Numbers 33:54

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

And ye shall divide {H5157} the land {H776} by lot {H1486} for an inheritance {H5157} among your families {H4940}: and to the more {H7227} ye shall give the more {H7235} inheritance {H5159}, and to the fewer {H4592} ye shall give the less {H4591} inheritance {H5159}: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot {H1486} falleth {H3318}; according to the tribes {H4294} of your fathers {H1} ye shall inherit {H5157}.

You will inherit the land by lot according to your families. You are to give more land to the larger families and less to the smaller ones. Wherever the lot falls to any particular person, that will be his property. You will inherit according to the tribes of your ancestors.

And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.

And ye shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance: wheresoever the lot falleth to any man, that shall be his; according to the tribes of your fathers shall ye inherit.

Commentary

Numbers 33:54 is a pivotal instruction given by God to Moses concerning the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This verse outlines the method and principles by which the vast territory of Canaan would be allocated, ensuring a just and orderly distribution based on divine guidance and family size.

Context

The book of Numbers chronicles the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai through the wilderness to the plains of Moab, just before they enter the land of Canaan. Chapter 33 provides a detailed itinerary of their encampments over forty years. Verses 50-56 contain God's final commands to Moses regarding the conquest and settlement of the land. These instructions emphasize not only the expulsion of the Canaanite inhabitants but also the meticulous plan for dividing the land as an inheritance for the twelve tribes. This verse sets the stage for the historical events detailed in the book of Joshua, where the land division was actually carried out.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Fair Distribution: The command to "divide the land by lot" underscores God's ultimate authority and involvement in the allocation of territory. Casting lots was a common ancient practice believed to reveal divine will, ensuring that the division was not based on human preference or power struggles but on God's design. The subsequent instruction—"to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance"—demonstrates a principle of equity, ensuring that the size of each family's portion was proportional to its population, thereby promoting fairness among the tribes and families.
  • Inheritance as God's Gift: The land was not merely conquered territory but a divine "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah). This term signifies a permanent, often generational, possession received as a gift, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His ancient promises to Abraham (see Genesis 15:18). This inheritance was a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel, a perpetual legacy for their descendants.
  • Tribal Identity and Order: The phrase "according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit" highlights the deep connection between land ownership and tribal identity in ancient Israel. This systematic division reinforced the distinct boundaries and responsibilities of each tribe, which was crucial for maintaining social, political, and religious order within the nascent nation. The meticulous planning ensured that every family knew its place and portion within the larger community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by lot" is translated from the Hebrew word goral (גּוֹרָל), which refers to small stones or objects cast to make decisions or determine an outcome, often with the understanding that God's will would be revealed through this process. This was not a gamble but a sacred act of seeking divine guidance. The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah, נַחֲלָה) is significant, denoting a permanent, inalienable possession passed down through generations, underscoring the enduring nature of God's gift of the land to His people.

Practical Application

Numbers 33:54 provides a powerful testament to God's meticulous care, justice, and faithfulness to His promises. For us today, it illustrates that God is a God of order and equity, who provides for His people. While we do not inherit a physical land in the same way, believers are promised a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is eternal and incorruptible. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and provision for our lives, knowing that He oversees every detail with wisdom and justice. It also reminds us of the importance of fair distribution and responsible stewardship of the resources and blessings God entrusts to us.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:53 (3 votes)

    Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

  • Numbers 26:56 (3 votes)

    According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

  • Joshua 17:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

  • Joshua 17:13 (2 votes)

    Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.

  • Joshua 18:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

  • Joshua 19:48 (2 votes)

    This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

  • Joshua 15:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ [This] then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; [even] to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward [was] the uttermost part of the south coast.