Numbers 33:51

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When ye are passed over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} into the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667};

to tell the people of Isra'el, "When you cross the Yarden into the land of Kena'an,

โ€œSpeak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

Commentary

Numbers 33:51 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, serving as a divine directive given to Moses concerning the final instructions before entering the Promised Land. This verse sets the stage for the Israelites' imminent transition from forty years of wilderness wandering to the fulfillment of God's ancient promises.

Context

Chapter 33 of Numbers meticulously chronicles the various encampments of the children of Israel during their long journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. This detailed list serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in guiding them. Verse 51, however, shifts focus from past travels to future action, specifically highlighting the moment they would "pass over Jordan into the land of Canaan." This directive comes as the nation stands on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, gazing upon the land that was first promised to Abraham centuries earlier. It underscores the culmination of their arduous journey and the beginning of a new phase of conquest and settlement.

Key Themes

  • Transition and Fulfillment: The verse powerfully speaks to the imminent end of the wilderness era and the beginning of the long-awaited inheritance. It signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic covenant concerning the land.
  • Divine Command and Obedience: The phrase "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them" emphasizes that this is a direct command from God. Their entry into Canaan was not a mere geographical relocation but an act of obedience to divine instruction, essential for claiming their inheritance.
  • The Promised Land: "The land of Canaan" is central to this verse. It represents not just a territory but the place of rest, blessing, and covenant relationship with God, a land flowing with milk and honey, as described in Exodus 3:8.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "passed over Jordan" carries significant symbolic weight. The Jordan River served as a natural barrier, separating the wilderness from the Promised Land. Crossing it symbolized a definitive break from their nomadic past and a step into their divinely appointed future. The Hebrew verb for "passed over" (ืขึธื‘ึทืจ, โ€˜avar) often implies crossing a boundary or transitioning, reinforcing the idea of a significant shift in their national journey. This transition would later be physically accomplished under the leadership of Joshua, as detailed in the book of Joshua.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 33:51 offers profound insights into our own spiritual journeys. Just as the Israelites were on the verge of entering their physical inheritance, we too are often on the cusp of new phases, challenges, or blessings that God has prepared. This verse reminds us:

  • Preparation for New Beginnings: God often gives instructions and prepares us before we enter significant new seasons or "promised lands" in our lives.
  • Trust in God's Promises: The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word, even after long periods of waiting or difficulty. It encourages us to trust that His promises for us will also come to pass.
  • The Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God's commands is crucial for successfully navigating transitions and claiming the blessings He has in store. Just as the Israelites had to follow specific instructions, our willingness to obey God's voice leads us into His best.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:17

    And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

  • Deuteronomy 9:1

    ยถ Hear, O Israel: Thou [art] to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

  • Deuteronomy 7:1

    ยถ When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
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