And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

NUMBERS 13:4KJV
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Numbers 13:4 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:4 mean?

Numbers 13:4 lists the first of the men chosen from each tribe of Israel to scout out the land of Canaan, naming Shammua son of Zaccur as the representative from the tribe of Reuben. This verse begins a detailed record of the individuals selected for this important mission.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as God has instructed him to send leaders from each of the twelve tribes to explore Canaan. The verse simply introduces the first name on this list, setting the stage for the account of the spies and their journey. It shows the organized and representative approach taken for this mission, highlighting the importance of each tribe’s involvement.

Where else these words appear

“Shammua” Hebrew H8051 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
  • 1 Chronicles 14:4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

“Zaccur” Hebrew H2139 · used in 10 verses

“Reuben” Hebrew H7205 · used in 68 verses

  • Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
  • Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
  • Joshua 22:9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.