Sethur 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. Sethur is identified as the son of Michael and represents the tribe of Asher 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. Sethur is chosen to represent the tribe of Asher. Numbers 13:13 states, "from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael."

The mission of the spies is to assess the land and its inhabitants, evaluating its fertility, the strength of its cities, and the conditions that the Israelites would face upon entering. The spies spend forty days exploring the land, from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.

Upon their return, the spies present their report to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congregation of Israel. They confirm that the land is indeed fruitful, describing it as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27). However, they also report that the inhabitants are powerful and the cities are fortified, which instills fear among the Israelites.

Role and Significance

Sethur's role as a spy is significant in the narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. The report of the spies, including Sethur, leads to a pivotal moment in Israelite history. While Caleb and Joshua, two of the twelve spies, encourage the people to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land, the other ten, presumably including Sethur, spread a negative report that discourages the Israelites. This lack of faith results in the Israelites' prolonged wandering in the wilderness for forty years, as God decrees that the current generation will not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:29-34).

Theological Implications

Sethur's participation in the mission and the subsequent report highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of disbelief. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's promises and the dangers of allowing fear and doubt to override faith. The narrative underscores the need for spiritual discernment and courage in the face of challenges, as exemplified by Caleb and Joshua.

Tribe of Asher

The tribe of Asher, which Sethur represents, is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe is known for its rich inheritance in the land of Canaan, located in the fertile region along the Mediterranean coast. Despite the negative report associated with Sethur, the tribe of Asher is later blessed by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24-25 , where it is said, "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and your strength match your days."

Sethur's brief mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the broader account of Israel's journey and the lessons learned through their experiences in the wilderness.Sethur

hid; destroying

Sethur

(hidden), the Asherite spy, son of Michael. (Numbers 13:13) (B.C. 1490.)

Hidden, one of the spies sent to search the Promised Land. He was of the tribe of Asher (Numbers 13:13). SETHUR

se'-thur (cethur; Sathour): An Asherite spy (Numbers 13:13 (14)).

5639. Sethur -- an Asherite
... 5638, 5639. Sethur. 5640 . an Asherite. Transliteration: Sethur Phonetic
Spelling: (seth-oor') Short Definition: Sethur. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5639.htm - 6kSethur (1 Occurrence)
...SETHUR. se'-thur (cethur; Sathour): An Asherite spy (Numbers 13:13 (14)). ...Sethur
(1 Occurrence). Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. ...
/s/sethur.htm - 7k

Michael (16 Occurrences)
... (2.) The father of Sethur, the spy selected to represent Asher (Numbers 13:13). ...
Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. ...
/m/michael.htm - 16k

Asher (43 Occurrences)
... Among the spies Asher was represented by Sethur (Numbers 13:13). ... Numbers
13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. ...
/a/asher.htm - 26k

Seth's (1 Occurrence)

/s/seth's.htm - 6k

Sets (80 Occurrences)

/s/sets.htm - 29k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher,
Sethur the son of Michael. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

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