Numbers 34

The Boundaries of Canaan

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, ¹

2 “Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries:

3 Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, ^[a]

4 cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, ^[b] continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon,

5 where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea. ^[c]

6 Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west.

7 Your northern border will run from the Great Sea directly to Mount Hor,

8 and from Mount Hor to Lebo-hamath, then extend to Zedad,

9 continue to Ziphron, and end at Hazar-enan. This will be your boundary on the north.

10 And your eastern border will run straight from Hazar-enan to Shepham,

11 then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. ^[d]

12 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.”

13 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes.

14 For the tribes of the Reubenites and Gadites, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh, have already received their inheritance.

15 These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise.”

Leaders to Divide the Land

16 Then the LORD said to Moses,

17 “These are the names of the men who are to assign the land as an inheritance for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun.

18 Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land.

19 These are their names: Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah;

20 Shemuel son of Ammihud from the tribe of Simeon;

21 Elidad son of Chislon from the tribe of Benjamin;

22 Bukki son of Jogli, a leader from the tribe of Dan;

23 Hanniel son of Ephod, a leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph;

24 Kemuel son of Shiphtan, a leader from the tribe of Ephraim;

25 Eli-zaphan son of Parnach, a leader from the tribe of Zebulun;

26 Paltiel son of Azzan, a leader from the tribe of Issachar;

27 Ahihud son of Shelomi, a leader from the tribe of Asher;

28 and Pedahel son of Ammihud, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali.”

29 These are the ones whom the LORD commanded to apportion the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan.

Numbers 34 Commentary

Chapter 34

The bounds of the promised land. (1-15) Those appointed to divide the land. (16-29)

Verses 1-15 Canaan was of small extent; as it is here bounded, it is but about 160 miles in length, and about 50 in breadth; yet this was the country promised to the father of the faithful, and the possession of the seed of Israel. This was that little spot of ground, in which alone, for many ages, God was known. This was the vineyard of the Lord, the garden enclosed; but as it is with gardens and vineyards, the narrowness of the space was made up by the fruitfulness of the soil. Though the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, yet few know him, and serve him; but those few are happy, because fruitful to God. Also, see how little a share of the world God gives to his own people. Those who have their portion in heaven, have reason to be content with a small pittance of this earth. Yet a little that a righteous man has, having it from the love of God, and with his blessing, is far better and more comfortable than the riches of many wicked.

Verses 16-29 God here appoints men to divide the land to them. So sure must they feel of victory and success while God fought for them, that the persons are named who should be intrusted with the dividing of the land.

Cross References

• 1. (Genesis 15:8–21)

Footnotes

• [a]. That is, the Dead Sea; also in verse 12
• [b]. Or the Ascent of Scorpions or Scorpion Pass
• [c]. That is, the Mediterranean Sea, also called the Great Sea; also in verses 6 and 7
• [d]. That is, the Sea of Galilee

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 34

In this chapter the bounds and borders of the land Canaan are described, according to the direction of the Lord to Moses, Nu 34:1,2, the south border, Nu 34:3-5, the western border, Nu 34:6, the north border, Nu 34:7-9, the east border, Nu 34:10-12, which is ordered to be divided by lot to the nine tribes and a half, two tribes and a half having received their inheritance on the other side Jordan, Nu 34:13-15, and the persons are nominated to divide the land, Eleazar and Joshua, with one prince out of every tribe, and who are mentioned by name, Nu 34:16-29.