Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָרַ֤ד
shall go down
H3381
וְיָרַ֤ד
shall go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 13
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הַגְּבוּל֙
And the border
H1366
הַגְּבוּל֙
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְהָי֥וּ
H1961
וְהָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the goings out
H8444
תֽוֹצְאֹתָ֖יו
and the goings out
Strong's:
H8444
Word #:
5 of 13
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
יָ֣ם
sea
H3220
יָ֣ם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
6 of 13
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הַמֶּ֑לַח
of it shall be at the salt
H4417
הַמֶּ֑לַח
of it shall be at the salt
Strong's:
H4417
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, powder, i.e., (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved)
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָאָ֛רֶץ
this shall be your land
H776
הָאָ֛רֶץ
this shall be your land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
11 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Historical Context
The Dead Sea marked ancient Israel's southeastern border. Its salt was economically valuable, and its asphalt (bitumen) was exported to Egypt for mummification. The region held historical significance: Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (Genesis 19), David's refuge at En Gedi (1 Samuel 24), and the Qumran community that preserved the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ezekiel's vision of the Dead Sea coming to life illustrate the gospel's power to transform spiritual death?
- What does God's inclusion of even a lifeless sea within Israel's boundaries teach about His redemptive purposes for all creation?
- In what 'dead' areas of your life do you need Christ's living water to bring transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea—The Jordan River and yam ha-melach (יָם הַמֶּלַח, 'Salt Sea,' the Dead Sea) form Israel's eastern boundary. At 1,410 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is earth's lowest point—a stark, lifeless body of water whose 34% salinity prevents aquatic life. Yet even this barren boundary belongs to God's ordained land.
Ezekiel prophesied that eschatological waters from the temple would heal the Dead Sea, bringing life where death reigned (Ezekiel 47:8-11). This anticipates Christ's life-giving power transforming spiritual death into abundant life (John 4:14, 7:38).