Numbers 34
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: 3 Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, 4 cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, 5 where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea. 6 Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west. 7 Your northern border will run from the Great Sea directly to Mount Hor, 8 and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad, 9 continue to Ziphron, and end at Hazar-enan. This will be your boundary on the north. 10 And your eastern border will run straight from Hazar-enan to Shepham, 11 then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. 12 Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides." 13 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes. 14 For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance. 15 These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise." 16 Then the LORD said to Moses, 17 “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. 18 Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. 19 These are their names: Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah; 20 Shemuel son of Ammihud from the tribe of Simeon; 21 Elidad son of Chislon from the tribe of Benjamin; 22 Bukki son of Jogli, a leader from the tribe of Dan; 23 Hanniel son of Ephod, a leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph; 24 Kemuel son of Shiphtan, a leader from the tribe of Ephraim; 25 Eli-zaphan son of Parnach, a leader from the tribe of Zebulun; 26 Paltiel son of Azzan, a leader from the tribe of Issachar; 27 Ahihud son of Shelomi, a leader from the tribe of Asher; 28 and Pedahel son of Ammihud, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali." 29 These are the ones whom the LORD commanded to apportion the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan.
Study Notes — Numbers 34
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 34
- Themes from Numbers 34
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 34
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Numbers 34, God gives Moses detailed instructions about the boundaries of the Promised Land, which includes the territories of the various tribes of Israel. The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to instruct the Israelites to assign the land as an inheritance to the nine and a half tribes (Numbers 34:1-2). The boundaries are then described in detail, including the southern, western, northern, and eastern borders (Numbers 34:3-12). The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land (Numbers 34:13-29). The instructions emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the Israelites to trust in His providence.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 34 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, which began with God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. The chapter provides a detailed description of the boundaries of the land, which is a key aspect of God's covenant with His people. The instructions in this chapter are a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence, as seen in the way He guides the Israelites and provides for their needs (Numbers 34:1-29).
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and providence, just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the Promised Land. As seen in Numbers 34:2, believers are to obey God's commands and trust in His goodness, knowing that He will provide for their needs and guide them according to His will.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's instructions to Moses regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land. The Israelites were to assign the land as an inheritance according to the territories of their ancestral tribes (Numbers 34:1-2). The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the Israelites to trust in His providence. As believers, we can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's faithfulness and providence, just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the land.
Voices from the Church
“The boundaries of the land were appointed by God, and it was the duty of the Israelites to obey His instructions and trust in His providence.”
— John Calvin
“The Promised Land is a type of the heavenly inheritance that believers receive through faith in Christ, and we should trust in God's faithfulness and goodness just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the land.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Boundaries of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:1-2) — The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to instruct the Israelites to assign the land as an inheritance to the nine and a half tribes.
- Description of the Southern Border (Numbers 34:3-5) — The southern border is described in detail, including the territories of the tribes of Judah and Simeon.
- Description of the Western Border (Numbers 34:6-7) — The western border is described, including the Mediterranean Sea and the territories of the tribes of Dan and Asher.
- Description of the Northern Border (Numbers 34:8-9) — The northern border is described, including the territories of the tribes of Naphtali and Manasseh.
- Description of the Eastern Border and the Appointment of Leaders (Numbers 34:10-29) — The eastern border is described, and the chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of God's Faithfulness
- This chapter teaches that God is faithful in keeping His promises, as seen in His instructions to Moses regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:1-2).
- The Doctrine of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions (Numbers 34:2).
- The Doctrine of the Promised Land
- The chapter underscores the significance of the Promised Land as a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence (Numbers 34:1-12).
- The Doctrine of Leadership
- The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith (Numbers 34:13-29).
Lessons from Numbers 34
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Faithfulness — This chapter teaches that God is faithful in keeping His promises, and believers should trust in His faithfulness and providence.
- The Need for Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions.
- The Significance of the Promised Land — The chapter underscores the significance of the Promised Land as a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence.
- The Role of Leaders in the Community of Faith — The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith.
- The Application of the Chapter to the Believer's Life — Believers can apply the principles of this chapter to their own lives by trusting in God's faithfulness and providence, just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the land.
Themes from Numbers 34
- God's Faithfulness — This chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, as seen in His instructions to Moses regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land.
- Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions.
- The Promised Land — The chapter underscores the significance of the Promised Land as a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence.
- Leadership in the Community of Faith — The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith.
- Application to the Believer's Life — Believers can apply the principles of this chapter to their own lives by trusting in God's faithfulness and providence, just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the land.
Questions for Meditation
- What does this chapter teach about God's faithfulness in keeping His promises?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands?
- What is the significance of the Promised Land in this chapter, and how does it relate to God's covenant with His people?
- What role do leaders play in the community of faith, according to this chapter?
- How can believers apply the principles of this chapter to their own lives, trusting in God's faithfulness and providence?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Boundaries of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:1-2)
| 34:1 | The chapter begins with God's command to Moses to instruct the Israelites to assign the land as an inheritance to the nine and a half tribes. |
| 34:2 | The Israelites were to assign the land according to the territories of their ancestral tribes, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
2. Description of the Southern Border (Numbers 34:3-5)
| 34:3 | The southern border is described in detail, including the territories of the tribes of Judah and Simeon. |
| 34:4 | The border continues to the ascent of Akrabbim, and then to Zin, and then to the south of Kadesh-barnea. |
| 34:5 | The border then turns to Hazar-addar, and then to Azmon, and then to the Brook of Egypt, and then to the Mediterranean Sea. |
3. Description of the Western Border (Numbers 34:6-7)
| 34:6 | The western border is described, including the Mediterranean Sea. |
| 34:7 | The border then turns to Mount Hor, and then to the hill country of the Amorites. |
4. Description of the Northern Border (Numbers 34:8-9)
| 34:8 | The northern border is described, including the territories of the tribes of Naphtali and Manasseh. |
| 34:9 | The border then turns to Zedad, and then to Ziphron, and then to Hazar-enan. |
5. Description of the Eastern Border and the Appointment of Leaders (Numbers 34:10-29)
| 34:10 | The eastern border is described, including the Jordan River. |
| 34:11 | The border then turns to the east, and then to the city of Aroer, and then to the valley of the Arnon. |
| 34:12 | The border then turns to the Brook of the Arnon, and then to the city of Adam, and then to the city of Aroer. |
| 34:13 | The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith. |
| 34:14 | The leaders are appointed from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. |
| 34:15 | The leaders are instructed to divide the land according to the instructions of God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
| 34:16 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, and the importance of trusting in His providence. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Promised Land in this chapter?
The Promised Land is a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence (Numbers 34:1-12).
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands?
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions (Numbers 34:2).
What role do leaders play in the community of faith, according to this chapter?
The chapter concludes with the appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith (Numbers 34:13-29).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 34:1 → Genesis 12:7 | The Promised Land is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:7. |
| 2 | Numbers 34:2 → Hebrews 11:8-10 | The Promised Land is a type of the heavenly inheritance that believers receive through faith in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 11:8-10. |
| 3 | Numbers 34:3 → Joshua 15:1-4 | The southern border of the Promised Land is described in detail in Joshua 15:1-4. |
| 4 | Numbers 34:6 → Ezekiel 47:15-20 | The western border of the Promised Land is described in detail in Ezekiel 47:15-20. |
| 5 | Numbers 34:8 → Deuteronomy 3:8-11 | The northern border of the Promised Land is described in detail in Deuteronomy 3:8-11. |
| 6 | Numbers 34:10 → Joshua 13:8-14 | The eastern border of the Promised Land is described in detail in Joshua 13:8-14. |
| 7 | Numbers 34:13 → Deuteronomy 1:9-18 | The appointment of leaders to oversee the division of the land is a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the community of faith, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18. |
| 8 | Numbers 34:14 → Acts 13:19 | The division of the land is a fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites, as seen in Acts 13:19. |
| 9 | Numbers 34:15 → Romans 11:25-32 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, and the importance of trusting in His providence, as seen in Romans 11:25-32. |
| 10 | Numbers 34:16 → Hebrews 3:7-11 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11. |
Sermons on Numbers 34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Satan's Tools by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our Christian progress, emphasizing the dangers of despondency and murmuring which |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 34
In this chapter, we see the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises to the Israelites, as He provides for their needs and guides them according to His will. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions. The Promised Land is a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence. As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives by trusting in God's faithfulness and providence, just as the Israelites were to trust in His instructions regarding the land. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The dividing of the land was a work of great importance, and required great wisdom and integrity in those who were employed in it.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in keeping His promises to the Israelites, providing a powerful example of His trustworthiness. As seen in Numbers 34:1-2, God's instructions to Moses demonstrate His commitment to fulfilling His covenant with His people.
Importance of Obedience
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, with the Israelites being instructed to assign the land according to God's instructions (Numbers 34:2).
Significance of the Promised Land
The chapter underscores the significance of the Promised Land as a symbol of God's covenant with His people, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and providence (Numbers 34:1-12).