Numbers 34:12

And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

And the border {H1366} shall go down {H3381} to Jordan {H3383}, and the goings out {H8444} of it shall be at the salt {H4417} sea {H3220}: this shall be your land {H776} with the coasts {H1367} thereof round about {H5439}.

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

Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.”

and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out thereof shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to the borders thereof round about.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 34:12 (KJV)

Numbers 34:12 concludes a detailed description of the southern and eastern borders of the land God promised to the Israelite tribes. This verse specifies the eastern extent of the territory, firmly anchoring it to major geographical landmarks.

Context

This verse is part of Numbers chapter 34, where God meticulously outlines the exact boundaries of the land of Canaan that the Israelites are to inherit. This precise demarcation, given to Moses, was crucial for the tribal allocations that would follow. It emphasizes the precision of God's plan for His people's promised inheritance. The mention of the Jordan River and the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) firmly places these boundaries within known geographical landmarks of the ancient Near East, affirming the literal nature of God's promise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness: The meticulous detail of the boundaries underscores God's absolute control and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This land was not to be conquered by chance, but was a divine gift, demonstrating God's commitment to His word (compare Joshua 21:45).
  • Inheritance and Possession: The phrase "this shall be your land" highlights the theme of inheritance. The land was a tangible expression of God's blessing and a place where Israel could dwell securely as His chosen people. It served as a foretaste of the rest and spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ.
  • Defined Boundaries: God provided clear and specific borders to prevent disputes and establish a defined territory for His people. This order reflects divine wisdom in governance and provision, ensuring stability and clarity for the future generations of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • The "Salt Sea" is known in Hebrew as Yam ha-Melah (ים Χ”ΧžΧœΧ—), which literally means "Sea of Salt." This body of water, famous for its extreme salinity, is universally recognized today as the Dead Sea. Its mention here provides an unmistakable geographical marker for the eastern boundary of the land of Canaan.
  • The phrase "goings out of it" refers to the termination or end points of the border, emphasizing the definitive nature of the boundaries God set for His people.

Practical Application

  • God's Promises Are Sure: Just as God precisely fulfilled His land promise to Israel, we can trust in the certainty of His spiritual promises to us, including salvation, guidance, and eternal life. His detailed plans for Israel's inheritance assure us of His meticulous care for our lives.
  • Understanding Our Spiritual Inheritance: This passage reminds us that God has provided a spiritual "inheritance" for believers in Christ. We are called to live within the "boundaries" He sets through His Word, finding security, purpose, and blessing there.
  • Divine Order: God is a God of order and precision. Understanding the specific boundaries He set for Israel can encourage us to seek and embrace the divine order in our own lives, trusting His wisdom and provision in every detail.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 34:3

    Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:

  • Genesis 13:10

    ΒΆ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

  • Genesis 19:24

    ΒΆ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

  • Genesis 19:26

    ΒΆ But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

  • Genesis 14:3

    All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.