Numbers 34:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 5
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The boundaries described encompass the land from Egypt's border to Lebanon, from the Mediterranean to the Jordan. These borders defined the Promised Land that God swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The precise description meant future generations could know exactly what territory belonged to Israel by divine right. The boundaries also distinguished Israel's inheritance from that of Edom, Moab, and Ammon (also descended from Abraham's family).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's precise definition of boundaries teach about contentment with His provision?
- How should recognition that our circumstances are divinely ordained affect our attitude?
- In what ways does knowing our boundaries help us faithfully steward what God has given?
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD's instruction to Moses about Canaan's boundaries demonstrates that God precisely defines His people's inheritance. The borders are not arbitrary or negotiable but divinely prescribed. This teaches that God's gifts come with defined boundaries—we possess what He gives, neither less nor more. The Reformed understanding that God's sovereignty includes precise determination of our circumstances and callings is illustrated. Our boundaries are set by divine wisdom, not human ambition.