Numbers 34:5

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 34:5 (KJV)

Numbers 34:5 is part of a detailed geographical description of the boundaries of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites as their inheritance. This particular verse specifies a segment of the southern border of the Promised Land, crucial for understanding the geographical scope of Israel's divinely appointed territory.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the Israelites' forty-year wilderness wanderings, the book of Numbers prepares them for entry into Canaan. Chapters 33 and 34 lay out the specific itinerary and the precise borders of the land they are about to possess. This meticulous detailing of boundaries was vital for tribal identity, inheritance, and preventing future disputes over territory. The "river of Egypt" mentioned here is generally understood by scholars not to be the Nile River, but rather the Wadi el-Arish (or Nahal-Mizraim), a seasonal stream that flows into the Mediterranean Sea south of Gaza. This distinction is important for accurately mapping the ancient borders, as it defines the southwestern extremity of the land. Azmon was likely a landmark on this southern frontier, though its exact location is debated.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Promise and Fulfillment: This verse underscores God's faithfulness in delineating the exact land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed boundaries signify God's precise fulfillment of His covenant. The concept of a divinely appointed land is central to Israel's national identity and purpose, echoing the covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 15.
  • Geographical Precision: The specificity of the boundaries, including features like "Azmon," "the river of Egypt," and "the sea," highlights the importance of the land's physical reality as a tangible inheritance. This precision would later be critical during the division of the land among the tribes by Joshua.
  • God's Sovereignty: The meticulous description of the borders reinforces the idea that the land was not claimed by human conquest alone, but was a gift from God, whose sovereign will determined its extent.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fetch a compass" (Hebrew: ืกึธื‘ึทื‘, savav) indicates that the border would make a turn or sweep, suggesting a defined curve or circuitous path from Azmon towards the river of Egypt. This implies a natural contour rather than a straight line, adapting to the terrain. The "river of Egypt" (ื ึทื—ึทืœ ืžึดืฆึฐืจึทื™ึดื, Nahal Mizraim) literally means "brook of Egypt," further supporting the interpretation of a wadi rather than the mighty Nile.

Practical Application

While this verse describes ancient geographical boundaries, it offers enduring lessons. It reminds us of God's meticulous nature and His faithfulness to His promises. Just as He precisely defined the borders for Israel, He has a detailed plan for our lives and the kingdom of God. This verse can encourage believers to trust in God's specific provisions and guidance, knowing that His plans are always precise and purposeful. It also highlights the importance of understanding and respecting boundaries, whether physical, spiritual, or relational, as they often serve as protectors and definers of identity and purpose.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:4 (6 votes)

    [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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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