Numbers 34:6
And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.
Original Language Analysis
גְּב֥וּל
border
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יָֽם׃
And as for the western
H3220
יָֽם׃
And as for the western
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
2 of 12
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
וְהָיָ֥ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יָֽם׃
And as for the western
H3220
יָֽם׃
And as for the western
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
5 of 12
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
הַגָּד֖וֹל
ye shall even have the great
H1419
הַגָּד֖וֹל
ye shall even have the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
6 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
גְּב֥וּל
border
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The Mediterranean coast featured Phoenician cities (Tyre, Sidon) to the north and Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod) to the south. Israel never controlled the entire coastline, though Solomon allied with Phoenicia for maritime trade (1 Kings 5:1-12). The coastal plain's fertility made it contested territory throughout Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's assignment of natural boundaries teach contentment with His specific calling for your life?
- Why might Israel's failure to fully occupy coastal regions reflect spiritual compromise rather than geographic impossibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And as for the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border—The Mediterranean Sea (yam ha-gadol, the great sea) forms Israel's western boundary. Unlike other borders requiring detailed landmarks, the sea provides natural, unambiguous limit. God uses geography—mountains, seas, rivers—to define covenant space.
The western boundary is simplest, yet Israel struggled to occupy Philistine coastal plain (Joshua 13:2-3; Judges 1:19, 3:3). The sea represents both blessing (trade, ports, fishing) and limitation (Israel wasn't called to be naval empire like Phoenicia). Each nation receives distinct calling; comparing breeds discontent. Israel's genius lay inland—agriculture, law, temple worship—not seafaring. Know your borders; thrive within them.