Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides." Then the borderThe term "border" in this context refers to the demarcation lines that God Himself established for the Israelites. In Hebrew, the word used is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which signifies a boundary or limit. This is not merely a physical boundary but a divine ordinance, emphasizing God's sovereignty in determining the inheritance of His people. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate authority over the lands and nations, and His decrees are to be respected and followed. will go down
The phrase "will go down" indicates a movement or transition. In the Hebrew text, the verb "יָרַד" (yarad) is used, which means to descend or go down. This suggests a geographical descent from a higher elevation to a lower one, reflecting the topography of the land. Spiritually, it can symbolize the humility and obedience required of the Israelites as they enter the land God has promised them. along the Jordan
The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. The Hebrew name "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden) is derived from the root "יָרַד" (yarad), meaning "to descend," which is fitting as the river flows down from the mountains of Lebanon to the Dead Sea. The Jordan represents a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land, a place of transition and new beginnings, as seen in the crossing of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. and end at the Salt Sea
The "Salt Sea," known today as the Dead Sea, is the lowest point on earth's surface. In Hebrew, it is called "יָם הַמֶּלַח" (Yam HaMelach). The sea's high salinity and unique properties make it a natural boundary. Spiritually, it can symbolize the end of a journey or the culmination of God's promises. The Dead Sea's lifelessness contrasts with the life-giving promise of the land flowing with milk and honey, highlighting the transformative power of God's covenant. This will be your land
The phrase "your land" emphasizes the personal and communal possession of the land by the Israelites. In Hebrew, "אֲרַצְכֶם" (artzechem) is used, denoting ownership and inheritance. This land is a gift from God, a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and a place where His people are to live out their covenant relationship with Him. defined by its borders on all sides
The phrase "defined by its borders" underscores the importance of boundaries in maintaining order and identity. In Hebrew, "גְּבוּל" (gevul) is reiterated, emphasizing the divine establishment of these limits. These borders are not just physical but also spiritual, setting the Israelites apart as God's chosen people. They serve as a reminder of the distinctiveness and holiness required of those who dwell within them, calling the Israelites to live according to God's laws and purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are being given specific instructions regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land. 2. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical landmark in Israel's history, serving as a boundary marker for the land. 3. The Salt Sea (Dead Sea)The endpoint of the boundary described, known for its high salinity and as a geographical marker in biblical times. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is receiving and conveying God's instructions about the land's boundaries. 5. The Promised LandThe land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, now being defined with specific borders for the Israelites. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesGod's detailed instructions about the land's boundaries demonstrate His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well. The Importance of BoundariesJust as God set physical boundaries for the Israelites, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for believers today. Understanding and respecting these boundaries is crucial for living a life that honors God. The Role of LeadershipMoses' role in conveying God's instructions highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders in the church are called to guide their congregations according to God's Word. The Significance of Land in God's PlanThe land was not just a physical inheritance but a part of God's redemptive plan. Believers are reminded of their spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is eternal and secure. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the specific mention of geographical boundaries in Numbers 34:12 reflect God's attention to detail in His promises? 2. In what ways can the concept of boundaries in this passage be applied to setting personal boundaries in our spiritual lives? 3. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about the land encourage us in trusting God's promises today? 4. What role does leadership play in helping believers understand and respect the boundaries God has set for them? 5. How can the concept of a promised land in the Old Testament help us understand our spiritual inheritance in Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18This verse connects to the promise God made to Abraham about the land his descendants would inherit, showing the fulfillment of that promise in Numbers 34:12. Joshua 1:4This verse reiterates the boundaries of the land as the Israelites prepare to enter it, emphasizing the continuity of God's promise. Deuteronomy 11:24This verse speaks of the extent of the land that God promised to the Israelites, aligning with the boundaries described 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 Along, Border, Borders, Boundaries, Boundary, Coasts, Goings, Inside, Jordan, Limits, Outgoings, Round, Salt, Sides, Stretching, Termination, Thereof, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 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 34:12 NIVNumbers 34:12 NLTNumbers 34:12 ESVNumbers 34:12 NASBNumbers 34:12 KJV
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