the Promised Land. Hoshea son of Nun
Hoshea, later known as Joshua, is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative. The name "Hoshea" in Hebrew means "salvation." This name is significant as it foreshadows his role in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses. The transformation of his name to Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation," by Moses (Numbers 13:16) is symbolic of his divine mission and leadership. Joshua's lineage as the son of Nun places him within the tribe of Ephraim, linking him to the legacy of Joseph and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. His leadership and faithfulness are central themes in the narrative of Israel's journey and conquest of Canaan. Persons / Places / Events 1. Hoshea (Joshua) son of NunOriginally named Hoshea, meaning "salvation," Moses later renames him Joshua, meaning "The LORD is salvation." He is a key figure in Israel's history, known for his faithfulness and leadership in bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land. 2. Tribe of EphraimOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, Ephraim was a significant tribe, often associated with leadership and strength. Joshua, being from this tribe, highlights the tribe's prominence. 3. The Spying of CanaanThis event involves Moses sending twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. It is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land, testing their faith and obedience to God. Teaching Points Leadership and FaithfulnessJoshua's selection as a spy and later as a leader underscores the importance of faithfulness and trust in God. His life exemplifies how God prepares and uses those who are committed to Him. The Power of a NameThe change from Hoshea to Joshua signifies a deeper spiritual truth: our identity and mission are rooted in God's salvation. This transformation is a reminder of the new identity believers receive in Christ. Courage in the Face of ChallengesJoshua's role as a spy and leader required immense courage. Believers today are called to face challenges with the same courage, trusting in God's promises and presence. The Role of CommunityThe involvement of the twelve tribes in the spying mission highlights the importance of community and collective responsibility in fulfilling God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joshua's background and tribe influence his role in Israel's history, and what can we learn from this about God's preparation for leadership? 2. In what ways does the renaming of Hoshea to Joshua reflect a deeper spiritual truth about identity and mission in God's plan? 3. How can Joshua's courage and faithfulness in the face of daunting challenges inspire us in our personal walk with God today? 4. What lessons can we draw from the collective involvement of the twelve tribes in the spying mission regarding the importance of community in our faith journey? 5. How do the connections between Joshua's leadership and New Testament teachings on spiritual rest deepen our understanding of God's promises and our response to them? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 31:7-8This passage highlights Joshua's commissioning as Moses' successor, emphasizing his role as a leader who trusts in God's promises. Joshua 1:1-9After Moses' death, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, reiterating His promise to be with him as he leads Israel into Canaan. Hebrews 4:8-10This New Testament passage reflects on Joshua's role in leading Israel into rest, drawing a parallel to the spiritual rest found in Christ. 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 Ephraim, E'phraim, Hoshea, Hoshe'a, Nun, Oshea, TribeDictionary 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 13:8 NIVNumbers 13:8 NLTNumbers 13:8 ESVNumbers 13:8 NASBNumbers 13:8 KJV
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