(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
ADONAI said to Moshe,
Then the LORD said to Moses,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the LORD{H3068} spake{H1696} unto Moses{H4872}, saying{H559},
Numbers 34:16 is part of a larger section in the book of Numbers that deals with the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The historical context of this verse is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, as they are preparing to enter the land of Canaan, which God promised to their ancestor Abraham.
The themes of this verse include:
1. **Divine Guidance**: The verse begins with "The LORD spake unto Moses," which emphasizes that the instructions for dividing the land come directly from God. This underscores the theme of divine guidance in the life of Israel and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
2. **Inheritance**: The broader context of Numbers 34 deals with the specific boundaries of the land that each tribe of Israel would inherit. This theme of inheritance is central to the covenant between God and Israel, where the land of Canaan is a significant part of God's promise to the Israelites.
3. **Preparation for Settlement**: As the Israelites are on the verge of entering the Promised Land, there is a focus on preparing for the transition from a nomadic life in the wilderness to a settled life in Canaan. This preparation includes the practical aspects of land division and the establishment of territories for each tribe.
4. **Promise Fulfillment**: The division of the land is a step toward fulfilling the promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. This verse is part of the narrative that shows the promise moving toward realization.
In summary, Numbers 34:16 is situated within the context of the Israelites' imminent entry into the Promised Land. It highlights themes of divine guidance, inheritance, preparation for settlement, and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)