Numbers 34:8

From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

From mount {H2022} Hor {H2023} ye shall point out {H8376} your border unto the entrance {H935} of Hamath {H2574}; and the goings forth {H8444} of the border {H1366} shall be to Zedad {H6657}:

and from Mount Hor mark a line to the entrance of Hamat. The border goes out to Tz'dad.

and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad,

from mount Hor ye shall mark out unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings out of the border shall be at Zedad;

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 34:8 (KJV)

Numbers 34:8 is a specific geographical instruction detailing the northern boundary of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the Israelites. This verse is part of a larger passage (Numbers 34:1-12) where the Lord meticulously outlines the precise borders of the land that was to be divided among the twelve tribes.

Context

This verse is found within the book of Numbers, which chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, God provided explicit instructions regarding its division and boundaries. This divine specificity underscores the importance of the land as a central element of God's covenant with His people. The mention of Mount Hor, known as the place where Aaron died, serves as a significant landmark for establishing the starting point of this northern border description, grounding the divine instructions in recognizable geography for the ancient Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Divine Specification: God's meticulous detailing of the land's borders highlights His sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of His people. It wasn't left to human discretion to define the inheritance.
  • The Promised Inheritance: The land was a core component of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These detailed boundaries solidify the reality of that promised inheritance for the next generation.
  • Order and Boundaries: The emphasis on clear borders signifies the importance of order, property rights, and the distinct identity of Israel as a nation set apart by God.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: These instructions lay the groundwork for the future fulfillment of God's word, as seen in the book of Joshua when the tribes finally inherit their portions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "point out" in Hebrew is tavah (ืชึธึผื•ึธื”), which means "to mark out," "to delineate," or "to draw a line." It conveys the idea of a clear, visible demarcation. "The entrance of Hamath" (Hebrew: Levo Hamath) refers to a significant northern gateway or approach to the region of Hamath, a prominent city and kingdom in ancient Syria. This phrase often signifies the northernmost extent of Israel's ideal territory as envisioned by God.

Practical Application

While this verse is geographical, it carries spiritual implications for believers today. Just as God provided clear boundaries and a promised inheritance for Israel, He also provides guidance and a spiritual inheritance for His people. This passage reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His meticulous care for His people. We can trust that God's plans are precise and purposeful, and He will indeed bring to pass all that He has promised. For believers, this might involve understanding the spiritual "boundaries" God sets for a holy life or recognizing the "inheritance" we have in Christ through the promises of the New Covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 13:21 (4 votes)

    ยถ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

  • 2 Kings 14:25 (3 votes)

    He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

  • Ezekiel 47:15 (2 votes)

    And this [shall be] the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;

  • Ezekiel 47:20 (2 votes)

    The west side also [shall be] the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This [is] the west side.

  • 2 Samuel 8:9 (2 votes)

    ยถ When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

  • Joshua 13:5 (2 votes)

    And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

  • Joshua 13:6 (2 votes)

    All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.