Numbers 35:10

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 35:10 serves as a pivotal introductory verse to a crucial section of God's law given to the Israelites. It sets the geographical and chronological context for the detailed instructions that follow, particularly concerning the establishment of cities of refuge and the procedures for dealing with homicide in the Promised Land.

Context

At this point in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are still encamped in the plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan River. They are on the verge of entering the land of Canaan, which God had promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This verse, given through Moses, looks forward to that momentous crossing and establishes that certain laws and ordinances would only become applicable once they were settled in their inheritance. Specifically, it prefaces the divine command to designate cities of refuge, a unique legal provision designed to offer protection to those who had unintentionally caused the death of another, preventing immediate retribution by the avenger of blood.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation of the Promised Land: The verse powerfully highlights the impending fulfillment of God's covenant promise to bring His people into the land flowing with milk and honey. It underscores the significance of the Jordan River as a threshold to their inheritance.
  • Divine Foresight and Preparation: God provides detailed laws and instructions to the Israelites *before* they even enter Canaan. This demonstrates His meticulous planning and His desire for an orderly, just society governed by His principles from the outset.
  • Justice and Order: Though brief, this verse introduces the legal framework for the land, emphasizing the importance of establishing a system of justice and order, which will be elaborated upon in the subsequent verses regarding cities of refuge and laws concerning manslaughter.
  • Transition and New Beginning: The phrase "When ye be come over Jordan" signifies a monumental transition from wilderness wandering to settled nationhood, marking a new phase in Israel's relationship with God and their responsibilities as His chosen people in their own land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of Israel" (Hebrew: בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, b'nei Yisra'el) consistently refers to the entire nation, emphasizing the collective nature of God's instructions and covenant. The geographical markers "over Jordan into the land of Canaan" are highly specific, underscoring the literal fulfillment of the ancient promises concerning this particular territory. The Jordan River served as a natural and symbolic barrier, separating the wilderness from the land of promise.

Significance and Application

Numbers 35:10 reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when their realization takes time and involves a journey. For the Israelites, it was a call to prepare for their new life in the land, not just physically but morally and spiritually, by adhering to God's laws. For believers today, this verse can serve as a powerful reminder that God often provides guidance and principles *before* we enter new seasons or challenges in life. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying God's word as we navigate our own "promised lands" or new phases. Just as God prepared Israel for their inheritance with laws of justice and mercy, He equips us with His wisdom to live righteously in our own contexts, always looking to His divine guidance for order and purpose.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 34:2 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 14:34 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.