(8) Of the tribe of Ephraim.--It has been supposed that there is some displacement of the text in this verse. Thus far the order of the tribes is the same as in Numbers 1:5-8. After Issachar, Zebulun (the sixth son of Leah) would naturally follow, as in Numbers 1:9, and Ephraim and Manasseh would naturally be connected, as in Numbers 1:10. This supposition is supported by the occurrence of the name of Joseph in Numbers 13:7; Numbers 13:11. The order of the remaining four tribes is the same as in Numbers 1, except that the tribe of Naphtali is placed before, instead of after, that of Gad.

13:1-20 A memorable and melancholy history is related in this and the following chapter, of the turning back of Israel from the borders of Canaan, and the sentencing them to wander and perish in the wilderness, for their unbelief and murmuring. It appears, De 1:22, that the motion to search out the land came from the people. They had a better opinion of their own policy than of God's wisdom. Thus we ruin ourselves by believing the reports and representations of sense rather than Divine revelation. We walk by sight not by faith. Moses gave the spies this charge, Be of good courage. It was not only a great undertaking they were put upon, which required good management and resolution; but a great trust was reposed in them, which required that they should be faithful. Courage in such circumstances can only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua alone possessed.Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. See Gill on Numbers 13:4.