Numbers 35:10

KJV

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan;

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and say {H559} unto them, When ye be come over {H5674} Jordan {H3383} into the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Tell the people of Isra'el, 'When you cross the Yarden into the land of Kena'an,

Berean Standard Bible

“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

American Standard Version

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:10 serves as a foundational introductory statement, delivered by God through Moses, to the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab. It establishes the critical geographical and chronological premise for the subsequent detailed laws concerning the allocation of cities for the Levites and, more specifically, the establishment of cities of refuge. This verse anticipates the nation's imminent crossing of the Jordan River and their entry into the promised land of Canaan, signaling that these divine ordinances would become operative only upon their settlement in their divinely appointed inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a crucial section within the book of Numbers (chapters 35-36) that deals with the practicalities of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. Immediately preceding this, Numbers 34 describes the precise boundaries of Canaan, emphasizing the territorial inheritance God was granting. Numbers 35:1-8 details the allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance of their own, ensuring their sustenance and continued service. Numbers 35:9 then serves as a direct preface, stating, "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying," before verse 10 sets the stage for the specific instructions regarding cities of refuge. The laws that follow (Numbers 35:11-34) are among the most detailed legal provisions in the Pentateuch concerning homicide, distinguishing between intentional murder and accidental manslaughter, and outlining the role of the "avenger of blood" and the judicial process within the cities of refuge. Thus, Numbers 35:10 acts as the conditional gateway to these vital legal structures, underscoring that God's justice system was to be implemented *after* their entry and settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these words were spoken, the Israelites were positioned on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. This generation, having witnessed the death of their rebellious predecessors, stood ready to inherit the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier. The concept of cities of refuge, introduced here, was a unique legal innovation in the ancient Near East. While some cultures had forms of asylum (e.g., altars, temples), Israel's system was divinely ordained, geographically distributed, and specifically designed to prevent blood feuds and ensure a fair trial for those accused of manslaughter. The "avenger of blood" (גֹאֵל הַדָּם, _go'el haddam_) was a close male relative with the right and duty to avenge the death of a family member, a common practice in tribal societies. God's law, however, provided a structured mechanism to regulate this practice, preventing vigilante justice and upholding the sanctity of human life within the nascent nation.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:10, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores **God's faithfulness** in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to bring Israel into the land of Canaan, a theme echoed throughout the historical books (e.g., [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Giving the Land")). It highlights **divine foresight and meticulous preparation**, as God provides detailed laws *before* the Israelites enter the land, demonstrating His desire for an orderly and just society from its inception. The verse also introduces the theme of **justice and the sanctity of life**, as it prefaces the laws concerning homicide and the cities of refuge, which were designed to uphold justice and prevent the shedding of innocent blood (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:10](/deuteronomy/19-10 "Deuteronomy 19:10 - Avoiding Innocent Bloodshed")). Finally, it marks a significant **transition from wilderness wandering to settled nationhood**, signifying a new phase in Israel's relationship with God, where their responsibilities as His chosen people would be lived out within their own divinely appointed territory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children of Israel (Hebrew, _b'nei Yisra'el'_):** This phrase consistently refers to the entire Israelite nation, emphasizing the collective nature of God's covenant and instructions. It underscores that the laws given are not for a select few, but for the entire community, binding all generations and tribes. This collective identity is foundational to their role as God's chosen people and the recipients of His promises and laws.
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yarden'_):** The Jordan River serves as a crucial geographical and symbolic boundary. It represents the threshold between the wilderness, where Israel had experienced God's discipline and provision, and the Promised Land, where they would enter into their inheritance and establish a settled society. Crossing the Jordan was not merely a physical act but a momentous transition into a new covenantal phase, signifying the fulfillment of ancient promises and the commencement of new responsibilities.
* **Canaan (Hebrew, _Kena'an'_):** This refers to the specific geographical territory promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). It is the land "flowing with milk and honey," a place of blessing and divine presence. The mention of Canaan here reiterates the fulfillment of God's ancient promises and sets the stage for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth through His chosen people, with His laws governing their life within this sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and the intended audience of the following commands. It is a direct instruction from God to Moses, who is to faithfully transmit these words to the entire Israelite community. This formula highlights the revelatory nature of the law and God's initiative in guiding His people.
* **"When ye be come over Jordan"**: This phrase sets a crucial chronological and geographical condition. The laws that follow concerning the cities of refuge are not immediately applicable but are contingent upon a future event: the successful crossing of the Jordan River. This demonstrates God's foresight and His preparation of Israel for the responsibilities and challenges they would face upon entering their inheritance. It also underscores the significance of the Jordan as a pivotal point in their national journey.
* **"into the land of Canaan;"**: This specifies the ultimate destination and the context in which these laws are to be implemented. The "land of Canaan" is the Promised Land, the locus of their national identity and the place where they would live out their covenant relationship with God. The laws concerning justice and the sanctity of life, including the cities of refuge, were essential for maintaining holiness and order within this divinely consecrated territory.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:10 employs several significant literary devices. **Prolepsis**, or anticipation, is evident as God delivers laws that are to take effect in the future, *before* the Israelites have even entered the land. This demonstrates God's sovereign planning and His desire for an orderly society governed by His principles from the outset. The verse also utilizes **geographical markers** ("Jordan," "Canaan") which are not merely descriptive but carry immense symbolic weight, representing the fulfillment of divine promises and the transition from a nomadic existence to a settled nationhood. The phrase "children of Israel" is an example of **synecdoche**, where a part (the children) stands for the whole (the nation), emphasizing the collective identity and responsibility of the entire community. Furthermore, the overall tone is one of **divine command and preparation**, setting a serious and purposeful tone for the detailed legal instructions that follow, underscoring the gravity of establishing justice in the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:10 is deeply interwoven with the broader theological tapestry of the Old Testament, particularly concerning God's covenant faithfulness, His meticulous provision for His people, and the establishment of a just society. It highlights that God's promises are not merely abstract but culminate in tangible, geographical realities, where His people are called to live under His divine law. The anticipation of entry into Canaan connects this verse to the overarching narrative of salvation history, where God progressively reveals His plan for humanity through His chosen people. The specific context of the cities of refuge, introduced by this verse, underscores the profound value God places on human life and His provision for justice and mercy, even in cases of unintentional harm, preventing cycles of retribution and blood vengeance. This divine foresight ensures that Israel's settlement in the land would be characterized by order, equity, and a reverence for life, reflecting God's own righteous character.

* [Deuteronomy 19:1-10](/deuteronomy/19-1 "Deuteronomy 19:1-10 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge")
* [Joshua 20:1-9](/joshua/20-1 "Joshua 20:1-9 - Establishment of Cities of Refuge")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's faithfulness extends beyond promises to meticulous preparation for our future. Just as God prepared Israel for their inheritance with detailed laws, He equips us with His Word and Spirit for the "promised lands" or new seasons of life He calls us into. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan, recognizing that He often provides guidance and principles *before* we fully step into new challenges or responsibilities. It calls us to embrace a posture of readiness, not only physically but morally and spiritually, by diligently studying and applying God's commands. Moreover, the underlying theme of justice and the sanctity of life, which this verse introduces, challenges us to reflect God's character in our interactions, seeking equity, mercy, and order in our communities, and valuing every human life as sacred. Our spiritual journey, much like Israel's physical journey, requires a commitment to God's ways as we navigate transitions and inherit the blessings He has prepared for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's foresight in providing laws *before* Israel entered Canaan encourage you in times of transition or uncertainty in your own life?**
* **In what "promised lands" or new seasons is God calling you to prepare for, and how can you proactively seek His guidance through His Word?**
* **How does the emphasis on justice and the sanctity of life in this passage inform your understanding of God's character and your role in society?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give laws about the land before the Israelites had even entered it?**

Answer: God gave laws about the land, including the instructions for cities of refuge, *before* the Israelites entered Canaan to demonstrate His divine foresight, meticulous planning, and His desire for an orderly and just society from its very inception. This proactive revelation ensured that the Israelites would be fully equipped with the divine principles necessary to govern their new life in the Promised Land, preventing chaos and establishing a foundation of righteousness. It underscores that God's covenant relationship with His people involved not just promises of land but also the responsibility to live according to His holy standards within that land. This divine preparation is a testament to God's wisdom and His commitment to the well-being of His people, providing a framework for justice and social order even before they faced the practicalities of settlement (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:5-8](/deuteronomy/4-5 "Deuteronomy 4:5-8 - God's Laws for Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:10, in its anticipation of Israel's entry into the Promised Land and the establishment of a system of justice, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. The earthly "land of Canaan" and its laws, including the cities of refuge, served as types pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Just as the Israelites were to cross the Jordan into their physical inheritance, believers today are called to enter into their spiritual inheritance in Christ, a "rest" that remains for the people of God (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God's People")). The cities of refuge, designed to provide safety and a fair hearing for those who had unintentionally shed blood, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. He is our true and eternal refuge, the one to whom we can flee for safety and forgiveness when we are pursued by the just demands of God's law due to our sin (cf. [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")). Unlike the temporary and geographically limited cities of refuge, Christ offers a universal, ever-present, and perfect sanctuary for all who believe, providing not merely a delay of judgment but complete atonement and reconciliation. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate provision for sin, taking away the guilt that no earthly city or legal system could truly address, allowing us to enter into a new, spiritual "promised land" of grace and fellowship with God (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")).

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

Numbers 34:2

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this [is] the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, [even] the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

Deuteronomy 12:9

For ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which the LORD your God giveth you.

Leviticus 14:34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

Deuteronomy 19:1

¶ When the LORD thy God hath cut off the nations, whose land the LORD thy God giveth thee, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses;

Deuteronomy 19:2

Thou shalt separate three cities for thee in the midst of thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

Joshua 20:2

Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:

Joshua 20:6

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, [and] until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.