cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, cross south of the Ascent of AkrabbimThe Ascent of Akrabbim, meaning "ascent of scorpions," is a steep pass or slope located in the southern part of ancient Israel. This area marks the southern boundary of the Promised Land. The mention of scorpions suggests a harsh, desert environment, which aligns with the wilderness experience of the Israelites. This boundary is significant as it delineates the land God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The crossing south of this ascent indicates a movement into the Negev region, a semi-arid area that required faith and reliance on God for sustenance, reflecting the spiritual journey of dependence on God. continue to Zin
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region that served as a significant location during the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. It is often associated with the area around Kadesh-barnea, where the Israelites camped and from where the spies were sent to explore Canaan. This region represents a place of testing and decision-making, as it was here that the Israelites faced the consequences of their unbelief and disobedience. The continuation to Zin signifies the transition from wandering to the anticipation of entering the Promised Land, symbolizing the journey from spiritual barrenness to fulfillment in God's promises. and go south of Kadesh-barnea
Kadesh-barnea is a key location in the narrative of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It was here that the Israelites made critical decisions, such as the sending of the twelve spies and the subsequent rebellion that led to their extended time in the wilderness. Kadesh-barnea represents a place of both failure and renewal, as it was also the site where the new generation prepared to enter Canaan. The instruction to go south of Kadesh-barnea highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's guidance, as well as the transition from past failures to future hope. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar
Hazar-addar is a less well-known location, but its mention in the boundary description underscores the precision with which God delineated the land for His people. The name "Hazar" often refers to a settlement or village, suggesting a place of habitation. This part of the boundary indicates the extent of the land that the Israelites were to inhabit, emphasizing God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. The movement to Hazar-addar reflects the orderly and purposeful nature of God's plan for His people. and proceed to Azmon
Azmon marks another point in the southern boundary of the Promised Land. The progression to Azmon signifies the completion of the southern border, illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's promise to Israel. Each boundary point, including Azmon, serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the specific inheritance allotted to His people. This detailed description of the land's borders highlights the importance of the land in Israel's identity and God's covenant relationship with them. The journey to Azmon can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey to the fullness of God's promises in Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. AkrabbimA location mentioned as part of the southern border of the Promised Land. The name means "scorpions" in Hebrew, indicating a rugged or challenging terrain. 2. ZinA desert area that served as a boundary for the Israelites. It is often associated with the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. 3. Kadesh-barneaA significant location in the wilderness where the Israelites spent a considerable amount of time. It was a place of both rebellion and revelation. 4. Hazar-addarA lesser-known location mentioned as part of the boundary. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the southern border. 5. AzmonAnother location marking the boundary of the Promised Land. Its precise location is not well-documented, but it is part of the southern border. Teaching Points Understanding God's BoundariesGod sets specific boundaries for His people, both physically and spiritually. Recognizing and respecting these boundaries is crucial for living within His will. Significance of Place in God's PlanEach location mentioned has historical and spiritual significance. Reflect on how God uses specific places in our lives to shape our journey and faith. Faithfulness in the WildernessThe wilderness locations remind us of the Israelites' journey and the importance of remaining faithful during times of trial and transition. God's Promises FulfilledThe delineation of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Trust in God's timing and His faithfulness to His word. Spiritual MappingJust as the Israelites had a physical map, we need a spiritual map to guide our journey. Scripture serves as our guide, providing direction and boundaries. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the geographical boundaries set by God for the Israelites reflect His care and provision for His people? 2. In what ways can we identify and respect the spiritual boundaries God has set for us in our lives today? 3. Reflect on a time when a specific place played a significant role in your spiritual journey. How did God use that place to shape your faith? 4. How does understanding the historical context of places like Kadesh-barnea enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness in Scripture? 5. What parallels can you draw between the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and your own spiritual journey? How can these insights guide your walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 15:1-4This passage provides a parallel account of the boundaries of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, which includes similar geographical markers as in Numbers 34:4. Deuteronomy 1:19-21This passage recounts the journey of the Israelites from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea, highlighting the significance of Kadesh-barnea as a place of decision and transition. Genesis 15:18-21God's covenant with Abraham includes the promise of land, which is being delineated in Numbers 34:4, showing the fulfillment of God's promises. 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 Addar, Akrabbim, Along, Ascent, Azmon, Barnea, Border, Continue, Forth, Goings, Hazar, Kadesh, Pass, Scorpion, South, Southward, Turn, ZinDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 34:3-4 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 34:4 NIVNumbers 34:4 NLTNumbers 34:4 ESVNumbers 34:4 NASBNumbers 34:4 KJV
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