Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, Your southern borderThe phrase "your southern border" refers to the boundary of the land that God was giving to the Israelites. In the Hebrew text, the word for "border" is "gevul," which signifies a boundary or limit. This demarcation was crucial for the Israelites as it defined the extent of the Promised Land. Historically, borders were significant in ancient times for establishing control and identity. For the Israelites, these borders were not just physical but also spiritual, marking the territory that God had set apart for His people. The southern border specifically would have been a line of demarcation against the wilderness, symbolizing a transition from wandering to settlement. will extend from the Wilderness of Zin
The "Wilderness of Zin" is a desert region located in the southern part of the land of Canaan. The Hebrew word "midbar" for wilderness often denotes a place of desolation and testing. The Wilderness of Zin was a significant location during the Israelites' 40 years of wandering, representing a place of trial and divine provision. This wilderness was a boundary that separated the Israelites from the lands of their enemies and was a reminder of their dependence on God for sustenance and guidance. along the border of Edom
"Edom" refers to the territory inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Hebrew root "Edom" means "red," likely referring to the red sandstone terrain of the region. The Edomites were often in conflict with Israel, and their land was a constant reminder of the familial and spiritual struggles between the descendants of Esau and Jacob. The border with Edom was significant as it marked a boundary with a nation that had a complex relationship with Israel, both as kin and as adversaries. Your southern border
This repetition emphasizes the importance of the southern boundary. It underscores the divine mandate for the Israelites to possess the land within these God-ordained limits. The reiteration serves as a reminder of God's promise and the need for obedience in claiming the inheritance. It also highlights the transition from a nomadic existence to a settled life in the land flowing with milk and honey, as promised by God. will run on the east from the end of the Salt Sea
The "Salt Sea" is known today as the Dead Sea, a body of water with high salinity, making it inhospitable to most life forms. In Hebrew, it is called "Yam HaMelach," meaning "Sea of Salt." The Dead Sea is a significant geographical marker in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing judgment and desolation due to its lifelessness. The eastern boundary running from the Salt Sea signifies the extent of the land from a place of barrenness to a land of promise and abundance. This boundary also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring life and blessing to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Wilderness of ZinA desert region located in the southern part of Canaan, often associated with the Israelites' wanderings. It represents a boundary marker for the Promised Land. 2. EdomA nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom's border is significant as it represents a neighboring nation with historical tensions with Israel. 3. Salt SeaKnown today as the Dead Sea, it is a significant geographical landmark in the region. It serves as a natural boundary for the southern part of the Promised Land. 4. IsraelitesThe people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are receiving the land promised to their forefathers. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as a place of rest and blessing. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe specific boundaries of the Promised Land highlight God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives. The Importance of BoundariesJust as God set physical boundaries for Israel, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for His people today. These boundaries are for our protection and blessing. Living in the Promised LandThe Promised Land is not just a physical location but represents living in the fullness of God's blessings. Christians are called to live in the spiritual "Promised Land" by walking in obedience and faith. Historical Context and Spiritual LessonsUnderstanding the historical context of Israel's boundaries helps us appreciate the spiritual lessons of trust, obedience, and reliance on God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the southern border in Numbers 34:3 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham? 2. In what ways can understanding the physical boundaries of the Promised Land help us understand the spiritual boundaries God sets for us today? 3. How do the historical tensions between Israel and Edom inform our understanding of the challenges Israel faced in claiming the Promised Land? 4. What are some "Promised Lands" in your life where you need to trust God to lead you and establish boundaries? 5. How can the concept of living in the "Promised Land" be applied to your spiritual journey and relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, sets the stage for the territorial boundaries described in Numbers 34. Joshua 15Provides further details on the boundaries of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, which includes the southern border described in Numbers 34:3. Ezekiel 47Describes a vision of the land's boundaries in the future, showing God's continued faithfulness to His promises. 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 Along, Alongside, Begin, Border, Boundary, Close, Coast, Desert, East, Eastward, Edom, Extend, Extremity, Include, Limit, Outmost, Quarter, Salt, Sector, Sides, South, Southern, Start, Thus, Waste, Wilderness, Yea, ZinDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Numbers 34:3-4 4357 salt 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 34:3 NIVNumbers 34:3 NLTNumbers 34:3 ESVNumbers 34:3 NASBNumbers 34:3 KJV
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