from the tribe of AsherThe tribe of Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Asher's name means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's joy at his birth (
Genesis 30:13). Geographically, the tribe of Asher was allotted a fertile region in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast, known for its olive oil production (
Deuteronomy 33:24). This tribe's location and resources were significant for trade and agriculture. In the context of
Numbers 13, Asher's inclusion in the reconnaissance mission to Canaan highlights the unity and collective responsibility of all tribes in the conquest of the Promised Land.
Sethur son of Michael
Sethur, whose name means "hidden" or "mystery," was chosen as the representative from the tribe of Asher to spy out the land of Canaan. His father's name, Michael, means "Who is like God?" which is a common name in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting a rhetorical question that emphasizes God's uniqueness and supremacy. The selection of Sethur indicates the importance of each tribe having a voice in the exploration and subsequent report on the land. Although not much is known about Sethur beyond this passage, his role was crucial in the collective assessment of Canaan, which ultimately influenced the Israelites' actions and faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SethurA leader from the tribe of Asher, chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. His name means "hidden" or "mystery" in Hebrew, which may reflect the secretive nature of the mission.
2.
Tribe of AsherOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its rich land and abundance. Asher's territory was located in the northern part of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast.
3.
MichaelThe father of Sethur. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew, a common name that signifies reverence and devotion to God.
4.
Spying the Land of CanaanThis event involved twelve leaders, one from each tribe, sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land and report back on its conditions and inhabitants.
5.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who commissioned the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan, following God's command.
Teaching Points
Leadership and ResponsibilitySethur, as a leader, was entrusted with a significant responsibility. Leaders today are called to act with integrity and faithfulness, recognizing the impact of their actions on their communities.
Faith vs. FearThe mission of the spies was to gather information, but their report was influenced by fear. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises rather than be swayed by fear or doubt.
The Importance of ObedienceThe sending of the spies was in obedience to God's command. Obedience to God’s directives is crucial, even when the path seems uncertain or challenging.
Community and UnityEach tribe was represented in the mission, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility within the body of Christ.
God's Sovereignty and ProvisionThe exploration of Canaan was a step towards fulfilling God's promise to Israel. Trusting in God's sovereignty and provision is essential for believers as they navigate life's challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 13:13?
2.How does Numbers 13:13 demonstrate the importance of faith in God's promises?
3.What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Asher's representation?
4.How does Numbers 13:13 connect to the broader narrative of Israel's journey?
5.How can we apply the courage of the spies in our daily lives?
6.What role does obedience play in fulfilling God's plan, as seen in Numbers 13?
7.Why is the tribe of Asher significant in Numbers 13:13?
8.How does Numbers 13:13 contribute to the overall narrative of the Israelite spies?
9.What theological implications arise from the listing of tribal leaders in Numbers 13:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13?
11.Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land's inhabitants and geography?
12.How can the spies' 40-day exploration (Numbers 13:25) realistically cover all the territories listed?
13.How is it scientifically plausible for grapes to grow large enough to require two men to carry a single cluster (Numbers 13:23)?
14.What archaeological evidence confirms or contradicts the existence of giants (Numbers 13:33)?What Does Numbers 13:13 Mean
from the tribe of Asher“from the tribe of Asher” (Numbers 13:13) reminds us that every tribe had a voice in the spying mission.
• The Lord’s instruction was clear: “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land… one leader from each tribe” (Numbers 13:2–3).
• Asher, though often quiet in the narrative, received the same opportunity and responsibility as more prominent tribes.
• Earlier blessings foretold abundance for Asher—Jacob said, “Asher’s food will be rich, and he will provide royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20), and Moses added, “May Asher be most blessed of the sons” (Deuteronomy 33:24–25). Their inclusion in the spy list lines up with those blessings: the tribe is expected to taste and confirm the goodness of the land.
• Asher’s allotted territory later sat along the rich northern coastline (Joshua 19:24–31), a fulfillment of God’s generous promises.
• YetJudges 1:31–32 shows that Asher struggled to drive out the Canaanites. This background underscores why their spy needed a steadfast heart—something the tribe’s history shows was hard-won.
•Luke 2:36 highlights Anna, a prophetess “of the tribe of Asher,” whose faith generations later shines as a contrast to the unbelief recorded inNumbers 13–14.
Sethur“Sethur” is listed among twelve chiefs who scouted Canaan.
• He was chosen as “a leader” (Numbers 13:3), indicating recognized ability and honor within his tribe.
• Verses 17–20 record the mission brief: examine the land, its people, its produce. Sethur saw the same evidence Caleb and Joshua saw—clusters of grapes, pomegranates, figs (13:23).
• Verse 31 shows the tragic turn: ten spies (Sethur among them) discouraged Israel with a faithless report.
•Numbers 14:36–37 records the consequence: “the men who had brought out the bad report about the land… died by the plague before the LORD.” Sethur’s leadership ended not in triumph but in judgment, a sober warning echoed inHebrews 3:16–19 about hardened hearts.
• Caleb (Numbers 14:24) and Joshua (14:30, 38) stand as a foil—revealing what Sethur could have been: a voice of courage.
• Sethur’s brief appearance therefore presses the timeless lesson: leadership without faith leads others into fear, while faith-filled leadership leads others into promise (Numbers 14:8–9).
son of Michael“son of Michael” situates Sethur within a family line.
• Scripture often ties a man to his father to emphasize accountability and heritage (compareExodus 6:14;Matthew 1:1–16).
• Though this Michael is otherwise unknown, the naming affirms that God’s call reaches ordinary households; no pedigree is too obscure for divine assignment (1 Samuel 16:11–13).
• Other men named Michael appear later in tribal registers (1 Chronicles 5:13; 6:40; 7:3; 8:16; 12:20; 27:18), reminding us that God keeps meticulous track of families—both faithful and faithless.
•Numbers 26:11 notes, “The sons of Korah, however, did not die,” illustrating that even when leaders fall, God can preserve and redeem family lines.
• Household identity carries weight:Deuteronomy 6:6–7 urges parents to impress God’s words on their children. Sethur’s failure could have reverberated through his clan, but the enduring pattern of Scripture is that repentance and renewal remain open to every generation (2 Chronicles 7:14;Acts 16:31).
summaryNumbers 13:13 may appear to be a passing roster entry, yet every word matters. The phrase “from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael” highlights:
• God’s inclusive call—every tribe matters.
• The high stakes of leadership—faith or unbelief steers multitudes.
• The significance of family—our choices echo through generations.
Taking the verse at face value challenges us to be the Asherites, leaders, and family members who respond to God’s promises with courageous faith, stepping into the land He still calls His people to claim.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
from the tribeלְמַטֵּ֣ה(lə·maṭ·ṭêh)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294:A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribeof Asher,אָשֵׁ֔ר(’ā·šêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 836:Asher -- 'happy one', a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, also perhaps a city in PalestineSethurסְת֖וּר(sə·ṯūr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5639:Sethur -- an Asheritesonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Michael;מִיכָאֵֽל׃(mî·ḵā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4317:Michael -- 'Who is like God?' an angel, also a number of Israelites
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher Sethur (Nu Num.) 
