Numbers 34:13

KJV

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, This is the land {H776} which ye shall inherit {H5157} by lot {H1486}, which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} to give {H5414} unto the nine {H8672} tribes {H4294}, and to the half {H2677} tribe {H4294}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.

American Standard Version

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which Jehovah hath commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 34:13 serves as a pivotal divine directive, delivered by Moses to the Israelites, detailing the precise method and recipients for the distribution of the Promised Land. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God in the allocation of Canaan, emphasizing that the inheritance would be determined "by lot" as a direct command from the LORD. It specifically designates the nine and a half tribes who had not yet received their portion, thereby ensuring the meticulous and divinely guided fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises for their permanent dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 34:13 is intricately woven into the final legislative and narrative sections of the book of Numbers, specifically within chapters 33-36, which meticulously prepare Israel for entry into Canaan after their four decades of wilderness wandering. Chapter 33 provides a detailed itinerary of their journey, culminating at the plains of Moab. Chapter 34 then shifts to defining the precise geographical boundaries of the Promised Land, establishing the parameters for the future inheritance. This verse acts as the formal divine mandate, initiating the process of land apportionment, immediately preceding the appointment of the specific tribal leaders (Numbers 34:16-29) who would oversee this monumental task. It sets the stage for the detailed execution of the land division narratives found throughout the book of [Joshua, particularly chapters 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Numbers 34:13 emerges at a critical historical juncture for Israel: the conclusion of their wilderness sojourn and the imminent conquest of the land promised to their forefathers. The promise of land, first given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"), was foundational to Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. While casting lots was a common practice in the ancient Near East for resolving disputes or making important decisions, its application in Israel carried profound theological weight. For Israel, the lot was not a game of chance but a sacred means by which God's sovereign will was revealed, ensuring an impartial, divinely sanctioned, and unchallengeable allocation. This method circumvented potential tribal conflicts and affirmed that the land was not merely a conquered territory but a direct, unearned divine gift. The explicit mention of "nine tribes, and to the half tribe" clarifies that this command applies to those who had not yet settled, distinguishing them from Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh, who had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Settlement of Reuben, Gad, and Half Manasseh").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 34:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the Pentateuch and the book of Numbers. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**. The repeated emphasis that "the LORD commanded to give" highlights God's ultimate control over Israel's destiny and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating that the land is a direct, unearned gift. The distribution "by lot" further reinforces this divine oversight, leaving no room for human manipulation or favoritism, as articulated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast by the Lord"). Secondly, the verse illuminates the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**. The land is referred to as an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah*), signifying a permanent, generational possession and a place of rest and security after their long nomadic journey. This concept is vital to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, receiving their promised dwelling place. Thirdly, the command reflects **Order and Justice**. The divinely ordained lot system, while seemingly random, was understood as a mechanism for impartial and equitable distribution, preventing tribal conflict and establishing a clear, just framework for land ownership and tribal boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb, צָוָה (*tsâvâh*), appears twice in the verse, first describing Moses' authoritative instruction to Israel, and then the LORD's ultimate command to give the land. Its repetition emphasizes the binding, non-negotiable nature of the decree. It signifies a direct, forceful injunction from a superior to a subordinate, highlighting that the land division is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, relayed through God's chosen mediator, Moses. This underscores the absolute certainty and divine origin of the land's distribution.
* **inherit (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** The verb נָחַל (*nâchal*) means "to inherit," "to possess," or "to take as a possession." It carries the profound connotation of receiving something as an enduring legacy or patrimony, often from a divine source or an ancestor. In this context, it signifies that the land is not merely conquered territory to be temporarily occupied but a permanent, divinely-appointed possession, establishing the tribes' lasting and unchallengeable claim to their allocated portions. This concept is foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, receiving their promised dwelling place.
* **lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** The Hebrew word גּוֹרָל (*gôwrâl*) refers to a pebble, small stone, or object used for casting to make decisions, determine portions, or assign roles. In ancient Israel, casting lots was a sacred practice, understood as a direct means by which God's will was revealed, thereby removing human bias, favoritism, or potential for manipulation. As [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast by the Lord") states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This method ensured that the land division was perceived as divinely ordained and therefore just, impartial, and unchallengeable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause firmly establishes Moses as the divinely appointed mediator of God's will. As the leader and prophet, he is entrusted with relaying the solemn and binding divine decree to the entire assembly of Israel. This highlights the immense importance and authoritative nature of the instructions that follow, underscoring that these are not human plans but direct mandates from God Himself.
* **"This [is] the land which ye shall inherit by lot,"**: This segment precisely identifies the subject of the command: "the land," specifically Canaan, which is to be received as an enduring "inheritance." The crucial phrase "by lot" specifies the divinely appointed, impartial method for its distribution. This method ensures that the allocation of territory to each tribe is not based on human strength, negotiation, or preference, but on God's sovereign determination, eliminating potential disputes and affirming divine justice and order.
* **"which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:"**: This final clause explicitly states the ultimate source of the command – "the LORD" – reinforcing the divine origin and absolute authority behind the entire process. It also meticulously clarifies the specific recipients: the nine and a half tribes, distinguishing them from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This specificity underscores God's meticulous planning, His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, and His commitment to each tribal lineage.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 34:13 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The **Repetition** of the verb "commanded" (צָוָה, *tsâvâh*) serves to emphasize the authoritative chain of command, flowing from God to Moses and then to Israel, thereby reinforcing the non-negotiable and binding nature of the decree. This also highlights the concept of **Divine Fiat**, where God's authoritative word is the ultimate force behind the land's distribution, ensuring its certainty and justice. The mention of "inherit by lot" functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the detailed and systematic land division that will take place under Joshua's leadership, meticulously recorded in the book of [Joshua, particularly chapters 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). Furthermore, the precise and formal language used, with terms like "inherit," "lot," and "commanded," imbues the verse with **Legal Language**, underscoring the formal, binding, and equitable nature of the land allocation process, establishing a divine precedent for property rights, tribal boundaries, and communal order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 34:13 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, meticulous planning, and sovereign control over the destiny of His people. The divine command to distribute the land by lot underscores that Israel's inheritance was not a result of their own merit, military prowess, or human negotiation, but a gracious and unearned gift from a covenant-keeping God. This act directly fulfills the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating God's steadfast commitment to providing a permanent dwelling place for His chosen nation. The impartiality of the lot system further highlights God's justice and His desire for order within the community, preventing strife and ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed portion. This meticulous provision for a physical inheritance serves as a powerful type, foreshadowing a greater spiritual reality for all believers.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land")
* [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Division by Lot in Canaan")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Inheritance to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 34:13 offers a profound lens through which to contemplate God's character and His interaction with humanity. Just as God meticulously planned and sovereignly executed the distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel, we are invited to trust in His divine provision and guidance in our own lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our "inheritance," whether material blessings, spiritual gifts, or the very path of our lives, ultimately flows from God's gracious hand and His perfect will, not from our own efforts, schemes, or perceived merits. It encourages us to surrender our plans and desires to His sovereign wisdom, knowing that His methods, though sometimes seemingly random or beyond our immediate comprehension (like casting lots), are always just, purposeful, and ultimately for our good. For believers, this fosters a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our lives are held within the capable and faithful hands of a God who meticulously provides for His children and orchestrates all things for their ultimate good and His eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "inheritance by lot" challenge our human tendency to control or manipulate outcomes in our lives, and how can we better embrace divine sovereignty?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's sovereign provision and timing more deeply, rather than relying on your own strength or anxious planning?**
* **How does God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel in providing the land encourage you in your own walk of faith regarding His promises for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command the land to be divided "by lot" instead of by human decision?**

Answer: God commanded the land to be divided "by lot" primarily to emphasize His divine sovereignty and to ensure absolute impartiality and justice in the distribution. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not viewed as a random act of chance or mere superstition, but as a sacred means by which God's will was supernaturally revealed and confirmed, as [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot") clearly states: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This method prevented human favoritism, tribal disputes, or the allocation of land based on military strength, political influence, or personal ambition. It powerfully underscored that the land was a divine gift, not a human acquisition, and that its distribution was entirely under God's control, ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed and unchallengeable inheritance, thereby fostering unity and trust in His provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 34:13, with its profound emphasis on a divinely commanded inheritance of a promised land, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel received a physical inheritance in the earthly Canaan, believers in Christ receive a spiritual, eternal, and imperishable inheritance that far transcends any earthly possession. Just as God "commanded to give" the land to Israel, so too has God sovereignly "commanded" to give us an inheritance in Christ, not by lot or human merit, but by grace through faith. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") declares that in Christ "we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." This spiritual inheritance includes reconciliation with God, adoption into His family, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit")), and the promise of eternal life in the new heavens and new earth, a "better country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Better Country")). Jesus, as the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one who secures this inheritance through His perfect sacrifice and resurrection, leading us into the ultimate "rest" that the earthly Canaan could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Thus, the meticulous planning for Israel's earthly inheritance points forward to God's perfect plan for humanity's eternal redemption and spiritual inheritance in His beloved Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 14:1

¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

Joshua 14:5

As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.

Numbers 34:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,