Numbers 34:5
And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָסַ֧ב
shall fetch a compass
H5437
וְנָסַ֧ב
shall fetch a compass
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
1 of 8
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
הַגְּב֛וּל
And the border
H1366
הַגְּב֛וּל
And the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
נַ֣חְלָה
unto the river
H5158
נַ֣חְלָה
unto the river
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
4 of 8
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
וְהָי֥וּ
H1961
וְהָי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Cross References
Joshua 15:4From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.Genesis 15:18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:Isaiah 27:12And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.Joshua 15:47Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:1 Kings 8:65And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.
Historical Context
The 'river of Egypt' (Wadi el-Arish) marked Egypt's northeastern frontier, running from Sinai to Mediterranean. Solomon's kingdom reached this boundary (1 Kings 4:21), representing maximum extent of Israel's influence. The border prevented Egyptian political/religious encroachment while allowing trade. Modern Gaza Strip sits near this ancient boundary.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'borders' has God established in your life to protect your spiritual identity and calling?
- How does the OT land boundary illuminate NT teachings about separation from worldly systems?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea—The southern boundary curves (nasav, compass/turn) from Azmon westward to Wadi el-Arish (the 'river of Egypt,' nachal Mitzrayim—not the Nile but seasonal stream marking Egypt-Canaan border), terminating at the Mediterranean (yam, sea).
This border separates covenant people from Egypt (representing bondage, worldliness). God redeemed Israel from Egypt to Canaan—the boundary formalizes that separation. Spiritually, Christians are delivered from the domain of darkness into Christ's kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Clear borders prevent mixture, protect distinct identity, and define where God's specific covenant laws apply. The NT parallel: the Church is 'in the world, not of it' (John 17:14-18).