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During my years as an associate pastor, i was blessed to serve alongside many gifted servants of God. i witnessed how the Lord uniquely prepared each individual for their respective assignments and called them to their positions of service at just the right time. i saw the remarkable way their complementary strengths and gifts came together under God’s leadership.

However, there is a potential weakness among even the most outstanding members that must be safeguarded against. An exceptionally talented group may be tempted to rely on their own strengths and abilities, attempting to do God’s work in their own way. This group might confidently advance based on human wisdom while neglecting to seek the Lord.

As the Israelites approached the Promised Land, the Lord instructed Moses to assemble a group of twelve men—each a leader from one of the twelve ancestral tribes.(1) These men were highly respected and trusted by their peers. In those days, it was common for a person’s name to be reflective of their character, so we can learn much about them by examining the meanings of their names. Let’s take a closer look at this who’s-who of Israelite society whom Moses selected.

At the top of the list was Shammua, son of Zaccur, representing the tribe of Reuben. His name indicates that his achievements and distinguishing qualities were celebrated not only within the tribe of Reuben but among all the Israelites. Within a population close to two million people, Shammua was widely admired, respected and renowned.

Shaphat, son of Hori, represented the tribe of Simeon. The tribes of Reuben and Simeon often worked, camped and traveled together. Shaphat’s name implies that he was recognized among the tribes for his sound judgment and fairness in deliberations. He was respected for his wisdom and discernment.

The tribe of Judah, the leader of the twelve tribes during their wilderness journey, was represented by Caleb, son of Jephunneh. Caleb was known for his courage, faithfulness, and confidence in God. He was a man who looked at his circumstances in light of God’s promises rather than the other way around.

Igal, son of Joseph, represented the tribe of Issachar. This tribe had a knack for being politically astute before it became fashionable and for forming savvy political alliances. Igal’s name implies that he had been redeemed from enslavement in Egypt before the exodus. Whether through political connections or wealth, Igal had not lived the life of a slave in Egypt, yet he was not distrusted for this distinction by the tribe. Instead, he was respected and seen as a leader.

Hoshea, son of Nun, whom Moses renamed Joshua, represented the tribe of Ephraim. Hoshea means “salvation,” and Joshua means “the Lord is salvation.” Joshua’s name change reflects a life surrendered and submitted to God. As seen throughout the early books of the Old Testament, Joshua had a heart to seek God and a deep faith in His Person, power and purpose.

The tribe of Benjamin was represented by Palti, son of Raphu. Palti’s name reflects that he was a fearless man who walked with boldness and confidence. The men of his tribe respected Palti, though some may have admitted that they also feared him.

Gaddiel, son of Sodi, represented the tribe of Zebulun. God had conspicuously blessed Gaddiel, possibly in wealth and possessions or, perhaps, in business acumen. Gaddiel apparently had the ability to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity.

Gaddi, son of Susi, wasn’t as blessed as Gaddiel, but he was considered a fortunate man. Representing the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi had also experienced the blessings of God in a conspicuous way, bringing him to the forefront of leadership in his tribe.

The tribe of Dan was represented by Ammiel, son of Gemalli. Ammiel, a son of wealth and influence, may have been one of the more ostentatious and pretentious of the group.

Sethur, son of Michael, and Nahbi, son of Vophsi, representing the tribes of Asher and Naphtali respectively, were apparently both the strong, silent type. In contrast to Ammiel; they commanded respect through their humility and lack of pretense.

Finally, the tribe of Gad was represented by Geuel, son of Maki. The tribe of Gad often walked in the shadow of the Reubenites and the Simeonites, and Geuel walked in the shadow of Shammua and Shaphat. However, his name means “the majesty of God,” and his life reflected the blessings of God’s majestic hand. Although he would not emerge as a leader among the twelve, he would not be intimidated by them either.

Here we have the commission of explorers—an impressive and diverse group. Each member had strengths and weaknesses, but their different qualities would complement one another as they embarked on their mission to explore the land of milk and honey that God has promised the Israelites.

They would be the first to see the fruit of the promises of God. What everyone, up to this point, had visualized by faith, they would now see with their own eyes. Imagine the honor to be chosen, the privilege of going to see, and the responsibility of being commissioned and sent. As they went, they needed to pray that they would not be distracted by their own abilities or wisdom; they were on God’s mission, not their own. With the talent this group had, it would be easy to rely on their own understanding.

You and i have the benefit of knowing how it all turned out. Regrettably, when they returned from spying out the land, ten of the men allowed their natural abilities to shape their recommendation, bringing a report based on their own understanding. Only two of the men followed the leading of the Spirit of God by faith.

Each of us is on a journey ordained by God, through which He intends to fulfill His purpose. The question is: Will we proceed according to our own strength and ability, or will we lean on Him? As a wise man once said, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.”(3)

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You can read about the account of the twelve Israelite leaders in the thirteenth chapter of the Book of Numbers.

This post is taken from chapter 16 of my book, The Wandering Years. For more information about the book, click here.

(1)  Numbers 13:1-3 (NLT)

The LORD now said to Moses, "Send men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to Israel. Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes." So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He sent out twelve men, all tribal leaders of Israel, from their camp in the wilderness of Paran.

(2)  Numbers 13:25-33

(3)  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

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