And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers. And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans.The division of the land by lot was a method used to ensure fairness and divine guidance in the allocation of the Promised Land among the Israelites. This practice is rooted in the belief that God controls the outcome of the lot, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, which states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." The use of lots was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures for decision-making and is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in the selection of Saul as king ( 1 Samuel 10:20-24) and the replacement of Judas Iscariot ( Acts 1:26). The division by clans emphasizes the importance of family and tribal identity in Israelite society, reflecting the patriarchal structure and the inheritance laws established in Numbers 27 and 36. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one.
This directive underscores the principle of proportionality in the distribution of the land. The size of the inheritance was to correspond to the size of the clan, ensuring that each family had sufficient resources to sustain itself. This reflects the practical and equitable nature of God's laws, as seen in the census taken in Numbers 26, which was used to determine the size of each tribe and, consequently, their portion of the land. The principle of proportional inheritance is also seen in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about stewardship and responsibility in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his.
The phrase emphasizes the finality and divine authority behind the allocation of the land. Once the lot was cast, the decision was considered binding and irrevocable, reflecting the belief that God was actively involved in the process. This concept of divine sovereignty is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God's will is seen as ultimate and unchangeable. The casting of lots as a means of decision-making is also a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on God for guidance and provision, as seen in their journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God's promises. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.
This phrase highlights the continuity of God's covenant promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their descendants. The inheritance of the land was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7, where He vowed to give the land to his offspring. The reference to the "tribes of your fathers" reinforces the importance of tribal identity and the ancestral connection to the land, which was central to Israelite identity and faith. This inheritance is a type of the eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 1:4, which speaks of an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who are the recipients of the land inheritance. 2. CanaanThe Promised Land that God pledged to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is conveying God's instructions regarding the division of the land. 4. Tribes of IsraelThe twelve tribes, each descending from one of the sons of Jacob, who are to receive portions of the land. 5. Lot CastingThe method used to determine the specific portions of land each tribe would receive, signifying divine choice and fairness. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and FairnessThe use of lots underscores God's control over the distribution, ensuring fairness and divine justice in the allocation of the land. Community and ResponsibilityThe division according to clan size emphasizes the importance of community and the responsibility to provide for each member according to their needs. Inheritance and IdentityThe inheritance of land is tied to the identity of the tribes, reminding believers of their spiritual inheritance in Christ and their identity as God's people. Trust in God's ProvisionThe Israelites were to trust that God would provide for each tribe according to His perfect plan, encouraging believers today to trust in God's provision for their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the method of casting lots for land distribution reflect God's sovereignty and fairness? 2. In what ways does the division of land among the tribes of Israel parallel the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ? 3. How can the principle of providing according to need, as seen in the land distribution, be applied in the church today? 4. What does the concept of inheritance in Numbers 33:54 teach us about our identity and purpose as Christians? 5. How can we cultivate trust in God's provision in our own lives, drawing from the example of the Israelites receiving their inheritance? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 14-19These chapters detail the actual division of the land among the tribes, fulfilling the instructions given in Numbers 33:54. Proverbs 16:33This verse highlights the belief that the casting of lots is under God's sovereign control, reinforcing the idea that the land distribution was divinely guided. Ezekiel 47:13-23This passage describes a future division of the land, echoing the principles of fair distribution among the tribes. Acts 1:26The casting of lots to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot shows the continued use of this method to discern God's will in the New Testament. 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 Ancestral, Anyone, Clans, Decision, Diminish, Distribute, Distribution, Divide, Falleth, Falls, Families, Family, Fathers, Fewer, Gives, Greater, Group, Heritage, Increase, Inherit, Inheritance, Inherited, Large, Larger, Less, Lot, Man's, Smaller, Theirs, Tribe, Tribes, Whatever, Wheresoever, Wherever, Whither, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:54 7392 lots, casting of Numbers 33:50-56 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 33:53-54 4912 chance 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 33:54 NIVNumbers 33:54 NLTNumbers 33:54 ESVNumbers 33:54 NASBNumbers 33:54 KJV
Numbers 33:54 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
