"Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, Speak to the IsraelitesThis phrase underscores the direct communication between God and His chosen people, the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "speak" is "דבר" (dabar), which implies not just casual conversation but authoritative communication. This highlights the importance of the message that follows, as it is not merely a suggestion but a divine command. Historically, the Israelites were a covenant people, chosen by God to be a light to the nations. This direct address signifies their unique relationship with God and their responsibility to listen and obey His instructions. and tell them
The phrase "and tell them" reinforces the role of Moses as the mediator between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "tell" is "אמר" (amar), which can also mean to declare or proclaim. This suggests that the message is not just for information but for proclamation, emphasizing the seriousness and urgency of the command. Moses, as the leader, is tasked with ensuring that the Israelites understand and adhere to God's instructions, reflecting the importance of leadership in guiding God's people. When you cross the Jordan
This phrase marks a significant transition for the Israelites, as crossing the Jordan River symbolizes entering the Promised Land. The Jordan River was a natural boundary, and crossing it represented a step of faith and obedience. Historically, this was a momentous event, as it marked the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The crossing of the Jordan is a powerful metaphor for leaving behind the old life of wandering and entering into the new life of promise and blessing. into the land of Canaan
The "land of Canaan" is the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. The name "Canaan" is derived from the Hebrew "כנען" (Kena'an), which is associated with the idea of being humbled or subdued. This reflects the spiritual journey of the Israelites, who must rely on God's strength to conquer and inhabit the land. Archaeologically, Canaan was a region with established city-states and cultures, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the Israelites to establish a society based on God's laws and principles. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 2. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the land of Canaan. It symbolizes a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the fulfillment of God's promise. 3. The Land of CanaanThe Promised Land that God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham. It represents both a physical inheritance and a spiritual promise of rest and blessing. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's instructions to the people. Although he will not enter Canaan himself, he plays a crucial role in preparing the Israelites for this transition. 5. God's CommandThe directive given by God to the Israelites through Moses, emphasizing obedience and preparation as they enter a new phase in their journey. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe Israelites are reminded of the importance of following God's instructions as they enter Canaan. This teaches us the value of obedience in our spiritual journey. Transition and TrustCrossing the Jordan represents a significant transition. In our lives, we face transitions that require trust in God's promises and guidance. Faith in God's PromisesThe promise of Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness. We are encouraged to hold onto God's promises, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them. Preparation for New BeginningsJust as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, we must prepare our hearts and minds for the new things God is doing in our lives. Spiritual InheritanceCanaan symbolizes a spiritual inheritance. As believers, we are called to live in the fullness of the spiritual blessings available to us in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize in the life of a believer today, and how can we prepare for such transitions? 2. How does the promise of the land of Canaan reflect God's faithfulness, and what promises of God are you holding onto in your life? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commands as we face new challenges and opportunities? 4. How does the account of the Israelites entering Canaan encourage us to trust in God's timing and provision? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transition. How did your faith in God help you navigate that period, and what lessons did you learn? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 1:2-3This passage continues the account as Joshua takes leadership and the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Deuteronomy 31:7-8Moses encourages Joshua and the Israelites, reminding them of God's presence and guidance as they enter Canaan, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and courage. Hebrews 4:8-11This New Testament passage reflects on the rest that the Israelites sought in Canaan, drawing a parallel to the spiritual rest available through faith in Christ. People Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, ZephonPlaces 0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, ZinTopics Canaan, Cross, Hast, Israelites, Jordan, Pass, Passed, Passing, Sons, SpeakDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:50-52 4906 abolition Numbers 33:50-56 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 33:51-52 4160 driving out
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8799 polytheism Library Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaArbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 33:51 NIVNumbers 33:51 NLTNumbers 33:51 ESVNumbers 33:51 NASBNumbers 33:51 KJV
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