(Numbers4) Numbers chapters 13-15
Twelve spies were sent to tour the Land of Canaan. Two brought back positive tidings and encouragement but ten were negative. The identity and attitudes of the spies are found to have been historical precedents concerning their descendants today.
See Also:
Shelach: Entering the Land
Contents:
1. Moses Sends Spies into Canaan.
2. Meaning of the Names of the Tribal Spies
3. Notes on the Characteristics of the Tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh).
A. Relative Precedence of Manasseh over Ephraim.
B. Negative Characteristics of Joseph: Bloodshed, Anger, False Reports (Conspiracy Theories).
C. Joshua and Caleb as Prototypes of Judah and Joseph Today?
4. Instigators of Calumnies against the Land of Israel from Naphtali and Asher!
5. Descendants of Moses with the Ten Tribes in Denmark, Ireland and Britain
6. Equal Treatment for the Naturalized Stranger
7. Laws and Punishments
8. Tsitsit
9. Prophet. Rahab the Canaanite Heroine
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1. Moses Sends Spies into Canaan.
Our portion relates how Moses choose 12 representatives (one from each tribe) to enter the land, traverse it, and return with a report. They did so. Ten of the Spies brought back a negative impression being fearful of the powerful inhabitants of the Land. The people consequently rebelled and did not want to continue but wished to chose a leader and return to Egypt. Joshua (Hoshua) from the Tribe of Ephraim and Caleb from the Tribe of Judah who had also been amongst the spies pleaded with the people not to listen to the other spies and not to rebel against God. They said that the Land was good and could be conquered. The people would not listen but were angry and were about to stone Joshua and Caleb. The Glory of God intervened at the Tabernacle. God said HE was prepared to wipe out the people and create a new nation from Moses, " and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they". Moses pleaded with the Almighty and managed to avert HIS wrath. Nevertheless, God was angry with them. HE decreed that all that generation would have to wander for 40 years in the wilderness and would not merit to enter the land. Their children would do so. The ten spies were stricken with plague and died. The Two other spies, Joshua (Hoshua) from the Tribe of Ephraim and Caleb from the Tribe of Judah, who had given a favorable account were not killed by the plague. Following this the people had a change of heart and wanted to go on with the conquest. Moses warned them not to do so but they would not listen and so suffered a defeat at the hands of the Amalekites and Canaanites.
From this incident we may learn certain points of importance.
It may be seen how much earnestness the Almighty places on settling the Land of Israel. When they sinned with the Golden Calf God forgave them. When they did not want to enter the land they were punished.
We may also learn a few matters concerning the Tribes in general.
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2. Meaning of the Names of the Tribal Spies
Numbers 13:
1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.
3 So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel. 4 Now these were their names: from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Joseph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
Suggested (may be changed and not to be taken as authoritative) Meaning of the Names of the Spies:
Numbers 13:
4 from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur;
God Heard son of Remembrance
5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori;
Judge son of the Aristocratic Ruler
6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh;
Open Heart son of God will make Room Yefuneh
7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph;
God Redeems son of Joseph (God will Increase)
8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun;
God Will Save son of the Royal One
9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu;
Rescued by God son of God Heals
10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi;
Good Fortune from God son of Secret of God
11 from the tribe of Joseph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi;
Good Fortune son of Horse of the Almighty
12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli;
God of My People son of Requitement
13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael;
Discretion son of Who is Like God?
14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi;
Hidden One son of Reconciliation
15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
Redeemed by God son of Machi.
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3. Notes on the Characteristics of the Tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh).
Compare the two verses,
Numbers 13: 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun;
Numbers 13:11 from the tribe of Joseph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi;
The Two Tribes of Joseph were Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:5). Hoshea (i.e. Joshua cf. Numbers 13:16) the son of Nun was the representative of Ephraim (Numbers 13:8) but the tribe of Joseph was not mentioned. The Tribe of Joseph is however mentionedin association with Manasseh.
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A. Relative Precedence of Manasseh over Ephraim.
The "Natziv" gave the following explanation:
## OF THE TRIBE OF JOSEPH, NAMELY, OF THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH. All the offspring of Joseph was included in THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH and not in that of Ephraim. This is (as explained above on Numbers 2:20) because Ephraim preceded Manasseh in the first Quorum since then they were being lead [by Divine Providence] in a miraculous super-natural manner. Since then however it was required upon entering the Land of Canaan that events proceed according to the Laws of Nature whereby Manasseh was greater than Ephraim. From now on [in entering the Promised land] they would be required to conduct themselves in accordance with the Natural Order of Things THE TRIBE OF MANASSEH was to become the principal party.##
Cf.
Natziv on Numbers 2:20 ## In spiritual matters Ephraim takes precedence therefore he was recorded first in the Wilderness Encampment (Numbers 2:18) and in the consecration of the altar. In the ways of this world however Menasseh was primary. This is why Menasseh was counted first in the census just before they were entered the Land (Numbers 26:29). Manasseh had precedence over Ephraim in affairs of this world (Natziv on Numbers 2:20).
We will see that it was Joshua from the Tribe of Ephraim together with Caleb from Judah who brought back a good report about the Land.
The representative of MANASSEH, GADDI THE SON OF SUSI joined the other Tribes and brought back a bad report. Because of the bad report of the spies the future exile of both Judah and Joseph was in some sense confirmed. In a sense it was a delayed punishment. Joseph needed to be exiled in order to fulfill his destiny. It was as if Joseph as a Tribe needed to bring a bad report at this stage and that could be another reason why Gaddi son of Susi from the Tribe of Manasseh (whose report was negative) is recalled as belonging to THE TRIBE OF JOSEPH.
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B. Negative Characteristics of Joseph: Bloodshed, Anger, False Reports (Conspiracy Theories).
Considering the two verses in question:
Numbers 13: 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun;
Numbers 13:11 from the tribe of Joseph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi;
Joseph is mentioned in association with the spy who was about to bring the evil report. This was apparently one of the negative traits of Joseph.
Joseph had good traits and bad ones.
We have discussed this issue in a separate article and YouTube Clip.
See:
Joseph the Bad. Negative Characteristics of Joseph: Bloodshed, Anger, False Reports (Conspiracy Theories).
Negative Qualities of Joseph
Duration ca. 17 minutes
Joseph had negative characteristics as well as positive ones. We should be aware of both.
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C. Joshua and Caleb as Prototypes of Judah and Joseph Today?
Joshua was from the Tribe of Ephraim whereas Caleb was from the Tribe of Judah. They both brought back a favorable report. They urged the Israelites not to heed the negative claims of the other spies. They said that the Land was a good land; the Israelites could conquer it; the Israelites should not rebel against God by accepting a negative report. Today we find that in general descendants of Joseph amongst the British and now amongst the Americans have been the strongest and most consistent supporters of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. Some other Israelite Nations for relatively short periods of time have also supported Israel. These other Israelite Nations however did not stay the course and now are often critical of Israel. The record of descendants of Joseph has been much better, more predictable, and more reliable. It may be said that in a sense Joseph has instinctively realized that support for Israel is something he has to do for his own sake. Nevertheless, we find that from the Tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) there were two spies. One was positive whereas the other was not. This is repeated today where even amongst Joseph we have a divided house and some who do not support the State of Israel as they should!
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4. Instigators of Calumnies against the Land of Israel from Naphtali and Asher!
Fishel Mael opines that the spies from the two spies from the Tribes of Naphtali and Asher were the primary instigators of the negative spies. They initiated a critical attitude leading to general demoralization.
We find the Tribe of Naphtali to be prominent in Norway and also present in Ireland.
The Tribe of Asher is found in Britain and Scandinavia as well as in Ireland.
Norway and Ireland today are repeating the sin their Tribal representatives amongst the 12 spies committed.
See:
Shame on Ireland and Norway!
Instigators of Calumnies against the Land of Israel from Naphtali and Asher!
C.
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5. Descendants of Moses with the Ten Tribes in Denmark, Ireland and Britain
The Sons of Moses in folklore were often spoken of together with the Lost Ten Tribes. They were reported by Arab- related sources of Jewish origin to be in "Gebalk" meaning in Gaul and related areas. They were also said to be together with the Sons of Ad in the "Islands of the Happy" meaning the British Isles.
We have discussed this matter at length in our book "Ephraim".
Legends concerning the Sons of Moses often refer to the verses Numbers 3:11 in our section.
Numbers 14:
11 Then the LORD said to Moses: How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? 12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.
Moses persuaded God not to destroy the people and not to make him a great and mighty nation in place of them.
There is however a principle that anything good that has been promised has to come to pass at some time or other. To Moses it was tentatively proposed that a great and numerous nation would emerge from his descendants. Did this come to pass? We do not know. Jewish folklore associated the Sons of Moses with the Ten Tribes. There is some evidence that a part of the Dacians who were part of the Ten Tribes and associated with the Danes may have considered themselves descendants of Moses. More research could be done on this matter.
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6. Equal Treatment for the Naturalized Stranger
Numbers chapter 14 deals mainly with various free-will offerings and other sacrifices that the Israelites were to offer up when they came into the Land.
Numbers 14:15 emphasizes that the non-Israelite stranger who attaches themself to Israel was to be treated equally.
Numbers 14:
15 One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. 16 One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you.
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7. Laws and Punishments
Someone who transgressed unintentionally could be atoned for by special offerings (Numbers 14:22-29).
If a person sinned intentionally they were liable to be punished severely.
Numbers 14:
30 But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the LORD, and he shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.
A man was found gathering sticks to burn on the Sabbath day. Moses consulted with God and it was decreed that the offender should be stoned to death (Numbers 14: 32-36).
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8. Tsitsit
We were commanded to put Tassels on Garments (Numbers 14:37-41). Religious Jews do this on specially made four-cornered garments or on talitot.
The purposes for these tassels was to warn us not to let our eyes go looking around in forbidden directions and not to let our minds think things the Almighty does not want us to think about.
Numbers 14:
37 Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 38 Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, 40 and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.
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9. Prophet. Rahab the Canaanite Heroine
The Haftorah (Extract from the Prophets read after the Torah portion) is taken from the Book of Joshua chapter 2.
This tells how later when the Israelites under Joshua did conquer the land they sent two spies before them who did return with a very favorable encouraging report.
It also tells us about Rahab (Rachav) who was a Canaanite prostitute who helped the Israelite spies and encouraged them.
As a reward the lives of Rahab and her family were spared. According to tradition she later married Joshua and very great people including the Prophet Jeremiah were descended from her.
Talmud Yerushalmi, Beracoth ch.2 halacha 8 (29b):
# When Israel does the will of the Almighty, God searches through the whole world to find a righteous person amongst the Nations of the Earth. He then brings the person and attaches them to Israel. Such was the case with Yitro [Jethro] and Rahab. On the other hand, when they make HIM angry HE takes the righteous away from them. #
No matter who you are or what you have done you can always repent and find a place with the God of Israel.
See:
Rahab. The Repentant Hooker
Rahab. The Repentant Harlot, Mother of Prophets
Duration ca. 20 minutes
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who helped the Israelite spies and assisted the Israelites in conquering Canaan. According to tradition Rahab later married Joshua and very great people including the Prophet Jeremiah were descended from her. Rahab shows that we can all repent and return to the Almighty. God will help us become ourselves.