Numbers 34:5

KJV

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} shall fetch a compass {H5437} from Azmon {H6111} unto the river {H5158} of Egypt {H4714}, and the goings out {H8444} of it shall be at the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the border turns and goes from 'Atzmon to the Vadi of Egypt and along it to the Sea.

Berean Standard Bible

where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea.

American Standard Version

and the border shall turn about from Azmon unto the brook of Egypt, and the goings out thereof shall be at the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 34:5 meticulously describes a segment of the southern boundary of the land of Canaan, the territory divinely promised to the Israelites as their inheritance. This verse specifies that the border would "fetch a compass" or turn from Azmon, extending eastward to the "river of Egypt" (Wadi el-Arish), and then its terminus would be at the Mediterranean Sea. This precise geographical detail underscores God's faithfulness in delineating the exact extent of the Promised Land, preparing the Israelites for its eventual possession and highlighting the tangible nature of their covenantal inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 34:5 is part of a larger, highly detailed section in Numbers 34 (verses 1-12) that outlines the precise boundaries of the land of Canaan. This chapter follows the census of the new generation (Numbers 26) and the instructions for dividing the land by lot among the tribes (Numbers 26:52-56), as well as the appointment of leaders to oversee this division (Numbers 34:16-29). The meticulous geographical description serves as a legal and theological blueprint for the Israelites' future settlement, ensuring that the land they were about to conquer and inhabit was indeed the specific territory promised by God. It sets the stage for the book of Joshua, where these boundaries would be practically implemented during the division of the land among the tribes, as seen in passages like [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of entering the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. For ancient Near Eastern peoples, land was intrinsically linked to identity, inheritance, and covenant. Detailed boundary descriptions were common in treaties and legal documents of the era, serving to prevent disputes and establish clear ownership. The "river of Egypt" (Hebrew: נַחַל מִצְרַיִם, _Nahal Mizraim_) mentioned in this verse is crucial for accurate mapping. Scholars widely agree that this refers not to the Nile River, but to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal stream (a _wadi_) that flows into the Mediterranean Sea south of Gaza. This distinction is vital, as it defines the southwestern extremity of Canaan, a much smaller area than if the Nile were the boundary. Azmon, though its exact location is debated, was likely a significant landmark or settlement on this southern frontier, indicating a specific point from which the border turned.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**. The detailed boundaries are a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants and the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). Secondly, the **Geographical Precision** highlights the reality and tangibility of God's gift. It was not a vague promise but a specific, measurable inheritance, reinforcing the idea that God's plans are concrete and reliable. This precision would be critical for the tribal allocations, as detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Division of the Land"). Lastly, the meticulous description underscores **God's Sovereignty** over the land and its distribution. The land was not merely conquered by human might but was a divinely appointed inheritance, its extent determined by God's will and decree, reinforcing His ultimate authority over Israel's destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fetch a compass (Hebrew, _savav'_):** The Hebrew verb סָבַב (_savav_) means "to turn around," "to surround," "to go about," or "to make a circuit." In this context, "fetch a compass" (KJV) accurately conveys the sense of the border making a turn or sweeping curve. It suggests that the boundary line was not straight but adapted to the natural contours of the land, indicating a defined, perhaps circular or semi-circular, path from Azmon as it moved towards the river of Egypt. This implies a careful and precise delineation that followed geographical features.
* **river of Egypt (Hebrew, _Nahal Mizraim'_):** The Hebrew phrase נַחַל מִצְרַיִם (_Nahal Mizraim_) literally translates to "brook of Egypt" or "wadi of Egypt." The term _nahal_ (נַחַל) typically refers to a wadi, a seasonal riverbed that flows only during the rainy season, rather than a perennial river like the Nile. This linguistic detail is crucial for understanding the actual geographical extent of the southern border, confirming that it was the Wadi el-Arish, which served as a natural boundary between Canaan and Egypt, much smaller than the vast Nile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt":** This clause describes the initial segment of the southern border. Starting from a point identified as Azmon, the boundary line would curve or turn, extending in an eastward direction towards the Wadi el-Arish. This indicates a specific, non-linear trajectory, suggesting a natural or established route rather than a straight, artificial line. It grounds the divine promise in a tangible, geographically identifiable path.
* **"and the goings out of it shall be at the sea":** This second clause specifies the ultimate terminus of this southern border segment. The "goings out" or "terminus" of the border, after reaching the river of Egypt (Wadi el-Arish), would be at "the sea." This refers to the Mediterranean Sea, into which the Wadi el-Arish flows. This detail completes the description of the southwestern corner of the Promised Land, clearly defining its extent from an inland point (Azmon) to the coast.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 34:5, like the rest of the chapter, primarily employs **Precision** and **Geographical Detail** as its key literary devices. The meticulous naming of specific landmarks ("Azmon," "river of Egypt," "the sea") serves to create an undeniable sense of reality and tangibility for the promised inheritance. This detailed enumeration is a form of **Legalistic Language**, characteristic of covenant documents, reinforcing the binding nature of God's promise and the future legal claims of the Israelite tribes. Furthermore, the use of the verb "fetch a compass" (סָבַב, _savav_) suggests **Descriptive Imagery**, painting a picture of a border that follows natural contours rather than arbitrary straight lines, making the divine allocation seem organic and fitting to the land. The overall effect is one of divine order and meticulous planning, emphasizing God's careful provision for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 34:5, with its precise geographical delineation, serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and the tangible nature of His covenant promises. The detailed description of the land's boundaries is not mere cartography; it is theological truth made concrete. It assures Israel that the land promised to their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, was not an abstract concept but a divinely appointed, real estate. This specificity underscores the reliability of God's word, demonstrating that He fulfills His promises with exactitude, providing a secure and defined inheritance for His people. The land itself becomes a symbol of God's provision, protection, and the place where His covenant relationship with Israel would flourish.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Joshua 15:4](/joshua/15-4 "Joshua 15:4 - The Southern Border of Judah's Inheritance")
* [Ezekiel 47:19](/ezekiel/47-19 "Ezekiel 47:19 - The Southern Border in Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Numbers 34:5 describes ancient geographical boundaries, its enduring message speaks to the precision and faithfulness of God in all His dealings. Just as God meticulously defined the physical borders for Israel's inheritance, He has a detailed and purposeful plan for our lives and for the establishment of His spiritual kingdom. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's specific provisions and guidance, knowing that His plans are always precise, purposeful, and ultimately for our good. It reminds us that our inheritance in Christ is not vague but a defined reality, secured by His promises. Furthermore, the concept of divinely appointed boundaries can prompt us to consider the importance of healthy boundaries in our own lives—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—as they often serve to protect our identity, purpose, and well-being, reflecting God's own orderly nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's promise regarding the land in Numbers 34:5 encourage your trust in His plans for your life?**
* **In what ways can understanding the "boundaries" God has set for us (e.g., in His Word, through spiritual principles) lead to greater freedom and purpose?**
* **What "inheritance" has God promised you in Christ, and how does the tangibility of Israel's land inheritance help you grasp the reality of your spiritual blessings?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this verse speak to His character and His involvement in the specifics of our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why is such detailed geographical information included in the Bible, especially in a book like Numbers?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed geographical information, as seen in Numbers 34:5, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the **divine faithfulness** to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised a specific land, and these details prove that the land Israel was about to inherit was indeed that very land. Secondly, these precise boundaries provided a **legal and practical blueprint** for the division of the land among the twelve tribes, preventing future disputes and establishing clear tribal identities and inheritances (e.g., [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah")). Thirdly, it grounds the biblical narrative in **historical and geographical reality**, demonstrating that these events were not mythical but unfolded in a real, identifiable world. It emphasizes that God's actions are concrete and tangible, not abstract. Finally, it highlights God's **sovereignty and meticulousness** in providing for His people, showing that even the physical extent of their dwelling place was determined by His divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 34:5 describes a physical border for a physical inheritance, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are found in Christ. The Promised Land, with its meticulously defined boundaries, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal kingdom that believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel's land was a gift of grace, our salvation and eternal dwelling are a gift, not earned by works (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Christ Himself is the true "inheritance" of His people (e.g., [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")), and in Him, we receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The precision of the land's borders points to the certainty and security of our spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (e.g., [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). The "goings out" of the border at the sea can symbolize the expansive nature of God's kingdom, which, through Christ, extends to all nations, encompassing a people far beyond physical Israel (e.g., [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Ultimately, the physical land was a temporary dwelling; our true and eternal "Promised Land" is found in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns (e.g., [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 15:4

[From thence] it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Isaiah 27:12

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Joshua 15:47

Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border [thereof]:

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

Numbers 34:6

And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

Numbers 34:7

And this shall be your north border: from the great sea ye shall point out for you mount Hor: