then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. then go down from Shepham to RiblahShepham and Riblah are locations mentioned in the context of defining the boundaries of the Promised Land for the Israelites. Shepham is not well-documented archaeologically, but Riblah is known to be a significant site in biblical history. Riblah, located in present-day Syria, was a strategic military and administrative center. It was here that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon set up his headquarters during the siege of Jerusalem ( 2 Kings 25:6, 21). This phrase indicates a movement from a less defined area to a well-known location, emphasizing the precision of God's instructions for the land's boundaries. on the east side of Ain
Ain, meaning "spring" or "fountain" in Hebrew, suggests a location with a water source, which was crucial for settlement and survival in ancient times. The mention of the east side indicates a specific geographical orientation, which was important for delineating tribal territories. Springs were often central to community life, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and livestock. This detail underscores the practical considerations in God's provision for His people. and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth
The Sea of Chinnereth, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is a significant body of water in biblical history. It is the site of many of Jesus' miracles and teachings in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 4:35-41). The reference to the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth highlights the topographical features of the land, which would have been familiar to the Israelites. This area is fertile and strategically important, serving as a natural boundary. The Sea of Chinnereth's role in the New Testament as a setting for Jesus' ministry connects the Old Testament promise of land to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who brings spiritual rest and inheritance to His followers. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShephamA location mentioned as a point on the boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the northern boundary. 2. RiblahA significant location in biblical history, often associated with judgment and military campaigns. It is situated in the land of Hamath, north of Israel. 3. AinA place on the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. The name means "spring" or "fountain" in Hebrew, indicating a water source. 4. Sea of ChinnerethAlso known as the Sea of Galilee, it is a freshwater lake in Israel, significant in both Old and New Testament accounts. 5. The IsraelitesThe people of God to whom the land is being apportioned. This passage is part of the instructions given to Moses regarding the division of the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesThe detailed boundaries in Numbers 34 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives today. The Importance of BoundariesBoundaries are essential for order and identity. Just as God set physical boundaries for Israel, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for His people today to live within His will. The Role of ObedienceThe Israelites were required to follow God's instructions precisely. This teaches the importance of obedience in the life of a believer, as it leads to blessings and fulfillment of God's plans. God's Sovereignty Over the LandThe allocation of land shows God's sovereignty over creation. Believers are reminded that God is in control of all aspects of life, including the places He positions us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the setting of boundaries in Numbers 34:11 reflect God's character and His promises to His people? 2. In what ways can the concept of boundaries in this passage be applied to our spiritual lives today? 3. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Numbers 34 encourage you in your personal walk with God? 4. What can we learn from the Israelites' need to obey God's specific instructions regarding the land, and how can this be applied to our obedience to God's Word? 5. How does understanding the historical and geographical context of Numbers 34:11 enhance your appreciation of God's sovereignty and faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 13-19These chapters detail the actual division of the land among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling the instructions given in Numbers 34. Ezekiel 47:13-23This passage describes a future division of the land, echoing the boundaries set in Numbers 34, showing God's continued promise to His people. Genesis 15:18-21God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, which is being realized in Numbers 34. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Ain, A'in, Along, Border, Boundary, Chinnereth, Chin'nereth, Coast, Continue, Descend, East, Eastward, Extremity, Kinnereth, Limit, Reach, Riblah, Shepham, Shoulder, Slope, Slopes, Smitten, StrikeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:11 4266 sea Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 34:10-12 4357 salt Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. 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 The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel 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 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 34:11 NIVNumbers 34:11 NLTNumbers 34:11 ESVNumbers 34:11 NASBNumbers 34:11 KJV
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