Numbers 34:29
These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֑ה
These are they whom the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
These are they whom the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְנַחֵ֥ל
to divide the inheritance
H5157
לְנַחֵ֥ל
to divide the inheritance
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
5 of 10
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 10
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 #:
8 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
The land distribution process (Joshua 13-21) combined supernatural guidance (casting lots, Joshua 18:6-10) with practical administration (surveying, Joshua 18:4-9; tribal representatives ensuring fairness). This balance of divine direction and human responsibility characterizes biblical governance—neither presumptuous human autonomy nor passive waiting for miraculous provision, but cooperative partnership under God's ultimate authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the phrase 'the LORD commanded to divide' demonstrate divine sovereignty operating through human agency rather than bypassing it?
- What does the balance between divine gift (land as inheritance) and human administration (leaders overseeing distribution) teach about the relationship between grace and responsibility?
- How can you cultivate both confidence in God's sovereign provision and faithful stewardship in administering what He provides?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan—The concluding formula emphasizes divine command: the LORD commanded (צִוָּה יְהוָה tzivah YHWH) these specific men for this sacred task. The phrase divide the inheritance (לְנַחֵל אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל lenachel et-benei-Yisra'el, 'to cause Israel's children to inherit') shows that human leaders facilitated divine gift distribution—God gave the land, leaders administered the giving.
This verse demonstrates that God's sovereignty operates through ordained human agents. The land was divine gift (inheritance, נַחֲלָה), but its distribution required human administration under divine authority. Similarly, the gospel is God's gift, but its proclamation requires human heralds: 'How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?' (Romans 10:14-15). Divine sovereignty and human responsibility operate in complementary partnership, not contradiction.