Deuteronomy 3

Deuteronomy 3:1

The Southern Border of the Land

The first border given is that on the southern sector. Southern sector is literally ‘the right sector’. The right side speaks in the Scriptures of dignity of position. The Lord Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” after He accomplished the work of purification of sins (Hebrews 1:3). In a spiritual sense this means that the believer who lives in the southern sector knows the position of the Lord Jesus. That believer also knows that it is his own position, for he is in Christ. We are conquering within that border if we involve ourselves with the place of honor that the Lord Jesus received at God’s right hand.

The description of the border starts in the south at the Salt Sea. The description ends there also (Numbers 34:12). The Salt Sea, or Dead Sea, is the constant reminder of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Crossing the border at the Salt Sea means opening up to the sins that have caused the destruction of Sodom. The once so beautiful and fertile valley, in which these cities have been situated, is in its present state a warning to the people of God. Unfortunately, the iniquity of Sodom is later found in Israel (Ezekiel 16:49).

Deuteronomy 3:2

The Southern Border of the Land

The first border given is that on the southern sector. Southern sector is literally ‘the right sector’. The right side speaks in the Scriptures of dignity of position. The Lord Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” after He accomplished the work of purification of sins (Hebrews 1:3). In a spiritual sense this means that the believer who lives in the southern sector knows the position of the Lord Jesus. That believer also knows that it is his own position, for he is in Christ. We are conquering within that border if we involve ourselves with the place of honor that the Lord Jesus received at God’s right hand.

The description of the border starts in the south at the Salt Sea. The description ends there also (Numbers 34:12). The Salt Sea, or Dead Sea, is the constant reminder of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Crossing the border at the Salt Sea means opening up to the sins that have caused the destruction of Sodom. The once so beautiful and fertile valley, in which these cities have been situated, is in its present state a warning to the people of God. Unfortunately, the iniquity of Sodom is later found in Israel (Ezekiel 16:49).

Deuteronomy 3:3

The Southern Border of the Land

The first border given is that on the southern sector. Southern sector is literally ‘the right sector’. The right side speaks in the Scriptures of dignity of position. The Lord Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” after He accomplished the work of purification of sins (Hebrews 1:3). In a spiritual sense this means that the believer who lives in the southern sector knows the position of the Lord Jesus. That believer also knows that it is his own position, for he is in Christ. We are conquering within that border if we involve ourselves with the place of honor that the Lord Jesus received at God’s right hand.

The description of the border starts in the south at the Salt Sea. The description ends there also (Numbers 34:12). The Salt Sea, or Dead Sea, is the constant reminder of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Crossing the border at the Salt Sea means opening up to the sins that have caused the destruction of Sodom. The once so beautiful and fertile valley, in which these cities have been situated, is in its present state a warning to the people of God. Unfortunately, the iniquity of Sodom is later found in Israel (Ezekiel 16:49).

Deuteronomy 3:4

The Western Border of the Land

The western border is formed by “the Great Sea”, which is the Mediterranean Sea. The sea in the Bible is usually the picture of the sea of nations, the world outside of Israel, the world outside of God. As believers, we live in the midst of a world that is indifferent to God. This leads to difficulties and trials. We are conquering within that border if we overcome every trial or difficulty in the power of the Lord. Crossing that border exposes us to the danger of what the peoples of which the sea is a picture have to say.

Deuteronomy 3:5

The North Border of the Land

When we think of the north, we think of cold and darkness. We can make the application that crossing that border exposes us to the danger of man’s darkened thinking: “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Deuteronomy 3:6

The North Border of the Land

When we think of the north, we think of cold and darkness. We can make the application that crossing that border exposes us to the danger of man’s darkened thinking: “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Deuteronomy 3:7

The North Border of the Land

When we think of the north, we think of cold and darkness. We can make the application that crossing that border exposes us to the danger of man’s darkened thinking: “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:17-18).

Deuteronomy 3:8

The Eastern Border of the Land

The east side is the side where the sun rises. Living on the east side means living in the expectation of the coming of the Lord Jesus, Who is like the rising sun in its power. Crossing that border means exposure to demonic and impure influences. In Scripture evil powers also come from that side: “The sixth [angel] poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw [coming] out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 16:12-14; cf. Judges 6:3;).

Deuteronomy 3:9

The Eastern Border of the Land

The east side is the side where the sun rises. Living on the east side means living in the expectation of the coming of the Lord Jesus, Who is like the rising sun in its power. Crossing that border means exposure to demonic and impure influences. In Scripture evil powers also come from that side: “The sixth [angel] poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw [coming] out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 16:12-14; cf. Judges 6:3;).

Deuteronomy 3:10

The Eastern Border of the Land

The east side is the side where the sun rises. Living on the east side means living in the expectation of the coming of the Lord Jesus, Who is like the rising sun in its power. Crossing that border means exposure to demonic and impure influences. In Scripture evil powers also come from that side: “The sixth [angel] poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw [coming] out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty” (Revelation 16:12-14; cf. Judges 6:3;).

Deuteronomy 3:11

Moses Confirms the Commandment

In Numbers 34:2 the LORD tells Moses which borders of the land he should command to the Israelites. Then the LORD says how the border runs. Now Moses acts according to the commandment of the LORD and tells them that this is their inheritance. He expressly states that this applies to “the nine and a half tribes”. These are for the LORD the whole people.

Deuteronomy 3:12

The Inheritance of the Two and a Half Tribes

The “two and a half tribes” shall not be taken into account in the apportioning of the land within the borders laid down. They have already received an inheritance, namely the inheritance which they themselves have preferred, over the LORD’s preference.

Their inheritance is connected to the city of Jericho and to the east, with the additional mention that it is the side where the sun rises. Perhaps this indicates the half-hearted position of these tribes. We can apply this to half-hearted Christians. On the one hand they are connected to the world, of which Jericho is a picture. They live at that level, at the level of the world. On the other hand, they also have a certain expectation for the future and look forward to the coming of Christ, but to judge and rule rather than to His coming for the church.

Deuteronomy 3:13

The Inheritance of the Two and a Half Tribes

The “two and a half tribes” shall not be taken into account in the apportioning of the land within the borders laid down. They have already received an inheritance, namely the inheritance which they themselves have preferred, over the LORD’s preference.

Their inheritance is connected to the city of Jericho and to the east, with the additional mention that it is the side where the sun rises. Perhaps this indicates the half-hearted position of these tribes. We can apply this to half-hearted Christians. On the one hand they are connected to the world, of which Jericho is a picture. They live at that level, at the level of the world. On the other hand, they also have a certain expectation for the future and look forward to the coming of Christ, but to judge and rule rather than to His coming for the church.

Deuteronomy 3:14

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:15

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:16

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:17

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:18

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:19

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:20

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:21

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:22

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:23

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:24

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:25

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:26

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:27

The Men Who Apportion the Land

The men who have to apportion the land and will give each tribe an inheritance belong, except Joshua and Caleb, to the second generation. The leaders of the tribes, mentioned in Numbers 1, are no longer there. Here we are dealing with new leaders. God always takes care of everything that is necessary for His people.

The leaders are a picture of the gifts the Lord Jesus gave to His church to introduce God’s people into the blessings of the land. Each leader of a tribe gets an inheritance and he must apportion that inheritance among the families that make up the tribe. As an application we can see a local fellowship of brothers and sisters in a tribe. In practice, in our lives we are not dealing with the whole church, the whole people of God, but with its local expression. It is to be hoped that there will be such leaders in every local church.

The land belongs to the whole people, but the enjoyment is different for each member of the people. They all listen to the Word, but each gets its own blessing through it. A leader is at the forefront of the battle. Leaders represent the character of the victor. They are used by the Lord to make the right decision in apportioning the blessing and keeping it. They are all in the church who ensure that the believers come and remain in possession of the blessings with which they are blessed in Christ in the heavenly places.

The leaders themselves are again under the authority of Eleazar and Joshua. All service of leaders in the midst of the believers depends on the Lord Jesus as High Priest and Author (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2).

Deuteronomy 3:29

What the Levites Get from the Land

Not only are there leaders, as in the previous chapter, there are also Levites who play an important role in apportioning the land. Levites have no inheritance of their own (Numbers 1:47-53). They will have their own cities with pasture lands around them. That’s for the cattle they have.

The cities of the Levites will be scattered all over the land. They won’t live in the land near the temple, as they had their camp in the wilderness near the tabernacle. Their dispersion across the land is a fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy (Genesis 49:7). God thus makes a matter that in itself means a judgment – Levi has committed violence and deserved judgment – a matter that is a blessing. Through their dispersion through the land they are able to teach the people God’s statutes everywhere, for that is their task (Deuteronomy 17:9; Deuteronomy 33:10; Leviticus 10:10-11; 2 Chronicles 19:8-10; Malachi 2:4-7).

Here we read for the first time about cities that the people will own in the land. A city also speaks of the church, but as a reflection of the city of God (Revelation 21:10). Levite cities are all reflections of the city of God where He is served, day and night. Thus, local churches are reflections of the one church of God. In a Levite city, all Levites are working to stimulate priestly service. It is to be hoped that every believer in a local church will be busy for that.