Palti is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan, as recorded in Numbers 13. Palti represents the tribe of Benjamin in this significant reconnaissance mission.

Biblical Account

In Numbers 13:1-2, the LORD instructs Moses to send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which He is giving to the Israelites. Each of the twelve tribes is to send one leader, and Palti is chosen to represent the tribe of Benjamin. Numbers 13:9 states, "from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu."

The mission of the spies is to assess the land and its inhabitants, evaluating the strength of the people, the fertility of the land, and the fortifications of the cities. Upon their return, ten of the spies, including Palti, deliver a discouraging report, emphasizing the formidable nature of the Canaanites and the challenges that lie ahead. Numbers 13:31-32 records their report: "We cannot attack these people, for they are stronger than we are!" And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored.

Significance and Legacy

Palti's role in the narrative is significant as it highlights the theme of faith versus fear. The negative report given by Palti and the majority of the spies leads to a crisis of faith among the Israelites. Their lack of trust in God's promise results in severe consequences, including a prolonged period of wandering in the wilderness for forty years, as described in Numbers 14:34.

Palti's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubt and the importance of trusting in God's promises. His account contrasts with that of Caleb and Joshua, the two spies who bring back a positive report and encourage the Israelites to trust in the LORD's ability to deliver the land into their hands.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, Palti's account underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. The narrative invites reflection on the consequences of fear and unbelief, as well as the blessings that come from trusting in God's promises. Palti's experience serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual courage and the importance of aligning one's perspective with God's assurances.

Related References

· Numbers 13:1-33: The account of the twelve spies, including Palti, and their exploration of Canaan.
· Numbers 14:1-38: The aftermath of the spies' report and the Israelites' rebellion.
· Deuteronomy 1:22-40: Moses' recounting of the events surrounding the exploration of Canaan.

Palti's inclusion in the biblical narrative, though brief, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of faith, leadership, and the consequences of collective unbelief. His account is a part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and serves as a lesson for future generations.Palti

deliverance; flight

Palti

(whom Jehovah delivers), the Benjamite spy, son of Raphu. (Numbers 13:9) (B.C.1490.)

Deliverance from the Lord, one of the spies representing the tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 13:9). PALTI

pal'-ti (palTi, "Yah delivers"):

(1) One of the "searchers" of Canaan sent by Moses (Numbers 13:9), representing Benjamin in the expedition (13:9).

(2) The man to whom Saul gave Michal, David's wife, after the estrangement (1 Samuel 25:44). He is "the captain of the people" of 2 Esdras 5:16 ("Phaltiel," margin "Psaltiel"). In 2 Samuel 3:15, he is named "Phaltiel" (the King James Version), "Paltiel" (the Revised Version), and is there mentioned in connection with David's recovery of Michal.

6406. Palti -- "escape," two Israelites
... 6405, 6406. Palti. 6407 . "escape," two Israelites. Transliteration: Palti
Phonetic Spelling: (pal-tee') Short Definition: Palti. ... NASB Word Usage Palti (2). ...
/hebrew/6406.htm - 6k

6407. Palti -- "escape," a descriptive title for one of David's ...
... Palti. 6408 . "escape," a descriptive title for one of David's men. Transliteration:
Palti Phonetic Spelling: (pal-tee') Short Definition: Paltite. ... Palti. 6408 ...
/hebrew/6407.htm - 6k

Palti (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PALTI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Palti (2 Occurrences).
Numbers 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. ...
/p/palti.htm - 7k

Paltiel (3 Occurrences)
... PALTIEL. pal'-ti-el (palTi'el, "God's deliverance"): (1) A prince of Isaachar (Numbers
34:26). (2) Same as PALTI, (2) (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/paltiel.htm - 7k

Raphu (1 Occurrence)
... Healed, a Benjamite, whose son Palti was one of the twelve spies (Numbers 13:9).
Int. ... Numbers 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. ...
/r/raphu.htm - 7k

Paltite (1 Occurrence)
... pal'-tit (palTi (as Palti); The Septuagint has: Codex Vaticanus Kelothei; Codex
Alexandrinus Phellonei): The description occurs but once in this form and is ...
/p/paltite.htm - 7k

Michal (18 Occurrences)
... When David was outlawed and exiled, she was married to Palti or Paltiel, the son
of Laish of Gallim (1 Samuel 25:44), but was, despite Palti's sorrowful protest ...
/m/michal.htm - 16k

Laish (8 Occurrences)
... In Joshua 19:47 the name appears as "Leshem." (2) A Benjamite, father of Palti or
Paltiel, to whom Michal, David's wife, was given by Saul (1 Samuel 25:44 2 ...
/l/laish.htm - 10k

Gallim (2 Occurrences)
... It was the home of Palti the son of Laish (1 Samuel 25:44), and it is by many
authorities identified with the Gilgal on the North border of Judah (Joshua 15:7 ...
/g/gallim.htm - 8k

Phalti (1 Occurrence)
... Michal, David's wife, was given to him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PHALTI.
fal'-ti (palTi).>. See PALTI. Multi-Version Concordance Phalti (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/phalti.htm - 7k

Palsy (12 Occurrences)

/p/palsy.htm - 12k

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)
... Ephraim on the west of the tabernacle, their prince being Abidan the son of Gideoni
(Numbers 2:22 f). Benjamin was represented among the spies by Palti the son ...
/b/benjamin.htm - 50k

Who was Michal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Michal? | GotQuestions.org

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