Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west. Your western borderThis phrase refers to the boundary of the land that God promised to the Israelites. In the context of ancient Israel, borders were significant as they defined the extent of the land that was to be inhabited and governed by the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "border" is "gevul," which implies a limit or boundary. This demarcation was not just a physical boundary but also a spiritual one, signifying the area under God's covenantal promise. Historically, borders were often marked by natural features, and they played a crucial role in the identity and security of a nation. will be the coastline of the Great Sea
The "Great Sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which was a major geographical feature in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew term "yam ha-gadol" is used here, emphasizing the vastness and importance of this body of water. The Mediterranean Sea was a critical trade route and a source of sustenance, providing fish and facilitating commerce. For the Israelites, having a border along this sea meant access to trade and interaction with other cultures, which could be both a blessing and a challenge in maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. this will be your boundary on the west
The repetition of the concept of a boundary underscores its importance. The western boundary being the Mediterranean Sea provided a natural and defensible border for the Israelites. In a spiritual sense, boundaries set by God are meant to protect and define His people, ensuring they remain within the sphere of His blessings and commandments. The westward boundary also symbolically represents the extent of God's promise, as the Israelites were to inhabit a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of abundance and divine provision. This boundary was not just a physical limit but a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people to whom God is giving the land of Canaan as an inheritance. They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to be His people. 2. The Great SeaKnown today as the Mediterranean Sea, it serves as the western boundary of the land that God is allotting to the Israelites. It is a significant geographical marker in the biblical account. 3. MosesThe leader of the Israelites at this time, who is receiving these instructions from God regarding the division of the land. 4. CanaanThe land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and possess. 5. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the patriarchs and their descendants. It is a central theme in the account of the Israelites' journey from Egypt. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe delineation of the land's boundaries is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives. The Importance of BoundariesBoundaries are significant in maintaining order and identity. Just as God set physical boundaries for Israel, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for His people today. The Role of Leadership in God's PlanMoses' role in communicating God's instructions highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are called to guide others in understanding and obeying God's will. The Significance of InheritanceThe land as an inheritance for the Israelites points to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ. It encourages reflection on the eternal inheritance promised to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the promise of the land in Numbers 34:6 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham? Consider Genesis 15 in your response. 2. In what ways do the physical boundaries set for Israel relate to the spiritual boundaries God sets for believers today? 3. How can the leadership of Moses in this passage inspire current Christian leaders in guiding their communities? 4. Reflect on the concept of inheritance in this passage. How does it relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament? 5. How does understanding the geographical context of the Great Sea enhance your appreciation of the biblical account and God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, establishes the foundation for the Israelites' claim to Canaan. Joshua 1The transition of leadership to Joshua and the reiteration of the promise of the land, emphasizing the importance of obedience and courage. Ezekiel 47A prophetic vision of the boundaries of the land, which includes the Great Sea as a boundary, showing continuity in God's promises. Psalm 72A prayer for the king that includes references to dominion from sea to sea, symbolizing the extent of God's promised blessings. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Border, Boundary, Coast, Coastline, Edge, Limit, Thereof, West, WesternDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:6 4857 west Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 34:6-7 4266 sea Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 34:6 NIVNumbers 34:6 NLTNumbers 34:6 ESVNumbers 34:6 NASBNumbers 34:6 KJV
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