Numbers 34:17

KJV

These [are] the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the names {H8034} of the men {H582} which shall divide {H5157} the land {H776} unto you: Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"These are the names of the men who will take possession of the land for you: El'azar the cohen and Y'hoshua the son of Nun.

Berean Standard Bible

“These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun.

American Standard Version

These are the names of the men that shall divide the land unto you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 34:17 meticulously identifies Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun as the divinely appointed individuals responsible for overseeing the equitable distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. This verse, situated within the detailed administrative instructions for Israel's settlement, underscores God's precise and orderly plan for His people's inheritance, marking a pivotal transition from their wilderness wanderings to the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises in their long-awaited homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 34:17 is embedded within a highly administrative and prescriptive section of the book of Numbers. The preceding verses (Numbers 34:1-12) meticulously delineate the precise boundaries of the land of Canaan that God promised to the Israelites, emphasizing the divine origin and scope of their inheritance. Following this geographical demarcation, verse 17 then names the two principal leaders who will execute the division of this land by lot, as commanded in [Numbers 34:13](/numbers/34-13 "Numbers 34:13 - Command to Divide the Land"). This verse sets the stage for the subsequent naming of the tribal princes who will assist Eleazar and Joshua (Numbers 34:18-29), demonstrating a structured, hierarchical approach to a monumental task. It represents a crucial step in the narrative arc of Numbers, moving from the wilderness generation's failures and preparations to the imminent entry into the land of promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the Israelites poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. Land was the primary source of identity, security, and wealth in the ancient Near East, and its distribution was a foundational act for establishing a settled society. Unlike typical conquest where victors arbitrarily divided spoils, Israel's land division was a divinely ordained process, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the land and His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. The roles of "priest" (Eleazar) and "son of Nun" (Joshua, indicating his lineage and established leadership) were critical. The priest's involvement ensured the sacredness of the process and likely included consulting God through the Urim and Thummim, while Joshua, as the military and administrative leader, would oversee the practical implementation. This divine oversight prevented disputes and ensured a just allocation, reflecting God's commitment to order and justice for His people.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 34:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises, specifically the land promise made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Initial Promise to Abraham")). God not only provides the land but also meticulously orchestrates the means for its proper inheritance. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Order and Administration**, showcasing God's desire for structure and fairness in the life of His people. The precise naming of leaders for such a critical task underscores that God's plans are not chaotic but are executed with divine wisdom and precision. Thirdly, it speaks to **Leadership and Succession**, as Eleazar had succeeded his father Aaron as High Priest ([Numbers 20:28](/numbers/20-28 "Eleazar Succeeds Aaron")), and Joshua was divinely appointed to succeed Moses as the leader who would bring Israel into the land ([Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Joshua Succeeds Moses")). This continuity of divinely appointed leadership was crucial for Israel's transition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eleazar (Hebrew, _'El'azar'_):** This name means "God has helped" or "God is helper." As the High Priest, Eleazar's involvement in the land distribution signifies that this crucial administrative task was not merely a secular undertaking but a sacred act under divine guidance. His name fittingly reflects the divine assistance and enablement that would be necessary for such a monumental and potentially contentious division.
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yehoshu'a'_):** Meaning "The Lord is salvation" or "The Lord saves," Joshua's name is profoundly significant. He was Moses' successor, chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a task that required immense faith, courage, and reliance on God's saving power. The theological weight of his name points to his role as a deliverer and foreshadows the ultimate deliverer, Jesus (whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you":** This introductory clause serves as a formal declaration, immediately establishing the purpose of the verse: to identify the key human agents through whom God's command for land distribution will be executed. The phrase "unto you" emphasizes that this division is for the benefit and inheritance of the entire Israelite community, underscoring the communal aspect of God's provision.
* **"Eleazar the priest":** The first named individual, Eleazar, is identified by his sacred office. His role as "the priest" signifies that the division of the land is a divinely sanctioned and religiously significant act. As High Priest, Eleazar would have been responsible for consulting God (perhaps through the Urim and Thummim) to ensure the land was divided according to God's will and by lot, thus imparting divine legitimacy and preventing human bias or corruption.
* **"and Joshua the son of Nun":** The second named individual, Joshua, is identified by his lineage, highlighting his established identity and authority within the Israelite community. As Moses' chosen successor and the military commander, Joshua would be responsible for the practical implementation of the land division, ensuring its orderly and just execution among the tribes. His inclusion alongside the High Priest underscores the dual nature of leadership (spiritual and administrative/military) necessary for Israel's successful settlement.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 34:17, though seemingly a simple administrative statement, employs several literary techniques. It functions as a **Nominal List** or **Register**, a common biblical device used to record genealogies, officials, or military rosters, which lends authority and historical weight to the information. By explicitly naming Eleazar and Joshua, the text emphasizes their **Divine Mandate**; their appointment is not a human political decision but a direct command from God, reinforcing the idea of divine sovereignty over the land and its distribution. Furthermore, the naming of Joshua carries a profound layer of **Foreshadowing**. His name, meaning "The Lord is salvation," subtly points beyond his immediate role as a military leader to the ultimate salvation and inheritance brought by the Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua), whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua. This seemingly mundane administrative detail thus carries significant theological resonance, hinting at God's broader redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 34:17, while administrative in nature, is deeply theological. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land to Abraham and his descendants. The naming of specific, divinely appointed leaders for the task of land distribution underscores that God's plans are not abstract ideals but are concretely realized through human agents, guided by His wisdom and authority. This verse highlights that even the seemingly mundane details of administration and logistics are integral to God's overarching redemptive purpose for His people. It reveals a God who is orderly, just, and committed to providing for His people's inheritance, ensuring that the transition from wilderness wandering to settled life is conducted with divine precision and integrity.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Initial Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 14:1](/joshua/14-1 "The Division of the Land by Eleazar, Joshua, and the Heads of the Tribes")
* [Deuteronomy 31:7](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Moses Commissions Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 34:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, even in the details of our lives. Just as He meticulously planned for Israel's inheritance and appointed specific leaders to ensure its just distribution, He has a divine purpose and plan for each of us, often working through human instruments. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to His promises, knowing that He will provide the means and the people to accomplish His will. It also highlights the importance of godly leadership, characterized by divine appointment, integrity, and a commitment to executing God's will for the benefit of the community. We are called to be good stewards of the "inheritance" God has given us—whether it be spiritual gifts, material resources, relationships, or opportunities—and to seek His guidance in managing them with wisdom and integrity, reflecting His order and justice in our own spheres of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous planning for the land's division encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and future?**
* **What does the divine appointment of Eleazar and Joshua teach us about the qualities of leadership God values and seeks in His servants today?**
* **In what ways are you called to steward the "inheritance" (spiritual, material, relational) God has given you with wisdom and integrity, reflecting His divine order?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that specific individuals are named for this task?**

Answer: The naming of specific individuals, Eleazar and Joshua, is crucial because it signifies divine appointment and ensures accountability. It underscores that the division of the land was not left to chance or human political maneuvering but was a sacred task under God's direct oversight. These men represented the highest spiritual and administrative authority in Israel, lending legitimacy and divine sanction to the process, ensuring fairness, and preventing disputes among the tribes. It also highlights the continuity of leadership after Moses and Aaron.

**What is the significance of Eleazar's role as "the priest"?**

Answer: Eleazar's role as "the priest" is paramount. As the High Priest, he represented God's presence and authority among the people. His involvement ensured that the land division was conducted according to divine will, likely involving the casting of lots, as seen later in [Joshua 18:6](/joshua/18-6 "Dividing the Land by Lot"). This priestly oversight imbued the process with sacredness, making it a religious act of covenant fulfillment rather than merely a secular administrative task, thereby preventing human corruption or favoritism.

**How does Joshua's name foreshadow future events?**

Answer: Joshua's name, _Yehoshu'a_ in Hebrew, means "The Lord is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This name is highly significant because it is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus" (Yeshua in Aramaic, Iesous in Greek). Just as Joshua led the Israelites into their physical inheritance in the Promised Land, his name and role powerfully foreshadow the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who leads believers into their spiritual inheritance, eternal salvation, and true rest found in Him ([Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Joshua and the True Rest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 34:17, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The appointment of Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun to "divide the land" serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to Christ. Joshua, whose very name is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus," leads God's people into their physical inheritance, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate leader who brings His people into their spiritual inheritance and the promised rest of God ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "The Rest of God")). Just as Joshua secured a physical land for Israel, Christ secures an eternal, heavenly inheritance for all who believe, a new creation and a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Receiving a Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Eleazar, as the High Priest, prefigures Christ's perfect and eternal high priestly ministry. While Eleazar facilitated the division of a physical land, Christ, our great High Priest, through His once-for-all sacrifice, has secured and now intercedes for our spiritual inheritance, granting us access to the very presence of God ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the administrative act of land division in Numbers 34:17 ultimately points to the work of Christ, who, as our true Joshua and High Priest, secures and apportions the immeasurable spiritual blessings and eternal life that are our inheritance in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Inheritance of the Saints")).

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 19:51

These [are] the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

Numbers 13:8

Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.

Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.