Numbers 34:12 - The Boundaries of Canaan

Audio Bible

Context

The Boundaries of Canaan
…11then go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth. 12Then 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.” 13So 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.…

Cross References

Joshua 15:5
The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan,Joshua 18:19
The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border.Ezekiel 47:18
On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary.Genesis 15:18
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—Deuteronomy 3:17
The Jordan River in the Arabah bordered it from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) with the slopes of Pisgah to the east.Joshua 13:23
And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages.Joshua 13:27
and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth).Joshua 13:32
These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho.1 Kings 4:21
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.2 Kings 14:25
This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher.Ezekiel 48:28
The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt and out to the Great Sea.Matthew 4:15
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—Mark 7:31
Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.Luke 4:14
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and the news about Him spread throughout the surrounding region.John 6:1
After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).

Numbers 34:3
Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:

Genesis 13:10
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 14:3
All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

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Numbers 34

Then the border will go down along the Jordan
The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. It served as a natural boundary for the Promised Land. Historically, the Jordan was a barrier that the Israelites had to cross to enter Canaan, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness into the land of promise. This crossing is reminiscent of baptism, representing a passage from old to new life, and is later echoed in the New Testament when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

and end at the Salt Sea.
The Salt Sea, known today as the Dead Sea, is the lowest point on earth and is characterized by its high salinity, which prevents most life forms from thriving. In biblical times, it marked the southeastern boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites. The Dead Sea's unique properties and its location have made it a point of interest throughout history. Its mention here underscores the completeness of the land's boundaries, from the fertile Jordan River to the barren Salt Sea, symbolizing the diversity and richness of God's provision.

This will be your land,
This phrase emphasizes the divine promise and gift of the land to the Israelites. It is a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness. The land is not just a physical territory but a place where the Israelites are to live out their covenant relationship with God, following His laws and statutes.

defined by its borders on all sides.”
The specific delineation of borders underscores the importance of order and structure in God's plan for His people. It reflects the idea of a divinely ordained space where the Israelites are to establish a society based on God's laws. This demarcation also serves as a protection against external influences and a reminder of their unique identity as God's chosen people. The concept of defined borders can be seen as a type of the spiritual boundaries that believers are called to maintain in their lives, separating themselves from worldly influences and dedicating themselves to God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being given specific instructions regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land.

2. The Jordan River
A 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. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving and conveying God's instructions about the land's boundaries.

5. The Promised Land
The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, now being defined with specific borders for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Promises
God'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 Boundaries
Just 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 Leadership
Moses' 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 Plan
The 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.Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then the border
הַגְּבוּל֙ (hag·gə·ḇūl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

will go down
וְיָרַ֤ד (wə·yā·raḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

along the Jordan
הַיַּרְדֵּ֔נָה (hay·yar·dê·nāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3383: Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine

and end
וְהָי֥וּ (wə·hā·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

at the Salt
הַמֶּ֑לַח (ham·me·laḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4417: Powder, salt

Sea.
יָ֣ם (yām)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

This
זֹאת֩ (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

will be
תִּהְיֶ֨ה (tih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

your land,
הָאָ֛רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

defined by its borders
לִגְבֻלֹתֶ֖יהָ (liḡ·ḇu·lō·ṯe·hā)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1367: A boundary, region

on all sides.”
סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

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Numbers 34:12 Catholic BibleOT Law: Numbers 34:12 And the border shall go down (Nu Num.)