Numbers Chapter 34 · Verse 7
And this shall be your north border: from the great sea ye shall point out for you mount Hor:
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶֽה
H2088
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 12
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 #:
4 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
צָפ֑וֹן
And this shall be your north
H6828
צָפ֑וֹן
And this shall be your north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיָּם֙
sea
H3220
הַיָּם֙
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 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
הַגָּדֹ֔ל
from the great
H1419
הַגָּדֹ֔ל
from the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
8 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
תְּתָא֥וּ
ye shall point out
H8376
תְּתָא֥וּ
ye shall point out
Strong's:
H8376
Word #:
9 of 12
to mark off, i.e., (intensively) designate
Historical Context
Mount Hor (northern) marked the traditional boundary between Canaan and Syria/Phoenicia. The Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges formed natural northern limits. Solomon's kingdom extended to Hamath (34:8), but typical Israelite control was south of these ranges. David conquered Damascus temporarily (2 Samuel 8:5-6), showing fluid northern boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual inheritances has God promised that require active 'pointing out' and claiming through faith?
- How does the command to survey boundaries teach personal responsibility in appropriating God's provision?
Analysis & Commentary
And this shall be your north border: from the great sea ye shall point out for you mount Hor—The northern boundary begins at Mediterranean, extending inland to Mount Hor (not the mountain where Aaron died, 20:22-29, but another peak in Lebanon range, possibly modern Jebel Akkar). The Hebrew ta'u lakem (point out/mark) implies active surveying, not passive observation.
God commands precision: Israel must 'point out' exact boundaries, taking ownership through knowledge and physical marking. Inheritance requires engagement—God gives the land, but Israel must survey, divide, and occupy. This foreshadows NT calling: God has blessed us 'with every spiritual blessing' (Ephesians 1:3), yet we must actively appropriate these through faith, knowledge of Scripture, and obedient living. Passive Christians forfeit inheritance not claimed.