Numbers34

The LORD commanded Moses to define the precise borders of the land of Canaan, which was to be the inheritance for the children of Israel. This chapter details the southern, western, northern, and eastern boundaries of this promised territory. Furthermore, it names Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and one prince from each of the remaining nine and a half tribes as those appointed to divide the land by lot.

The Borders of Canaan Defined

ADONAI told Moshe

to give this order to the people of Isra'el: "When you enter the land of Kena'an, it will become your land to pass on as an inheritance, the land of Kena'an as defined by these borders.

"Your southern portion will extend from the Tzin Desert close to the border of Edom. The eastern terminus of your southern border is at the end of the Dead Sea.

From there your border turns, goes south of the 'Akrabbim Ascent and passes on to Tzin. From there it goes south of Kadesh-Barnea, on to Hatzar-Adar, and on to 'Atzmon.

Then the border turns and goes from 'Atzmon to the Vadi of Egypt and along it to the Sea.

"Your western border will be the Great Sea.

"Your northern border will be as follows: from the Great Sea mark a line to Mount Hor,

and from Mount Hor mark a line to the entrance of Hamat. The border goes out to Tz'dad.

Then the border goes to Zifron and finally to Hatzar-'Einan; this is your northern border.

"For the eastern border mark your line from Hatzar-'Enan to Sh'fam.

Then the border goes down from Sh'fam to Rivlah, on the east side of 'Ayin, then down until it hits the slope east of Lake Kinneret.

From there it goes down the Yarden River till it flows into the Dead Sea. These will be the borders of your land."

Instructions for Dividing the Land

Moshe gave this order to the people of Isra'el: "This is the land in which you will receive inheritances by lot, which ADONAI has ordered to give to the nine tribes and the half-tribe.

The tribe of the descendants of Re'uven have already received their land for inheritance according to their clans, and so have the descendants of Gad and the half-tribe of M'nasheh.

These two-and-a-half tribes have received their inheritance on this side of the Yarden, across from Yericho and eastward, toward the sunrise."

Appointed Leaders to Divide the Land

ADONAI said to Moshe,

"These are the names of the men who will take possession of the land for you: El'azar the cohen and Y'hoshua the son of Nun.

Also appoint one leader from each tribe to take possession of the land.

The names of these men are: from the tribe of Y'hudah, Kalev the son of Y'funeh;

from the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on, Sh'mu'el the son of 'Ammihud;

from the tribe of Binyamin, Elidad the son of Kislon;

from the tribe of the descendants of Dan, a leader, Buki the son of Yogli;

from the descendants of Yosef: from the tribe of the descendants of M'nasheh, a leader, Hani'el the son of Efod;

from the tribe of the descendants of Efrayim, a leader, K'mu'el the son of Shiftan;

from the tribe of the descendants of Z'vulun, a leader, Elitzafan the son of Parnakh;

from the tribe of the descendants of Yissakhar, a leader, Palti'el the son of 'Azan;

from the tribe of the descendants of Asher, a leader, Achihud the son of Shlomi;

from the tribe of the descendants of Naftali, a leader, P'dah'el the son of 'Ammihud."

These are the ones whom ADONAI ordered to divide the inheritance among the people of Isra'el in the land of Kena'an.

Study Notes for Numbers 34

Verse 2

This chapter defines the precise geographical boundaries of the Promised Land (Canaan proper), which was to be inherited by the nine and a half tribes settling west of the Jordan River.

Verse 3

The 'wilderness of Zin' provides the southern starting point. This boundary description establishes the limits of the land grant, stretching to the eastern edge of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea).

Verse 5

The 'river of Egypt' refers not to the Nile, but typically to the Wadi el-Arish, a significant seasonal watercourse that served as the traditional southwestern border between Canaan and Egypt.

Verse 7

The location of Mount Hor described here defines the northwestern corner of the promised territory, likely referring to a peak in the Lebanon range rather than the Mount Hor where Aaron died (Num 20:22).

Verse 11

The boundary moves southward along the Jordan Valley, referencing the ‘sea of Chinnereth’ (later known as the Sea of Galilee). This confirms that the eastern boundary of the inheritance was the Jordan River itself, excluding the Transjordanian territory already settled.

Verse 13

The distribution of the land 'by lot' underscores the belief that God was ultimately responsible for assigning the inheritance to each tribe, ensuring fairness and divine sanction for the boundaries.

Verse 17

Eleazar the High Priest and Joshua the son of Nun are named as the supreme administrators. Their joint authority ensured that the division process was carried out with both religious legitimacy and effective governmental oversight.

Verse 19

Caleb, one of the two faithful spies from the previous generation, is listed first among the tribal princes. His appointment highlights the reward for his loyalty and faith, emphasizing continuity between the generations.

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Numbers34

The Borders of Canaan Defined

Instructions for Dividing the Land

Appointed Leaders to Divide the Land

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