Numbers 34:11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:

And the coast {H1366} shall go down {H3381} from Shepham {H8221} to Riblah {H7247}, on the east side {H6924} of Ain {H5871}; and the border {H1366} shall descend {H3381}, and shall reach {H4229} unto the side {H3802} of the sea {H3220} of Chinnereth {H3672} eastward {H6924}:

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.

then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth.

and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward;

Numbers 34:11 is part of a detailed geographical description outlining the eastern boundary of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites as their inheritance. This verse, along with others in Numbers chapter 34, provides the precise divine instructions for dividing the land among the tribes.

Context

This verse is found within the section of Numbers (specifically Numbers 34:1-12) where God commands Moses to delineate the exact borders of the Promised Land. This meticulous detailing highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing the physical boundaries of the nation of Israel. The eastern border, described here, stretches from the northern highlands down to the prominent Sea of Chinnereth.

Geographical Significance

  • Shepham: This location serves as a northern point on the eastern border; though its exact modern identification is debated, it signifies a specific landmark from which the border began its descent.
  • Riblah: A significant ancient site, often associated with later Israelite history, particularly as a place of judgment and exile during the Babylonian conquest. Its inclusion here marks a key point on the eastern boundary. See 2 Kings 25:6 for Riblah's later historical importance.
  • Ain: Meaning "spring" or "fountain," this likely refers to a significant water source that served as another identifiable marker on the border.
  • Sea of Chinnereth: This is the ancient name for what is now widely known as the Sea of Galilee, also called Lake Gennesaret or Lake Tiberias. Its distinctive harp-like shape may have given it the name "Chinnereth." The phrase "eastward" clarifies that the border reached the western side of the sea, with the sea itself forming the eastern boundary.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The minute detail in defining these borders emphasizes God's meticulous nature and His desire for order in the inheritance He bestows upon His people. Every boundary was divinely appointed.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: This geographical blueprint is a tangible manifestation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham, promising a specific land for his descendants. See Genesis 15:18 for the initial promise.
  • Inheritance and Possession: The detailed border description reinforced the Israelites' legitimate claim and divine right to the land, underscoring that it was a gift and an inheritance, not merely a conquest.

Linguistic Insights

The name Chinnereth (Hebrew: כִּנֶּרֶת, Kinneret) is significant. It's believed to be derived from the Hebrew word for "harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor), possibly due to the lake's shape resembling a harp. This ancient name grounds the biblical narrative in recognizable geographical realities.

Practical Application

While describing ancient borders, Numbers 34:11 reminds us of God's faithfulness and precision in all His dealings. Just as He provided clear, defined boundaries for Israel, He also provides spiritual boundaries and guidance for believers today, ensuring our security and identity in Him. It encourages us to trust in God's specific plans and promises, knowing that He meticulously works out every detail for His people's good and the fulfillment of His divine purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Kings 23:33

    And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

  • Deuteronomy 3:17

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

  • Joshua 11:2

    And to the kings that [were] on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

  • Luke 5:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

  • Joshua 19:35

    And the fenced cities [are] Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

  • 2 Kings 25:6

    So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.

  • John 6:1

    ¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.
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