I wonder if you remember any of these men from the Bible? Each possessed strong leadership qualities and due to their reputation, each was specifically chosen for an important mission:

Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, and Geuel.

Any ring a bell? If so, be impressed with yourself. Likely only their other two companions spark your memory—Joshua and Caleb.

These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land.

Twelve promising young leaders, sent out by a hopeful nation eager to enter lands promised by God. In their exploration they discovered the countryside indeed dripped with milk and honey. But powerful peoples lived there, and somewhere along the trail a virus of fear infected on spy after another.

These men returned home and spread their virus to friends and family. Lack of trust in the God at their backs turned so much promise into so much calamity.

Two of the spies resisted—Joshua and Caleb. Overrun by the panic of the mob, they stood by Moses as the promise evaporated. Only forty years later did they enter lands they experienced as young men.

I find it interesting that I don’t know anyone named for the first ten spies, as folks don’t name children after cowards. But I know several men named Joshua or Caleb. Strong names for a son, and a proud legacy to carry through life.

Numbers 13 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Philippe AWOUTERS