Numbers 36:13

These [are] the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

These are the commandments {H4687} and the judgments {H4941}, which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124} by Jordan {H3383} near Jericho {H3405}.

These are the mitzvot and rulings which ADONAI gave through Moshe to the people of Isra'el in the plains of Mo'av by the Yarden, across from Yericho. 4 1-2

These are the commandments and ordinances that the LORD gave the Israelites through Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.

These are the commandments and the ordinances which Jehovah commanded by Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

Commentary

Numbers 36:13 serves as the concluding verse of the entire book of Numbers, providing a powerful summary statement about the divine origin and comprehensive nature of the laws given to Israel through Moses. It solidifies the authority behind the numerous statutes, ordinances, and instructions detailed throughout the preceding chapters.

Context

This verse is strategically placed at the very end of the book of Numbers, marking the culmination of Israel's forty years of wilderness wanderings and preparations for entering the Promised Land. They are situated in the "plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho," a significant geographical location indicating they are on the threshold of Canaan, poised to cross the Jordan River. The preceding chapters of Numbers have meticulously outlined various aspects of Israelite life, including tribal organization, censuses, sacrificial laws, regulations for priests and Levites, and specific civil statutes, such as the laws concerning inheritance for daughters (Numbers 27 and 36). This concluding verse emphasizes that all these instructions were not human inventions but directly commanded by the LORD through His chosen servant, Moses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: The primary theme is that these "commandments and judgments" originate from "the LORD" Himself, not from human wisdom or tradition. This underscores the absolute authority and binding nature of the Mosaic Law.
  • Comprehensive Guidance: The phrase "commandments and judgments" collectively refers to the vast body of moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. These were designed to govern every aspect of Israelite society, ensuring justice, holiness, and proper worship as they prepared to establish their nation in Canaan.
  • Moses' Mediation: Moses is highlighted as the divinely appointed mediator, the one "by the hand of" whom God communicated His will to the children of Israel. His role was crucial in delivering God's covenant to His people (see also Deuteronomy 5:5).
  • Preparation for the Promised Land: The laws were essential for shaping Israel into a distinct and holy nation, ready to inhabit the land God had promised them. They were foundational for their social, religious, and political life in Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here are significant: "commandments" (מִצְוָה, mitzvah) generally refers to specific divine precepts or instructions, often moral or ritual in nature. "Judgments" (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim) typically denotes ordinances, legal decisions, or statutes, particularly those related to civil justice, social order, and the administration of law. Together, these terms emphasize the holistic nature of God's revealed will, covering both individual conduct and communal governance. This comprehensive legal framework was given to establish a just and righteous society under God's rule.

Significance and Application

Numbers 36:13 acts as a powerful concluding statement, not just for the book of Numbers but for the entire Pentateuch up to this point, setting the stage for Deuteronomy, which reiterates and expounds upon these laws. It reminds us that God is a God of order, justice, and righteousness, who provides clear guidance for His people. For the ancient Israelites, these laws were their lifeblood, distinguishing them from surrounding nations and forming the basis of their covenant relationship with God. For believers today, while we live under the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of God's character revealed in these "commandments and judgments"—such as justice, holiness, and love for God and neighbor—remain eternally relevant and guide our understanding of God's moral will. This verse underscores the importance of divine instruction for a well-ordered life, both individually and communally.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 27:34 (4 votes)

    These [are] the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.

  • Numbers 22:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan [by] Jericho.

  • Leviticus 11:46 (2 votes)

    This [is] the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth:

  • Leviticus 14:54 (2 votes)

    ¶ This [is] the law for all manner of plague of leprosy, and scall,

  • Leviticus 14:57 (2 votes)

    To teach when [it is] unclean, and when [it is] clean: this [is] the law of leprosy.

  • Numbers 26:3 (2 votes)

    And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

  • Leviticus 7:37 (2 votes)

    This [is] the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;