Gaddiel
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Topical Encyclopedia
Gaddiel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan, as recorded in Numbers 13. Each of these spies was a leader from one of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen to assess the land that God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Name and Meaning

The name Gaddiel (Hebrew: גַּדִּיאֵל) is understood to mean "God is my fortune" or "Fortune of God." This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God (El) into personal names, signifying a relationship or attribute associated with God.

Tribal Affiliation

Gaddiel was a representative of the tribe of Zebulun. The tribe of Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Zebulun, the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe was known for its later settlement in the northern part of the land of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee.

Role as a Spy

In Numbers 13:1-16, the Lord instructs Moses to send men to spy out the land of Canaan. Gaddiel is listed among these men in verse 10: "from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi" . The mission of the spies was to gather information about the land, its inhabitants, cities, and agricultural potential. This reconnaissance was crucial for the Israelites as they prepared to enter and conquer the Promised Land.

Report and Outcome

Upon returning from their exploration, the spies presented their report to Moses and the congregation of Israel. While they confirmed the land's richness, describing it as "flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27), ten of the spies, including Gaddiel, expressed fear and doubt about the Israelites' ability to conquer the land due to its fortified cities and the strength of its inhabitants. This negative report led to widespread fear and rebellion among the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 13:31-33.

The lack of faith demonstrated by Gaddiel and the other ten spies resulted in severe consequences for the Israelites. God decreed that the entire generation of Israelites who had come out of Egypt, except for Joshua and Caleb (the two spies who trusted in God's promise), would perish in the wilderness and not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-30).

Legacy

Gaddiel's legacy, like that of the other ten spies who brought back a negative report, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. His account is a reminder of the consequences of fear and unbelief, contrasting with the faithfulness of Joshua and Caleb, who encouraged the people to trust in God's power to deliver the land into their hands.

Gaddiel's mention in the Bible is brief, yet his role in the narrative of the Israelite journey to the Promised Land highlights the challenges of faith and obedience faced by God's people throughout their history.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Gaddiel

goat of God; the Lord my happiness

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Gaddiel

(fortune of God) a Zebulunite, one of the twelve spies. (Numbers 13:10) (B.C. 1490.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fortune (i.e., sent) of God, the representative of the tribe of Zebulum among the twelve spies (Numbers 13:10).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GADDIEL

gad'-i-el (gaddi'el, "blest of God"):

One of the twelve men sent by Moses from the wilderness of Paran to spy out the land of Canaan. He represented the tribe of Zebulun (Numbers 13:10).

Strong's Hebrew
1427. Gaddiel -- "El is my fortune," an Israelite
... 1426, 1427. Gaddiel. 1428 . "El is my fortune," an Israelite. Transliteration:
Gaddiel Phonetic Spelling: (gad-dee-ale') Short Definition: Gaddiel. ...
/hebrew/1427.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Gaddiel (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GADDIEL. ... Multi-Version Concordance Gaddiel (1
Occurrence). Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. ...
/g/gaddiel.htm - 7k

Gad'diel (1 Occurrence)
Gad'diel. Gaddiel, Gad'diel. Gadding . Multi-Version Concordance Gad'diel
(1 Occurrence). Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. ...
/g/gad'diel.htm - 6k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Among the spies Zebulun was represented by Gaddiel son of Sodi (Numbers 13:10). ...
Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)
... Eliab the son of Helon. (See RSV). Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun,
Gaddiel the son of Sodi. (See RSV). Numbers 26:26 The sons ...
/z/zeb'ulun.htm - 16k

Gaddi (1 Occurrence)

/g/gaddi.htm - 7k

Sodi (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sodi (1 Occurrence). Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun,
Gaddiel the son of Sodi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/sodi.htm - 6k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... Baal-gad, at the foot of Hermen (Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7; Joshua 13:5);
Migdal-gad, possibly Mejdel near Askalon (Joshua 15:37); Gaddi and Gaddiel (Numbers ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun,
Gaddiel the son of Sodi. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

Resources
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Concordance
Gaddiel (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 13:10
Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Gaddiel

Gaddiel: One of the Twelve Spies

Related Terms

Gaddiel (1 Occurrence)

Gadding (1 Occurrence)

Gaddi: One of the Twelve Spies Who Explored Canaan
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