Numbers Chapter 34 · Verse 13
And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָאָ֗רֶץ
This is the land
H776
הָאָ֗רֶץ
This is the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 20
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתְנַֽחֲל֤וּ
which ye shall inherit
H5157
תִּתְנַֽחֲל֤וּ
which ye shall inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
10 of 20
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֹתָהּ֙
H853
אֹתָהּ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּגוֹרָ֔ל
by lot
H1486
בְּגוֹרָ֔ל
by lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָתֵ֛ת
to give
H5414
לָתֵ֛ת
to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
16 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הַמַּטֶּֽה׃
tribe
H4294
הַמַּטֶּֽה׃
tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
18 of 20
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Historical Context
This distribution occurred after Canaan's conquest under Joshua (Josh 13-21). Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had already received territory east of Jordan (Num 32), leaving nine and a half tribes to inherit west of Jordan. The lot-casting likely used Urim and Thummim or similar sacred method, possibly stones drawn from a container, ensuring divine direction. The practice prevented tribal conflicts over superior land, as each tribe received God's specific assignment for them.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you trust that God has sovereignly assigned your 'inheritance' - your life circumstances, gifts, and calling?
- How does understanding God's sovereign distribution help you avoid envy of others' portions?
Analysis & Commentary
Moses commands the nine and a half tribes to receive their inheritance 'by lot,' emphasizing divine sovereignty in distribution. The Hebrew 'goral' (lot) was used to discern God's will, removing human favoritism or strife. Proverbs 16:33 affirms, 'The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.' This method demonstrated that each tribe's portion came from God's hand, not human merit or power. The principle continues in the New Testament: believers are chosen 'according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will' (Eph 1:11), and we 'have obtained an inheritance' by divine appointment.