These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out
the land
Which is observed after the catalogue is given of them, ( Numbers 13:4-15 ) ; and this is repeated that their names may be taken notice of, which stand on record to the disgrace of the greater number of them, and to the honour of two only, Joshua and Caleb; and on the former the following remark is made;
and Moses called Oshea the son of Nun, Jehoshua;
whether it was at this time that Moses gave him this name is not certain; if it was, then he is called so before by anticipation, for he is several times called so before this, and even the first time we hear of him, ( Exodus 17:9 ) ; wherefore Chaskuni reads it, Moses had called; but Jarchi thinks it was now given him, and that Moses prayed for him (Keyvwy hy) , "Jah" or "Jehovah" save thee from the counsel of the spies: the name is the same with Jesus, as appears from ( Hebrews 4:8 ) ; and a type he was of Christ the Saviour, whose name is so called, because he saves his people from their sins, ( Matthew 1:21 ) ; and brings them to heaven, as Joshua was the instrument of saving the Israelites and bringing them into the land of Canaan.