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:
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פְּאַת
quarter
H6285
פְּאַת
quarter
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
נֶ֔גֶב
Then your south
H5045
נֶ֔גֶב
Then your south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
4 of 17
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
מִמִּדְבַּר
shall be from the wilderness
H4057
מִמִּדְבַּר
shall be from the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
5 of 17
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְדֵ֣י
along by the coast
H3027
יְדֵ֣י
along by the coast
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
8 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֑וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
9 of 17
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גְּב֣וּל
border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
נֶ֔גֶב
Then your south
H5045
נֶ֔גֶב
Then your south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
13 of 17
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
יָם
sea
H3220
יָם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
15 of 17
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
Historical Context
The southern boundary separated Israel from Edom, their brother nation descended from Esau. Despite familial connection, the two nations received distinct inheritances and had different relationships with God. Edom would later oppose Israel, demonstrating that shared ancestry doesn't guarantee shared faith or blessing. The border's definition prevented future territorial disputes.
Questions for Reflection
- What does distinguishing between Jacob and Esau teach about election?
- How does physical descent's insufficiency for inheritance illustrate spiritual truth?
- In what ways does Romans 9's discussion of Jacob and Esau illuminate this passage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The southern border beginning at the wilderness of Zin along Edom's border establishes that Israel's inheritance was distinct from their relatives. Edom (Esau's descendants) received different territory. God distinguished between Jacob and Esau in inheritance, though both were Abraham's descendants. This teaches that physical descent doesn't guarantee spiritual inheritance. The Reformed doctrine of election is illustrated—God chooses whom He will bless, not based on genealogy but according to His purpose. Not all Abraham's descendants received the promise; only Isaac's line through Jacob.